Renowned Houston obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Jeannie Jacobs provided treatment for women during life’s pivotal moments.
Jacobs struggled with fatigue, frustration, and a longing for something more satisfying despite her professional success. She is currently succeeding in a new position that is very different from the medical industry. As the developer of the lifestyle brand Just Jeannie and a luxury real estate agent, she inspires thousands of people on social media by sharing her love of travel, interior design, and personal development.
After years of disenchantment with the healthcare system, Jacobs made the difficult decision to leave medicine.
According to Jacobs, medicine has become quite corporate. It became more about profit and less about patient care. Although the demands were increasing, our effort was not being compensated for or respected.
When Jacobs, who was then employed as an OB-GYN, came across a particularly upsetting circumstance during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the tipping point. Despite exhibiting severe symptoms of the illness, a pregnant woman who was 31 weeks along refused to receive medical treatment or wear a mask.
Jacobs remembers that as her oxygen levels were dangerously low, she was spitting conspiracy theories. I asked myself, “Why am I here, taking this abuse when all I’m trying to do is help?” at that same time. For me, that was it. I was aware that I had to go.
She decided to abandon the career she had dedicated years of her life to.
Immediately following that encounter, I called my boss and declared, “I’m done.” Jacobs remembers, “And I meant it.” I got into my car, headed down I-10, and didn’t turn around.
However, she wasn’t venturing into the unknown, even though Jacobs left medicine behind. She had obtained her real estate license as a side gig several years before, motivated by her love of renovating historic houses in tiny Louisiana villages.
I purchased old houses, made renovations, and rented out part of them in an effort to better the living conditions of low-income families. Jacobs recalls, “I even gave one away to someone in need.”
That pastime quickly developed into a luxury real estate company. Simultaneously, Jacobs started posting more about herself on social media, highlighting her passions for travel, cooking, and interior design. She was surprised by how quickly her following expanded.
She claims that almost overnight, I jumped from having a few thousand followers to having over 20,000. People were attracted to my sincerity. I was just being myself; I wasn’t attempting to be an influencer.
Jacobs is currently pursuing her love of creation and educating people how to improve their lives as a full-time luxury real estate agent and lifestyle influencer.
Since I’m not here to persuade people to purchase unnecessary items, I like the title “lifestyle maven.” She says, “I want to encourage them to live better, to discover their joy, and to use that as fuel.”
In this new phase, her medical background is not forgotten. She now treats her real estate clients and social media following with the same tolerance and compassion that she showed her patients.
“I’ve discovered that it’s about connection, trust, and adding value to their lives, whether you’re helping someone find their dream home or bring a baby into the world,” Jacobs said.
Despite her success in real estate and content development, Jacobs is open about the difficulties she faced making the shift.
Leaving a career you have dedicated your life to establishing is not an easy task. However, she stated that I needed to rewire my mentality. You must persuade yourself that it’s acceptable to change course and do something different, that you may start over.
Jacobs urges others to embrace change, particularly women and people of color working in challenging areas.
Many of us feel stuck in jobs that no longer serve us, yet we continue because they are expected of us or because they are pleasant, she says. I advise folks to return to their passions before life gets in the way. You’ll frequently discover your purpose there.
Her project, Pivotal Moments, which aims to honor and assist women in overcoming life’s transforming obstacles, is at the core of Jacobs’ goal. Her strategy is based on the conviction that all women, whatever their challenges, have the capacity to develop and thrive. The Luminosity candle, Just Jeannie’s first product, is a masterfully designed item that combines the calming effects of aromatherapy with the symbolic meaning of illumination. Beyond just making sales, her business aims to create a global network of women who support one another.
Jacobs is still dedicated to leading a genuine life and encouraging others to follow suit.
I don’t regret leaving the medical field. I’m delighted I made the decision to put my happiness, my family, and living life on my terms first, but I feel bad for my coworkers who are still in intolerable situations, she adds.
