The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives and careers of millions, especially for those on the front lines of health care. For Joanne Lorefice, a dedicated hospital worker with over a decade of experience, the pandemic not only tested her resilience but also forced a dramatic career shift that would change her life forever.
As hospitals struggled under the weight of the pandemic, many health care workers faced difficult choices. Lorefice’s story took a turn when her employer implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Despite her long-standing commitment to patient care, Lorefice chose not to take the vaccine, a decision rooted in her personal beliefs and a desire for greater transparency. This choice, while made with conviction, led to an unexpected consequence: she lost her job.
“My decision on taking the vaccine was always a no,” she explains. “After doing some research and not getting enough answers to the questions I was asking, it felt like the right choice for me.” While it was a deeply personal and challenging decision, it was one that ultimately redirected her path.
Reflecting on her time in health care, she said, “I did work in labour and delivery, so it was constantly busy, and the majority of the time it was actually a very happy department to work in.” Her role had been both demanding and rewarding, filled with life-changing moments and an energetic, positive atmosphere.
However, the pandemic amplified these challenges for health care workers, with long hours, heightened stress and burnout that many struggled to overcome.
“It was suffocating. With a visor, mask, gown and gloves, it was hard to move and breathe. To the patients, you almost looked unrecognizable,” said Sheila Siciliano, a nurse who continued working on the front lines. For many, the toll of the pandemic was not just physical, but emotional as well.
For Lorefice, the loss of her job marked the end of one chapter, but also the beginning of an unexpected new journey. With a background that demanded precision, compassion and resilience, Lorefice turned to her lifelong passion for hairstyling, a craft she had nurtured as a hobby during her free time. What started as a small, personal interest soon became the foundation for a new career.
“The hardest part of changing careers was the fact that I wasn’t given an option,” she said. Losing her job sparked a shift that would ultimately empower her to find a new path. The transition was difficult, but it came with an essential lesson: even in the face of adversity, there is room for reinvention.
“After having my job taken away from me, this has become something that has been very helpful in supporting my family,” she said, reflecting on how her new venture into hairstyling provided financial stability and a renewed sense of purpose.
Running a small salon from her home, Lorefice now channels the same skills she used in health care, communication, attention to detail and customer care, into making her clients feel their best, one hairstyle at a time.
The impact of her career change was not just personal; it was felt by her entire family. Her daughter, Juliana Lorefice, shared her feelings about her mother’s job loss and career shift: “It was upsetting at first, but then I realized my mother was able to pursue something she was passionate about.” Over time, Juliana came to see her mother’s decision as an example of strength and adaptability.
“The break has been great for her, and we enjoy having her around when we need her,” Juliana said. Joanne now balances the demands of running a growing business with the satisfaction of having more time to spend at home with her loved ones.
This shift in perspective mirrored Joanne’s own transformation, as she moved from uncertainty and loss to excitement and fulfillment in her new career. Juliana’s recognition of her mother’s strength and ability to pivot became a testament to the broader influence of Joanne’s journey, not just on her own life, but on the lives of those around her.
What started as a creative outlet evolved into a full-fledged business, and she’s now built a loyal clientele, who appreciate the personal, one-on-one attention she provides. While it hasn’t been an easy journey, Joanne’s story serves as a reminder that life’s setbacks can often lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
“I’m glad I have something to fall back on, and I’m planning to build that business up again,” Joanne said.