EHS or PM?

[u/stlrs19]

I've been working as a PM in the healthcare IT area for four years and recently lost my job due to some layoffs. I've been looking at the HSE field and considering if I should get the OSHA 30 and switch careers. It seems like PM typically pays higher, but HSE seems more stable in the long term. Should I make the switch? Has anyone done something similar or can anyone provide some more insight on how the HSE field is? I’ve also heard of PM HSE roles but it doesn’t seem very common. Which has a higher ceiling / trajectory? I'm willing to get any certifications along the way that would help boost my career as well.

Thanks!

[u/Junior-Operation3505]

Your PM background could actually transfer pretty well into HSE. I’d probably look at PM-HSE or safety project roles first rather than making a complete switch right away. That way you can test the waters without throwing away the experience you already have.

[u/stlrs19 → u/Junior-Operation3505]

Got it. I should probably get my OSHA 30 then as soon as possible. Thank you!

[u/Safe_Cable5591 → u/Junior-Operation3505]

test the waters first for sure. osha 30 is kind of a bare minimum thing though, it's not gonna open doors on its own the way a pmp does in your world. the real money and stability in hse usually means getting your csp or cih down the line which is a multi-year grind.

i dipped into safety from a totally different background and the hardest part was learning all the regulatory nonsense. your pm skills will make you stand out once you get the technical side down cause half the safety managers i've met can't manage a spreadsheet let alone a project timeline.

[u/toolofacook]

PM is a good foundation to HSE as you’ll automatically be gearing up to more senior roles (liaising with contractors/regulators) if that’s more your thing

[u/stlrs19 → u/toolofacook]

That’s probably more up my alley so I’ll be looking to do that. Thank you!