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First-Gen College Grad to Healthcare Millionaire

Reached $1M at age 43

Healthcare
Journey: 2005 - 2023
Background: Registered Nurse → Nurse Practitioner
Key milestone: Co-founded healthcare staffing agency
Visa Status: US Citizen

First in my family to attend college, worked as an RN while pursuing advanced degrees. Identified staffing gaps during COVID and co-founded a healthcare staffing agency that grew rapidly. Combined high-income career with entrepreneurship and disciplined investing.

Educational Background

High School

Local high school

Undergraduate

San Jose State University, Nursing

Graduate

Master's in Nursing, UCSF

Family Background

Parents' Occupation

Middle-class working parents

Parents' Visa Status

US Citizens

Family Background

Typical middle-class American family.

Financial Milestones

$100K

Age 32

Reached $100K through nursing overtime and aggressive debt payoff

Key Strategies:

  • Extra shifts
  • Student loan refinancing
  • Living below means
$500K

Age 38

Hit $500K after completing NP degree and starting staffing business

Key Strategies:

  • Career advancement
  • Side business
  • Index fund investing
$1M

Age 43

Crossed $1M when staffing agency scaled during healthcare worker shortage

Key Strategies:

  • Business expansion
  • Reinvesting profits
  • Retirement account maximization

Challenges & Advice

Biggest Challenges

  • Balanced full-time work with advanced education
  • Started with $87K in student loan debt
  • Navigated healthcare burnout during pandemic
  • First-generation wealth builder with no financial guidance

Advice for Others

Healthcare offers stable income that can fund entrepreneurial ventures. Look for problems in your industry that you can solve. Don't underestimate the power of specialized knowledge combined with business acumen.