By FlexMedStaff
As a physician, you have undoubtedly invested significant time, effort, and money into your education and training. You may feel obligated to continue working in your current position, even if it’s not fulfilling, because of the sense of security and stability it provides. However, it’s crucial to consider your long-term goals and plan for your future, even if it means quitting your job today.
We often hear physicians “contemplating” their futures due to their current roles in medicine. Many fail to act quickly on our desires to leave medicine or our current positions. We ponder, reflect, and waste meaningful time debating our futures while we continue to work at jobs that don’t suit us. We propose in this article that more physicians quit their jobs NOW to best prepare for their futures rather than continue to contemplate.
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller
There are several reasons physicians may choose not to quit their jobs, despite facing challenges or being unhappy in their current positions. These reasons may include job security, financial stability, career investment, fear of change, loyalty to patients, family obligations, and limited job opportunities. Additionally, becoming a physician requires significant time, money, and energy. After investing so much in their careers, some physicians may feel hesitant to give up on their current job or career path. While these are all valid reasons for physicians to stay in their current job, it is essential to remember that they should prioritize their own well-being and job satisfaction. If they are unhappy or facing challenges in their current job, they may need to consider making a change to improve their quality of life and career prospects.
“If you don’t like something, change it.” – Maya Angelou
Are you unhappy in your current job? Are you feeling unfulfilled or bored? Do you daydream about what else you could be doing with your time? Are you at the nth degree of burnout? If so, it might be time to quit your job today and start planning for the future tomorrow.
Would we advocate for our patients to stay in jobs where they were unhappy? NO, of course not.
Physicians should prioritize their own well-being and job satisfaction over monetary gains and compassion for their patients and community. It may be time to consider a change if you feel burnt out, unsupported, or facing other challenges in your current job. Changing jobs can offer new opportunities for growth and development, allowing you to broaden your skills and gain new experiences. Additionally, changing jobs can provide a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose, which can help combat feelings of burnout or dissatisfaction.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.”- Steve Jobs
It is essential for physicians to carefully weigh their options and make an informed decision when considering a job change… How can you do this if you are still focused on your current job? Devoting 100% of your day to starting your new job or career should start today.
While it can be difficult to leave a familiar job and work environment, delaying a job search can lead to further dissatisfaction and burnout. Additionally, the job market can be competitive, and finding the right job opportunity may take some time. Starting a job search tomorrow can provide physicians ample time to research potential opportunities, update their resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews. By proactively looking for a new job, physicians can take control of their careers and seek opportunities aligning with their personal and professional goals. Moreover, exploring new job opportunities can help physicians gain a broader perspective on the industry and discover new areas of interest.
“When one door closes, another opens.” – Alexander Graham Bell
Starting a new career or job as a physician can be an exciting and optimistic opportunity. It can offer the chance to explore new areas of medicine, develop new skills, and make a positive impact in different ways. A new job can also provide a fresh start, allowing physicians to leave behind any negative experiences or challenges from their previous job and start anew. Additionally, a new job can allow one to work with new colleagues and patients, fostering new relationships and collaborations. It can also offer the opportunity to gain a broader perspective on the healthcare industry and different approaches to patient care. By starting a new career or job, physicians can challenge themselves to grow and develop in new ways, increasing job satisfaction, personal fulfillment, and professional success.
“Quit today, plan for your future tomorrow.” -Aaron Morgenstein
Quitting today and resigning from a job you are not happy at can be a special and empowering experience. It can offer a sense of relief and freedom from a situation causing stress, unhappiness, or even harm to your well-being. Quitting can be an act of self-care and a reminder that your mental and emotional health should always be a priority. Additionally, quitting can be an opportunity to take control of your career path and pursue new opportunities that align with your values, interests, and goals. Start to think outside the box. What will you do?
Will you find a new full-time job, become a part-time doctor, take the locums route, or pursue a non-clinical career? Either way, your next opportunity can be a chance to rediscover your passions and take steps toward a more fulfilling and meaningful career. While quitting a job can be difficult, it can ultimately lead to a brighter and more positive future. Quit today, and start to focus on the future tomorrow!
