So, you left medicine… now what?
It’s the holidays. Just as Elf plays in the backdrop of most get-togethers, the what question has accompanied my time in Oklahoma with friends and family. Where’s the path? Where’s this story end? Where’s the certainty? It’s come to my attention that I’ve left a helluva cliffhanger (not my intention).
Honestly, I don’t know the what. I’m writing my way to what.
Well, what do you want?
What I want is a hunt for what’s next: a “figuring it out” and a “putting the pieces together”. I’m peeling off dried gum from the subway entrance because it seems interesting.
My hope is that by sharing the journey, advice, and mistakes, it will help if you’re feeling stuck and have no outs, like I did for years. Trapped and disconnected, I sought a place to be seen and have a conversation about my physician ambivalence. I want to offer that, not just for physicianhood, but for life.
I can honestly say, by writing about this, I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.
But, who knows? Perhaps I’ll launch a course. Maybe I’ll start coaching or consulting. I’m grateful to have choices.
Whatever this is, I promise honesty, vulnerability, and intensity directed at purposeful living.
(P.S. Thank you for joining my newsletter. I love hearing from people about where they’re at, what they’re feeling, and where they’re going. Can’t wait to witness some cool transformations.)
I’m curious to follow your journey and see where you end up. I sure hope you don’t have $250k of student debt, like I did when I was in your situation.
I have never felt ambivalent about medicine, but I did feel ambivalent about academics. After a couple of years in academics I bailed out to work for a nonprofit, and it made a world of difference for me. Hopefully you find your happy place soon. Good luck!
Much appreciated! It’s good to hear that you made it to the other side and feel the difference. Unfortunately (or fortunately, who knows), I am in that same situation with debt! Just more fuel to the fire. Best of luck to you too!