When you listed the attributes of your desired job in the last chapter, you probably started with the dream job – intellectually rewarding, with minimal hours and maximum pay. Wouldn’t that be great? Getting rid of all the bad and getting all the good. Now you’re talking.
I have yet to meet a physician who regrets having left clinical practice for a non-clinical career. There are generally enough hurdles to such a change that by the time you get there, you know you’re doing the right thing. But along with this satisfaction comes the realization of certain sacrifices. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that a perfect job awaits you. It might be the right job, but it is guaranteed to not be perfect. I wouldn’t change my current job for anything, but I really miss my 4 minute commute to work.
I speak to many practicing physicians who are considering a career change. Some of them will actually take the leap at some point; the vast majority will not. Those who will not often share a common misconception about the prospects of a future career. They are used to being experts in their current career, and they think that this will translate into immediately being an expert in a new career. While it is true that numerous companies are seeking physicians because of their medical knowledge, there are new skill sets that need to be acquired for any job. Expecting to be an expert in a new career on the first day is similar to a July intern expecting to take on the role of a tenured attending. As a result, making a horizontal or ascending move in salary on the first day is quite rare. Some work through this obstacle by increasing their part-time involvement in the new career while progressively phasing out the clinical work. Such a luxury may not be an option, however.
Physicians changing careers need to consider the first few years of their new career to be similar to medical school and residency. The learning curve can be steep, and true expertise in any career takes time. How long depends on the position and the individual. The physician who is ready, eager, and humble enough to learn from others will be the most satisfied and probably have the most success over time. I feel forced to state this fact that I see as obvious because I have seen many physician egos unable to fathom its truth.
