Episode #73: Should you have a job before quitting?

If you’re planning to make a move to a nonclinical role, you may be wondering if you should leave your current position before your job search or find a job first and then give notice. Many factors like burnout, finances, length of job search, and a potential gap on your resume can factor into this complex decision. I’ll be going solo in today’s episode to take an in depth look at this common question about quitting and discuss the advantages and disadvantages to each approach, as well as offer guidance on how to make the best decision for your needs.

In this episode we’re talking about:

What factors play into the decision about when to quit your job
How to weigh these factors and make a decision that works for you
How long it takes to find a nonclinical position
Advantages and disadvantages of quitting first vs. leaving with job in hand
How either decision can affect your job opportunities
Ways to prepare for your career transition
How to balance your needs against those of your current and future employers

Links for this episode:

Check out our Free Resources! Under the Freebie tab on our website, you can find free resource guides on a variety of topics including resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, medical writing, pharma, chart review, and telemedicine. There is also a starter kit to help you move forward when you’re feeling stuck at the crossroads. Please help yourself!

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Anesthesiologist

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Papillion, NE

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Orthopedic Surgeon

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Pathologist

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Colorectal Surgeon

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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Family Physician

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Endocrinologist and Life Coach

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Internal Medicine Physician

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Family Medicine

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I had been a practicing Internist for 20 years when I reached a point when I needed to make a serious change in my career path. While I enjoyed seeing patients, I was not satisfied with my life-work balance. My job was taking me away from my family and left me little time and energy to do other things that are important and meaningful to me. I came across Dr. Fork's podcast; The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast, it is such an informative and enjoyable podcast for any physician who wants to do more with their career and life in general. Then I had the pleasure to get career coaching from Heather, it was truly an amazing experience. Heather has broad knowledge of all the different career paths that are available for physicians, she is so insightful and very easy to talk to. She helped me clarify my goals, examine my own mindset and definition of success. Together we developed a clear plan and actionable steps to reach these goals. I eventually made a career transition to a remote non-clinical position that allows me to do meaningful work which aligns with my personal and professional goals and priorities.

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Internal Medicine

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I am deeply grateful that I can continue my work in the emergency department and serve my community as a physician as well as a coach. Working with Heather was a transformative gift that enabled me to rediscover my true self, find clarity in my life's purpose, and unlock my full potential. Through her guidance, I not only reignited the powerful, confident, and bold version of myself I had lost sight of but also realized the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.

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Emergency physician and coach

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I sought Heather’s guidance after practicing outpatient internal medicine for many years, as it was getting difficult to balance my role as a clinician while meeting my needs and those of my family. After our first consultation, I felt like I was seen and heard for the first time in my career. Working with Heather helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, fears, and goals, and ultimately guided me to a non-clinical role that better aligned with my needs and aspirations. I am deeply indebted to Heather for the impact she has had on my personal and professional development. She is one of the most influential people in my life and I continue to seek her guidance years after our initial encounter. She once said that “we are happiest and most successful when we are using our skills and abilities at their highest level.” Heather will help you discover your truth. Thank you for your incredible work and friendship!

Megan Leivant, MD

Internal Medicine