If you’re contemplating what to do with your career and feeling confused, you’re in good company. I talk to a lot of very bright, accomplished individuals and the majority are confused about how to transform or change their careers.
There are many good reasons for this state of confusion. Most of my clients are physicians and while this career path is not easy, it is very straightforward. The hoops one has to jump through are many and rather challenging, but they are at least well-defined. If you can make it through each hoop, you know where you’ll end up. However, when the decision is made to open the door to new career options, figuring out the possibilities and the path often becomes overwhelming.
Questions such as these can start swirling around in the mind without obvious answers:
Venturing into career change territory can feel like being dropped in a foreign country without a map, flashlight or known destination.
What is the way out of this confusion?
When I work with clients, I help them to connect with their internal GPS: what it is they want, what matters to them, what they are passionate about. During this phase, we don’t worry about the “HOW.” Trying to figure it all out too soon can cause one to dismiss some great possibilities. Then we go through a structured process that clarifies values, skills and abilities, and work preferences, creating an individualized “Personal Career Template.” As different career options are considered, this template is used to assess whether or not the job is a good fit. Networking comes in very handy both in researching various kinds of jobs and actually being hired. Since doctors are often not that familiar with networking, it can be confusing at first how to make appropriate and helpful contacts.
Sometimes physicians are struggling with certain issues, such as interpersonal conflict, time management, severe anxiety etc., and are thinking that they have to get out of medicine because of one of these problems. With appropriate help, it is often possible that these challenges can be addressed and an alternative career is not needed.
My recommendation if you are experiencing career confusion is to be willing to take the time to go through a structured process to make your desired changes. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask the million dollar question,
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I am in this same situation.. Am wondering if i should change my career path from clinical to non-clinical.. Find myself unsure about the sucess off my future due to many different reasons.. and i need to make these decisions over the next few months so i really need some insight and am trying to network to get more information on this topic. Please do get in touch with me about the same.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Hello Danielle,
You are right, a lot goes into making this decision regarding transitioning out of clinical practice. There are many factors to consider, and each individual’s situation is different. If one keeps up licensure and board certification, and is not out of practice for too long (less than 2 years for most specialties), it is possible to return to practice, so I always recommend keeping the doors open during any kind of transition. In order to best help you, I would need to know more about your situation and goals. If you would like to schedule an introductory consultation, I would be happy to see how I can be of assistance. You can schedule a consultation at http://www.doctorscrossing.com/schedule. Heather