Making a Career Move: Look Beyond Money
Oscar Wilde once quipped: "In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." Never was this truer than of physicians seeking a career change within the medical field: The temptation to focus on compensation to the exclusion of all else may seem irresistible. Here's a better way.
Step 1: Weigh your values Put the issue of money aside for a moment, and jot down a quick list of what you don't like about your current situation and the qualities an ideal position would possess. Identifying your current dislikes-an inconvenient location, abrasive colleagues, conflicts over treatment philosophy, financial instability, and such-will keep you from ignoring them when someone tempts you with money you think is too good to refuse. Some non-monetary values you may want to consider: Autonomy. Will a new job give you the freedom to practice medicine-and live life-the way you'd really like? Or will you have to put in unnecessarily long hours and follow corporate protocols of questionable value? Collegiality. Will you be compatible with colleagues somewhere else? While this may seem hard to judge before you actually take a job, it's easy to learn whether your interest in skiing or computers or foreign travel is shared by at least some of the doctors with whom you'll work. Your instincts will also give you instant feedback on their affability or lack of it. Service quality. Does a potential employer's work ethic feel fulfilling to you? Is the service level high? This can affect your finances as well as your emotions and intellect. Patients who receive poor service won't come back. Leadership. Will you be able to be a decision-maker in the practice, or will the nail that stands out get hammered down? Achievement. Does the job have partnership potential? Will you receive performance benchmarks and rewards for attaining them. Recognition. Do you have a sense that you'll be a valued member of the practice? Are other physicians treated that way? Why not ask them before you accept? You'll learn a lot. Variety. Will you have an interesting mix of patients and procedures? What if an internist wants to do some cardiology as a special interest? What if an FP wants to do minor surgery, or an OBG or sports-medicine procedure?. Is it possible-or taboo? Security. Is the practice fiscally solvent? Why guess? Request a copy of its financial statement for your accountant and/or attorney to review. |
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