What would you do if your job ended tomorrow? Even though you might want to say, “Take this job and shove it,” that won’t help build stepping stones to your next job.
In this episode, we discuss: what it’s like for physician coaches who regularly work with docs in this situation, getting fired, dealing with unexpected events that shake up professional stability, planning for career disruption, the importance of networking, and finding your clinical practice N plus one.
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Guest Bio: Health Joliff, DO, is dual-boarded in Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology. He is a certified executive coach and can be found at Physician Coaching Solutions.
Our courses and resources mentioned in the episode
Flameproof: The anti-burnout curriculum we all should have learned in training. Cohort 3 begins Sept 10, 2024. Get the deets
Out On Time: Finishing shifts with a stack of charts to complete gets old fast. It also contributes to burnout. We will help you break bad habits and give you skills to walk out the door unencumbered. Out On Time lasts 10 weeks and begins August 15, 2024.
The Driveway Debrief: Leave work at work. Be more present at home. Our free 10-minute guided exercise to shake off the residue of the day. Learn More Here
We Discuss:
We plan for what happens at the bedside. Why don’t we plan for what might happen to our careers?
- Plan your career with the same diligence as planning a resuscitation.
- Develop a backup plan for different stages of your career.
- Regularly reassess your career goals and adjust plans accordingly.
- Lifelong planning is as crucial as lifelong learning for career success.
- Be proactive in managing career transitions and anticipating changes.
What happens to the majority of docs who come to coaching wanting to get out of medicine
- Half of the physicians seeking coaching wish to leave medicine.
- Career coaching helps many physicians find satisfying roles within medicine.
- Structuring jobs and mindsets can facilitate career longevity.
- Emergency medicine’s high burnout rate drives many to consider leaving.
- Coaching often results in physicians remaining in medicine but in better-suited roles.
The importance of clinical medicine + 1
- Having a side hustle or additional career interest can enhance job satisfaction.
- Diversify professional activities to prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm.
- Teaching, consulting, and hobbies provide balance and fulfillment.
- Telehealth offers flexibility and a low-stress environment for physicians.
- A well-rounded career includes activities beyond clinical shifts.
Networking doesn’t have to be a massive labor. Small steps can make a big difference.
- Join interdisciplinary committees to expand your network.
- Attend conferences and engage with peers and speakers.
- Maintain and follow up on professional contacts regularly.
- Networking supports career transitions and provides new opportunities.
- Building a community through networking fosters collaboration and support.
Great doctors getting fired
- Competent physicians can face job loss due to single incidents or systemic changes.
- Have a plan for job transitions and handle terminations professionally.
- Proactively bring up job loss in interviews to show honesty and control the narrative.
- Seek feedback to identify personal growth areas and improve future performance.
- Maintain a positive demeanor and network effectively to secure new opportunities.
First steps after losing employment: be humble and don’t burn bridges
- Reflect on the circumstances of job loss and identify areas for improvement.
- Contact your network to explore new job opportunities.
- Consult legal counsel to understand your contract and rights.
- Stay professional and avoid burning bridges to preserve future references.
- Use the experience as a learning opportunity to enhance career resilience.
Strategies for bringing up having been fired in an interview
- Address job loss proactively to control the narrative.
- State that the previous job was not a good fit and leave it at that.
- Focus on your skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.
- Use the interview to demonstrate resilience and a positive outlook.
- Show that you have learned from the experience and are ready for new challenges.
The therapeutic power of venting (versus dumping)
- Venting allows offloading emotions without overwhelming the listener.
- Venting helps release negative energy and prepare for constructive action.
- Differentiating between venting and dumping ensures supportive communication.
- Use venting as a therapeutic tool to process emotions and move forward.
- Coaches encourage clients to vent initially and then focus on solutions in subsequent sessions.
Scenario #1: Should you accept your group’s director position?
- Assess your leadership skills and seek mentorship from current leaders.
- Learn about the role and responsibilities from the outgoing director.
- Identify any skills gaps and consider relevant training or courses.
- Understand that leadership positions require ongoing learning and adaptation.
- Use the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to the organization.
The distinction between imposter syndrome and inexperience
- Imposter syndrome involves feeling unqualified despite having the skills.
- Inexperience is about lacking the necessary skills and knowledge for a new role.
- Seek coaching or mentorship to address both imposter syndrome and inexperience.
- Recognize the value of your existing skills and experiences.
- Embrace opportunities for growth and learning in new roles.
Scenario #2: Your contract has not been renewed
- Review your contract and consult legal counsel to understand your rights.
- Reflect on feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Network to find new job opportunities and seek recommendations.
- Stay professional and avoid burning bridges to maintain future references.
- Use the experience to develop resilience and plan for future career transitions.
Scenario #3: You are a new resident, and your health system suddenly closes
- Contact your graduate medical education (GME) office for support in finding new positions.
- Network with mentors and peers to explore alternative opportunities.
- Stay positive and flexible in navigating unexpected career changes.
- Use the experience to build resilience and adaptability.
- Maintain professional relationships and seek guidance from experienced colleagues.
Scenario #4: An older physician plans to retire in a year and is uncertain what to do next
- Identify passions and interests beyond clinical practice.
- Explore opportunities for teaching, consulting, or volunteer work.
- Consider telehealth or other flexible work arrangements.
- Plan for a fulfilling retirement that includes meaningful activities.
- Use retirement as an opportunity to explore new interests and hobbies.
Your first job out of training will likely not be your last
- Accept that your first job may not be your final career destination.
- Be open to exploring different roles and opportunities throughout your career.
- Continuously reassess your career goals and adjust plans as needed.
- Use early career experiences to learn and grow professionally.
- Stay adaptable and open to change to find the best fit for your skills and interests.
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