You've paid off your student loans, you have some financial cushion, and your job is secure.
In short, you have reached the point when your younger self thought, "I'll be happy when..."
The problem? Something is missing.
You are missing family dinners, spend more time charting than with patients, and are struggling to "fit in" a vacation.
Sound familiar?
Here's what I've discovered after coaching physicians:
Most doctors are chasing one of the following: choice, control, autonomy, or freedom.
We expect freedom to come at the end of training, when we have a better income, and think we will have more time. In the end, financial freedom is more elusive than expected, and the deeper freedoms that create fulfillment are harder to come by. I am talking about:
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Time freedom - controlling your schedule instead of letting it control you
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Mental freedom - leaving work at work
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Choice freedom - having options beyond the traditional medical path
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Purpose freedom - practicing medicine on your terms
- Creativity freedom - choosing challenges that allow you to utilize strengths
It is surprisingly hard sometimes to figure out what type of freedom will bring fulfillment.
Quick Freedom Assessment
If you are telling yourself you will be happy when you reach the next milestone, take a minute to answer these 5 questions honestly:
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Do you feel energized or drained after most workdays?
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Can you take a true vacation without checking work messages?
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Are you excited about your career trajectory in 5 years?
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Do you have meaningful choices about how you practice medicine?
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Would you choose medicine again if you could start over?
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If you answered "no" to more than two questions, you might be chasing the wrong kind of freedom.
The Traditional Path vs. True Freedom
We are taught that if we work harder, earn more, sacrifice personal life for professional success, someday you'll have enough money to buy back your time and peace of mind.
In reality, freedom comes when you design a medical career that aligns with your values, gives you control over your time, and allows you to practice medicine in a way that energizes rather than drains you.
The difference is having a clear strategy and someone who understands the unique challenges physicians face.
Let's chat when you are ready to design a career that gives you more freedom.
Don't spend another year hoping things will magically improve.
Your future self will thank you for taking action today.
Best regards,
Ben
PS: Check out this week's blog post and You Tube Video
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