The first step to landing the best non-traditional or non-clinical career option is to become clear on what you want.

When you’re clear on what you want and why, you’re in a better position to filter the options and be strategic in your search.

Here are 10 questions designed to help you find career clarity.

Before you answer,

• The questions are a starting place. Your answers may evolve with time.
• Take one question at a time and take your time with each question.
• Write down your answers.
• When you get stuck, go for a walk, journal, talk to a supportive friend.
• Try not to filter your answers by what’s practical, realistic, and probable. That comes later. 
• If you’re feeling burned out or depressed, I suggest you seek help first. Burnout and depression will color your answers. I don’t recommend making a major career decision under these circumstances. 

10 QUESTIONS

1. Why did you choose medicine as a career? 

Tip: If the reason/s you chose medicine are still there, consider finding a way to practice medicine on your own terms. On the other hand, if your priorities and values have changed, you don’t have to stay where you are.

2. What do you love about your current job?

Tip: Reflect on the past month in your job. List the activities or roles that were energizing and got you excited. What problems did you love solving?

3. Do you still enjoy direct patient care?

Tip: For the purposes of this question, ignore the administrative aggravations that go along with patient care. If you still enjoy patient care, what about it do you enjoy?

4. What are your core values?

Tip: Values are guiding principles or things you feel strongly about being or doing. Honoring your values is the fuel that powers an authentic and fulfilled life. 

Here’s a resource to help you define your values.

5. What do you really want? 

Tip: Pay attention as you answer this one. The answer is not what you should want, or what others want for you, or what you’ve wanted until now. Write down what you now want in all aspects of your life. 

Here’s a resource to help you with this question.

6. Why do you want the things you want?

Tip: For each thing you want, write at least 3 reasons why you want it. 

7. What are your strengths?

Tip: Email 15 colleagues and close friends. Ask them what they think is your greatest strength.

8. What skills do you enjoy and want to take with you into your next career?

Tip: As a physician, you have many transferable skills and experiences. You can choose which ones you take into the next phase of your career!

For help answering this question, read more HERE and HERE.

9. What do you want your ideal day to look like?

Tip: What are your non-negotiables for how you spend your time? Do you need flexibility? Regular hours? Days off during the week? Are you willing to take call, work weekends?

10. What is your vision for your life?

Tip: Imagine it’s 10 years from now and you’ve just lived the best 10 years of your life. What’s happening? Where are you? Who’s around you? What has made these 10 years the best of your life? What’s one step you took 10 years ago (current time) that helped you get closer to this vision?

Once you’ve worked through these 10 questions, review your answers. 

What themes do you notice? Where are the values clashes? What’s one step you can take today to get you closer to your vision? 

 Now as you review different career options, filter their suitability by your answers to the above questions. What fits? What doesn’t? 

If you’re still unclear about what options would be best for you, I would love to help. 

Schedule a 60-minute career clarity call with me HERE.