Here is a collection of concepts to encourage and empower you on your career change journey.

1. Clarity about your strengths, skills, and what you want is as important as knowing your options.

2. A compelling WHY comes before your WHAT and HOW.

3. Your core values are the lampposts on your career path. 

4. There’s no “right” path, just your path. 

5. You are not “just a doctor.“

6. Try to avoid the “mistakes” I made during my career change.

7. You don’t have to take all your skills with you to your next career- only those you love. 

8. Guilt and fear about leaving medicine are normal but don’t let them sit in the driver seat of your decision making. 

9. When you feel guilty about leaving clinical medicine, ask yourself, “How would I feel about having a physician who doesn’t actually want to be in the room?”

10. There is no perfect time to make a career (or any!) change.

11. Have a career transition strategy, get into action, and modify as you go along. 

12. You don’t have to wait until you have all the details to get started on your transition. 

13. Doubt and overthinking tend to keep you stuck in unhappiness for years. 

14. A career change requires courage to go outside of your comfort zone. 

15. Explore all your options and filter them by your non-negotiables.

16. To get an understanding of a different role or industry, take a free or inexpensive course.

17. To get an understanding of a different role or industry, conduct a mini-career experiment. 

18. Don’t get an additional degree unless you’re sure you it’s required to get a job in that industry. 

19. If you want to accelerate your timeline, connect with physicians who are working in the role or industry you want to transition to. 

20. Most jobs are found through networking. 

21. Networking for introverts: Apply your exceptional listening skills to build one relationship at a time. 

22. Networking = building relationships AND you’ve got this!

23. Convert your CV into a resume and adapt each resume to the job you’re applying for. 

24. To ace your interview, prepare, and show enthusiasm for the position!

25. Prepare for the deceptively easy interview question, “Tell us about yourself,” by practicing your answer out loud. 

26. You must be able to articulate why you want to change jobs and why you’re the right candidate for the position you’re applying for. 

27. In an interview, avoid being negative about your current work situation. 

28. After an interview, send individual thank you notes within 24-48 hours.

29. If you’re getting interviews, but no offers, practice interview questions with a coach or a friend and keep applying!

30. If you’re not getting interviews, make sure your resume is tailored to the job and keep applying. 

31. If your resume is stellar and you’re not getting interviews, you may need to get some experience in the area you’re applying to.

32. Shore up your support system for the transition to include loved ones and physicians who are going through a career change. 

33. Support and guidance from a physician who’s done what you want to do is priceless.

34. Expect an emotional rollercoaster ride, fasten your seatbelt, and ride with glee!

35. Leaving clinical medicine may not be your best next step.

36. Leaving a clinical position for something different will take longer than you think. 

37. When you’re trying to decide if a job is right for you, check in with all three centers of intelligence, head, heart, and gut. 

38. There are many things to negotiate in addition to salary.

39. If you’re transitioning to a non-clinical job, maintain your medical license and board certification for as long as possible. 

40. No matter the state of the economy, the competition, and job availability, a role with your name on it is waiting for you. 

I’m rooting for you!