If you’re considering a career change, be on the lookout for the 5 ways you might be (unintentionally) sabotaging and delaying your transition.

1. Being tempted by “great” job opportunities, but they’re not what you really want.  

These opportunities have a way of showing up when you’re on the verge of making a big change. 

One physician dreamed of doing Locum Tenens and traveling:

Next thing, a colleague reached out with a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to join a nearby concierge practice!

Another physician created a LinkedIn profile geared towards a non-clinical role:

Next thing, a recruiter contacted her with a tempting clinical opportunity.

I was on the verge of leaving clinical medicine:

Next thing, I was invited to apply for a clinical leadership role. A role I would have relished a few years earlier. 

These opportunities are tempting, particularly when you’re in the “messy middle” of your career change. You haven’t landed your next role yet, and you’re doubting if you will ever find what you’re looking for.  

 To get through this, remind yourself of what you really want and why. Recommit to your desire for change. Reconnect with the vision of your future life and career. Avoid being side-tracked by something that’s no longer aligned with your vision of your future. 

2. Waiting for the perfect time. 

 You already know this: There.is.no.perfect.time!

What are your reasons to delay getting started? Maybe you’re waiting to pay off school loans, or the kids to be older, or until you feel ready? 

I’m not saying don’t plan. You must have a strategy. But once the important things are in place, create your exit timeline and commit to doing the things necessary to keep you on track. 

Where will you be one year from now if you delay getting started? 

3. Seeking advice or support from colleagues who don’t want to leave clinical medicine and don’t understand why you do.

When you’re in the early stages of your career change journey, you will feel uncertain and fearful. This is to be expected. 

Support from others is essential. 

However, be intentional from whom you seek advice and support. Those who don’t understand why you want to make a change, may advise you to be “realistic”, and avoid mistakes. You could consider discussing your plans with them once you’re further along in your career change process. 

Seek advice and support from physician colleagues who have done what you want to do. There are Facebook groups for physicians who are making or have made a career transition. If needed, work with a trusted therapist and/or career coach.

4. Getting stuck in “how?”

Are you interested in making a career change, but you’re stuck in overwhelm because you don’t know how to make it happen?

The good news is, you can’t know how yet! Asking “how?” before you ask “what and why?” is a recipe for overwhelm.  

Instead, start with What and Why. Why do you want to make a change? What do you want from your ideal career? What skills and experiences do you want to take with you? 

The how will follow!

5. Isolating yourself when you hit a roadblock. 

“Maybe this isn’t for me?”

Leaving clinical medicine is an act of courage! And when the challenges arise (as they inevitably do), don’t try to do it alone. Isolating yourself allows fear, doubt, and worry to gain a foothold and threaten your dream of a different career.  

You’re not alone in the challenges. Every physician I know who’s made a career change (including me), has hit roadblocks, and overcome them. Reach out for support! 

Surround yourself with people you trust. Find an accountability partner to help you over the roadblock and stay on track. This can be a physician who’s done what you want to do, a supportive partner, therapist, or coach.  

Questions for you.

1. How do you tend to self-sabotage? 

2. What’s one thing you can do now that will help you move forward in your career transition?