Why I QUIT being a full time doctor 🤯

Why I QUIT my full time job as a doctor.

In this video I explain why I QUIT working as a doctor and became a locum. I stepped off the medical career ladder and decided to quit, meaning I didn't apply for specialty medical training. This is a pretty unconventional path for a doctor, which has meant it's been a daunting decision to make, but after years of exhaustion and burnout, I knew it was the right decision.

Mentioned in this video:
The Courage To be Disliked (affiliate link)

Audible 30 day free trial (one free book)

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.

#doctor
#ukdoctor
#peoplepleaser
#locumdoctor
#nhsdoctor

[Emmiee]

I quit residency Oct 2023 (was depressed, suicidal…etc) got a job at an insurance company. I didn’t know living life without constantly being in a fight or flight mode existed! It’s insane how relaxed and happy I am now.

[bezagebremedhine]

Oh my goodness. Much needed. I am in the US finishing internal medicine residency . As you might know this is where you apply for IM sub specialty. I feel like I just don’t want to continue on this rat race anymore. It’s been almost 12 years of post high school to get here and I can’t just give additional years of training just to get another level. I realized that life is just too short . We are not here forever. My parents are getting old and so am I . I understood that happiness actually be found in simplicity and gratitude to God . I am planning to be Locum hospitalist too . Praying about it . Appreciate you for sharing us your perspective . Stay blessed lovely lady ☦️🙏

[scenicworldtours]

Thank so much Dr Sarah for making this video. Watching this video really just validated everything I felt about stoping full time practise. Thanks for documenting your experience and help others feeling same way.

[TheKruzie]

Connecting to your values is so key... I took a few years away from being a consultant psychiatrist to be with my growing family, train in mindful self compassion and become a yin yoga teacher . I felt a lot of shame initially, but now I am transitioning back into clinical psychiatry these experiences make me a better doctor

[cineMarveilles]

Give yourself time. You are already a productive person. I support your decision. Things are not going well anyway in medical world nowadays. But there will definitely come a day when you will feel ready. I congratulate you for taking this difficult decision and implementing it. Not everyone is brave enough to make this decision. I wish you best, Sarah!

[JKchick]

Hello Dr Sarah, I'm so glad you've found the path that's right for you, I'm sure a lot of healthcare workers can relate a lot to your experience😅 but I feel many of us are unsure of entering locum work, since it's different to a traditional nhs job, so I think a video on your experince with that in terms of contracts and salary would be good so we can learn about it from you ❤

[eklgfwt]

Her" things i didn't want" is the same list i made and didn't apply to med school

[axflora]

Sounds like the perfect arrangement. Regular new experiences, meeting new people, chance to travel and work in other parts of the country....plus your not 'owned' by anyone and you get to chose how often you would like to work.

[MANDS]

Proud to call you my personal Coach! What a great combination, I would agree you are utilizing your skills to the max. You are using your passion to help in a very unique way and that sets you apart, and shoud not be seen as a failure to commit to a pathway driven by the expectations of others.

[Willows_Design_Studio]

You speak so much sense and it is good to hear everything you have worked through. I will definitely be looking up that book!

[alisonarthurs]

Just coming across this video. I wish you the best in your new adventures. Big life decisions can be scary and unsettling. I’m glad the decision you made has given you peace. As far as the opinions of others, I appreciate those simply as a way to reveal options I may not have know about or thought of, not as directives. I can consider them and then take, leave, or modify them to keep alignment with my own vision and goals for myself. I do hope that now, 8 months later, you are thriving and joyous on your new path!

[HassanPoyo]

Been following you since you were in medical school. I'm glad you left. The situation is dire these days. UK Medicine is over.

[aungphyooo]

Very brave of you making this decision and action it. I am on the way and might be in a bit different way executing it. Finishing my training hopefully soon and my plan is gradually transitioning to where I want to be after training while keeping financial health not significantly affected. It’s so encouraging to see UK grad doctor like you showed this path as a successful example. Thank you so much 😊

[christiancox]

Great video Sarah, I've just started GEM at Nottingham myself. I completely understand your situation. I do locum nursing as a student now and I love the flexibility and freedom. Just wondered, have you thought about the "middle grade" route? I have met some middle grades in A&E and anaesthetics over the years and they love their job. They get the "shop floor" experience of being hands on with the patients but without the management/admin workload of a consultant. They also have fairly set shift patterns and seem to have a fairly good work/life balance. I'm considering this myself as a "latecomer" to medicine. Thank you for sharing your story and good luck going forward.

[ashspawk]

I have no idea who you are but you're super cool and i enjoyed this video. I've maintained for a while now that it's much more important to work on yourself, than it is to work on your career. Best of luck with your decision and future pursuits.

[wrongdr.]

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences, and the recommended books have been very helpful to me.

[MK-jike]

Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

[MelSpeaksMD]

Thanks for sharing Dr. Sarah 🙏🏾
Imo full time work for female physicians isn’t ideal. Most women need flexibility and enough down time for our bodies to relax and heal. In addition, when we’re married +/- children the bulk of household duties and childcare generally falls on our shoulders. My solution: a 4 day work week works best for me (for now)…

[tehilash]

I am happy for you. You seemed stressful. Nothing is worth your health. Good luck and best wishes on your new journey.

[BA-tqci]

Being a doctor is a way of life, not a job