The Power of a Pause in Your Career Transition Journey

May is mental health awareness month. It was started in 1949 as a means to address the many challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.

I believe that health is so much more than the absence of illness or disease.

Today’s world presents many challenges and the physician population is not immune.

I held hope that the COVID-19 pandemic would shine a light on the problems within our healthcare system, especially the barriers that prevent physicians and other medical professionals from providing care for patients. 

But only a few short years later and it seems that conditions have only gotten worse.
Many of the physicians I talk to are working in toxic environments, and feeling burned out and exhausted.

If you are one of them, you may truly desire to find a way to care for patients in a model that doesn’t require you to work in a way that sacrifices your own health and well-being.

Or, you may be considering a transition away from patient care to a nonclinical career.
Regardless of the path you ultimately decide to pursue, it’s important that you do so with intention, clarity, and confidence.

In my work supporting physician clients in career transitions, I talk about “the power of the pause.”

It can be really easy to make decisions based on what you’re moving away from. In the corporate world, there are many articles on crafting your “escape plan”. 

Now don’t get me wrong. An exit strategy is important as a part of your larger career transition plan. But it shouldn’t be the driving force.

Instead, it’s important to focus on what you want to intentionally move towards. 

Finding the space and time to give enough attention to what you want next can be challenging in our busy lives. Which is why pausing to reflect before making a major career transition is key to landing in a better fit position.

So, before you take that leap into a new career path, I encourage you to embrace the power of the pause. I’ve broken it down into five Rs:


1. Retreat: Take a step back from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. Find some quiet time to turn inward, away from the noise of the world. This could be a weekend getaway, 5-10 minutes in the shower a few mornings (or evenings) a week, or simply a quiet moment alone with your thoughts. The aim is to create pockets of time where you can begin to get clear on what’s working, what’s not working, and what’s missing from your life and career. This information will be useful as you’re making decisions about what’s next.


2. Reconnect: It's essential to reconnect with yourself, especially if it's been a while since you last checked in. Who you are now might be different from who you were when you first decided to become a doctor. Explore your passions, your values, and what truly brings you joy. The things that light you up and make your heart sing apart from your identities (doctor, parent, sibling, partner, etc.).


3. Reflect: This is the heart of the process. Reflect on what matters most to you at this stage of your life and career. What are your core values? What are your long-term goals? Taking the time to ponder these questions can provide invaluable clarity as you consider your next steps.


4. Remember: You're not alone in this journey. Remember that you have a support system in your existing network of colleagues, friends, and mentors. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance or simply a listening ear. Additionally, consider expanding your network to include others who can offer fresh perspectives and opportunities. I’m a big supporter of creating an emotional support squad. I assembled mine in 2023 after attending a mastermind event that encouraged this, especially for professional women who are the ones that everyone leans on.


5. Rebrand: As you move forward, think about how you want to present yourself to the world. The YOU of TODAY. Not who you were when you started this medical journey. This is your chance to redefine your personal and professional brand and share your authentic self with others. Embrace who you are now and what you're intentionally choosing as you embark on this new chapter.
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By incorporating these five Rs into your transition process, you'll not only gain clarity on your career and life goals but also ensure that you're moving forward with confidence and purpose.

So, before you rush into your next career move, remember to hit the pause button. Your future self will thank you for it.

Which of the five Rs feel most challenging for you?

Comment below and let me know. I’m happy to share potential strategies to help you overcome the challenges.

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