Originally proposed by union leaders, Labor Day commemorates American workers. But just as unions have mostly outlived their usefulness for all but union leaders, Labor Day has mostly outlived commemoration to become a day for barbecues, family gatherings, and just plain old fun.
Many people identify with the concept of “work-life balance,” and it’s valid for them. My personal viewpoint is a bit different: We have only one life (I’m not betting on reincarnation), and work is an essential part of it. It’s a main driver in why we’re here. Work gives us purpose in life.
Many physicians are in that first camp and have come to the realization that you’ve lost the balance you seek between “work” and “life”, that is, between your “job” and your personal life, your family life, and your “own” time. As in a car with tires out of balance, your life has begun to vibrate and shake and its causing fear of losing control, anxiety and burnout.
However, somewhat paradoxically, some feel trapped in their current position, their current predicament. They think that their alternatives are limited and that if they jump, they’ll either go from the frying pan into the fire of another shitty “job”, or go from the frying pan into the abyss, unemployed, hiking backwoods trails with their dog, like “Dr. Goobie” on YouTube.
But the reality is that there’s always another path outside of hospital employment or large corporate structures, whether it’s alone or in collaboration with like-minded colleagues.
Independent practice and a wide range of physician-led ventures will always have a role, in some cases formed by picking up the opportunities forfeited by prior players, including failed health systems and consolidators and their jettisoned physicians.
Is it always easy? No. Is there some cosmic guarantee of success? No. But if you’re sick of, or sick from, your current situation, then like the many physicians I’ve worked with from office-based practitioners who started new physician-led ventures to hospital-based specialists who formed their own groups to contract with facilities, there is a way.
To start, you first need to evaluate and strategize around your current position, including any twists and complications such as restrictive covenants, deferred compensation arrangements, and so on. Then you need to begin exploring and mapping out the steps to organize and launch your new venture, whether solo or in concert with others who share your vision.
The first step might seem difficult, but you don’t have to take it alone. Let’s talk if you know that I’m talking about you.
