WHY I LEFT MY JOB IN PLASTIC SURGERY

After I posted on social media that I was leaving my job in plastic surgery, people were SURPRISED. I would receive DMs such as, “WHAT?! I never thought you’d leave?!” “OMG! How could you leave there?!” And yes, the job was great. But all good things come to an end.

This job was my first job out of PA school. It is all I know. I basically grew up there, literally and figuratively. To be honest, I think I poured so much into the job because what else did I have going on? Dedicating that many hours to something does have it’s benefits. I learned so so much. I saw things I will never see again. I hustled hard. I would respond immediately to everything. I was always available. I got good at what I was doing. And then…. you burn out. It’s the truth. Work is demanding and hard, albeit rewarding, but boy, can it suck the life out of you. And the second you start thinking, “Omg, I am so bored,” or “Omg, I can’t stand this anymore,” OR" “Omg, it’s Sunday… hoowww do I have to go to work again???” Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.

When I started to think about moving on, I even considered non-clinical roles, such as medical science liaison. MSLs are usually healthcare professionals that work for pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device companies, etc, and serve as the go between consumers and medical companies. When I really took a moment to think about what I like vs what I don’t like, I recognized that I could stay in patient care, just in a new role.

Moving on from the wide variety of plastics to focus on just injectables has me excited. People often ask, “Aren’t you going to be bored?” Maybe. Maybe not. I’ll figure it out as I go. Change is good. And change is good when you are in control of it. Too frequently people stay in a role because they are nervous that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, or that maybe how they have it ‘isn’t that bad’ and they can stick it out a little longer because “I just don’t know what to do next.” I have been there. It’s ok to move on. I loved my last job. I am SO grateful for it. But it’s simply time for change.