There are times working in medicine or other high-stress jobs, when you feel trapped and unhappy. And maybe you’ve told yourself you have no other option but to stay put. These “shoulds” can come from societal expectations or the idea that you’ve put so much into your job already that it would be silly – or even irresponsible – to quit now.

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These myths and pressures keep us feeling stuck, and prevent us from exploring alternative possibilities within or outside of our current field.

This week, Rachel is joined by Dr Sarah Goulding, who breaks open those myths, and shows how we can uncover new possibilities. It all starts by recognising we’re not defined solely by our roles, and embracing the idea that it's okay to change and to pursue work that aligns with our strengths and passions.

Sarah also has a set of self-coaching questions that can help us discover what we’re going to do with our “one wild and precious life”.

Listen to this episode to

Discover how to find a way of working that doesn't harm your well-being and allows you to be passionate and energetic in and out of work
Explore the myths and societal pressures that keep us feeling trapped in our current careers and learn how to break free from them
Gain valuable insights into the importance of reflecting on your skills and experiences to uncover new career possibilities within or outside of medicine

Episode highlights

[00:03:17] The job-for-life fallacy
[00:07:53] Toxic expectations of gratitude
[00:09:57] Availability bias and the sunk cost fallacy
[00:15:41] Reinventing yourself
[00:18:05] When's the right time to make a change?
[00:20:55] Satisfaction outside of work
[00:21:20] Your one wild and precious life
[00:26:14] 2,000 weeks left
[00:27:46] Taking imperfect action
[00:31:16] Career crafting
[00:33:26] Self-coaching questions
[00:38:42] Crafting your joyful career path
[00:45:36] The "I will be happy when..." myth
[00:47:10] Sarah's top tips

About the guest

Sarah is a Career Coach for Doctors, passionate about the power of finding your place to thrive. She has 7 jobs, including GP; educator; mentor; and Head of Development at the Joyful Doctor.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Resources

THRIVE Weekly Planner
Watch the video version on YouTube
Why We’re Ditching the Term ‘Imposter Syndrome’ – Episode 112, with Dr Sarah Goulding
Finding Your North Star – Episode 208
Bringing Your Best Self to Work – Episode 67, with Dr Sarah Goulding
Download the episode’s podsheet. You can use it for reflection and to submit for your appraisal as part of your CPD.

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Mentioned in this episode:

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