When you're just not
enjoying your job...
It happens. As junior doctors we rotate around approximately every 6 months, sacrifice lots and work pretty damn hard. Some jobs are more enjoyable than others, but sometimes things just don’t seem to be working out. Here’s our advice if you ever find yourself in that situation:
1. Talk. Don’t bottle it in or combust internally, it will not help. Talk things through with friends, family or senior doctors who have likely been there themselves – pick people you trust but will give you honest advice (& listen to their advice). On the same note be nice to them too. You may not be having a great time but it’s not their fault and don’t take them for granted.
2. Don’t be an apathetic whinger either. I know that sounds harsh but I’ve come across so many of these trainees who will whinge and complain about anything and everything but take no responsibility or action to fix things. Perhaps things aren’t as bad as they say they are.
3. If things get so bad that you find it difficult to get out of bed for work or are in tears at home at the end of the day – find out who your deanery RCPCH tutor is and book an appointment to see them ASAP. It’s their job to help you in your time of need. Mine was my saviour when I was ready to walk away……
4. Look around you. Amongst your fellow trainees whom you may not know very well yet, there are probably trainees who are genuine, lovely, supportive and caring people who would make great friends if you let them. It took me a while to realise this during my worst rotation ever but they didn’t mind, they helped me at my lowest without asking for anything in return and a few years on we’re all still grate friends. I hope I’ll be able to return the favour if they ever need my support.
5. There is often something else underlying that is the real issue rather than your job. From my own experience and others, I know this is almost always the case. It’s easy to blame everything on a difficult job but as with many things in life it’s multifactorial. Could it be the long commute that’s tiring you out? Or having moved to a new town, is it actually the isolation and loneliness you can’t deal with? Are things with family/relationships not going well? The list goes on. The key is to identify the root of your problems to work them out. This is easier said than done and you may need help – see the points above.
6. Don’t suffer too long, the effects of being miserable may be long lasting and you are worth more than that. If you’ve tried your hardest to get help, find solutions and talk things through with the right people but little or no progress has been made, it’s okay to walk away. Dreams and destinations change all the time.
Anonymous
