🛫 CAREER 🩺 EDU | Leaving Your Job? Will You Take a Leap or Build a Runway? 💭

By Concierge Medicine Today Editorial Team on January 6, 2026

What happens when a Doctor trades in their old job for a shiny new one, only to discover that the grass isn’t quite as green as they hoped for? Whether you’re contemplating a leap into the world of concierge medicine or just daydreaming about your dream job, there are three simple questions you might want to wrestle with before making any big moves!

A message from the Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

A Sept. 3, 2024, MGMA Stat poll found that 27% of medical groups report having a physician leave or retire early in 2024 due to burnout, compared to 68% that did not and 5% reporting “unsure.” Even more interesting is that a larger percentage of physicians in another survey expressed a likelihood of leaving their current position within the next few years, with some studies showing up to 35% considering a departure.

Whether you’re contemplating a leap into the world of concierge medicine or just daydreaming about your dream job, here are three simple questions you should consider if and when you decide to make a big move in your career!

Who can you turn to for guidance?

We all recognize the value of sound advice intellectually but it’s crucial to seek counsel from individuals within your network who won’t simply tell you what you want to hear but rather will support and guide you in making critical decisions and help you identify your blind spots. Think about creating a list of these people and reach out to them. Consider taking them out for lunch and telling them beforehand what you’d like to discuss. This will shorten the pleasantries and help shortcut the discussion around your primary concerns about a job transition.

How much time will it take to heal the emotional and psychological wounds of the past workplace experience?

Emotions often play a pivotal role in our decision-making. However, what will happen in six months when you discover that the new job has its own set of dysfunctional workplace issues? Allow yourself time to heal from the weight of the last workplace experience. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself a decade from now (or perhaps retired) and still traumatized by the same set of emotional wounds you never allowed to properly treat years ago.

Will you take a leap or build a runway?

Financial concerns are not always the primary factor when it comes to changing careers or jobs. Often, it’s about better hours, a supportive boss, or more family time. Many physicians contemplating career transitions tend to overlook the “what if” questions: What if this doesn’t work out? What if I don’t enjoy the area? The list can be endless. When seeking career advice from trusted individuals, be cautious of platitudes. These can create a misleading sense of confidence. For instance, when you share your story, some may advise you to “Just take a leap of faith.” But where is your parachute? What does your financial runway look like if it doesn’t pan out? Others might suggest, “If you build it, they will come.” While these statements may hold some truth, they often lack a foundation in reality. If your next career move doesn’t succeed, what will you stand to lose? What are your exit strategies? How long is the contract? Who will be your actual boss?

Bonus: Here are the five books we encourage any Physician to read if you’re in a season of career transition.