The one good thing about all this for me was that I felt like the administrators who ran my practice at least cared about the physicians who worked for them. Then, about 2 years ago, the system that owns my practice underwent some major leadership changes. And things started to change, to the point we're at now where I posted not too long ago about how miserable I am at work.
A month ago my partners and I met with the VP in charge of physician practices and told him how miserable we were. He promised to get back to us within a week with some changes, and then we heard nothing at all from him. Two weeks later, I find out that a drug company I love (with great products in the pipeline) is hiring a physician to be a medical liaison. The job would have me going to visit other doctors and talking to them about diabetes and the medications this company sells or would be selling. Basically a glorified drug rep, but with less restrictions. I would have to travel some, but the territory would be small enough that I would only have to do overnight stays for meetings and conferences, about 6 times a year.
The salary is a little less than I make now, but it would have great benefits, including maternity leave, and (I think) fertility coverage, a car and twice the days off/vacation time that I have now. But I wouldn't be able to see patients anymore.
I love seeing patients. It's what makes me happy. I hate the rest of the stuff that goes along with it these days, and I hate my current practice administrators, but I love seeing patients. I'm not sure if I could be happy giving up patient care. In fact, the thought of leaving to go work for a drug company makes me feel a little nauseated. But the benefits of leaving...
I have no idea what to do. I have a second phone interview next Tuesday, and if that goes well, I'm supposed to fly to the company's US headquarters on 3/28 for an in person interview. A part of me wants to go forward with things, but another part of me wants to cancel the interview next week.
Since I first heard about the job, I've been completely open with my work about my interviews, about the benefits and the fact that I don't want to leave. But it's now a month after our meeting with the VP, and our follow up email to him today got some stupid little response that didn't really tell us anything, except that the current administration really doesn't care about keeping their physicians happy. Or even about keeping their physicians.
Despite all the loyalty I feel for my patients (I really do love them, even the ones who are a pain in the ass), it seems like I have no choice but to leave. We cc'd the CEO of the hospital on the emails, so our response of "Thank you for your response, we will continue pursuing other opportunities" may get a different reaction tomorrow. But in the meantime, I guess I'll be continuing my interviews. And I emailed a practice about 7 minutes from the condo I just moved from, and asked them if they're still looking to hire a endocrinologist.
Can't I just have something be simple and easy for just a little while?
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I feel your pain. Ever since X was born, I've been thinking about my work situation. I know I can't go back to 12 hour days in June. It just won't work.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll make the best decision for you and Finn.
It sure is hard to throw in work problems into any mix, isn't it. I am still looking for that full time contract, and sadly my new status as single Mom seems to be a bit of a sticking point (unofficially of course) with principals who feel that the willingness to coach every sport known to kid is what really makes a teacher a good one...
ReplyDeleteMaybe a change of pace would be nice. You may grow to love your new contacts as much as your patients....
Take care you two.
Miss
Sounds familiar. I love teaching and working with students but hate all the politics involved. It' difficult to not feel demoralized. I wish you all the best on your decision making.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with your decision. And good luck with the interview.
ReplyDeleteTough decision...I know you'll make the right choice for you & Finn. Good luck with your interviews.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry things have not improved and that administration is not listening. I would advise you to continue to take the interviews, you don't have to make a final decision about the job/patient care until the offer is on the table.
ReplyDeleteI know what ever decision you make will be the right one and hope there's some clarity in the next week or two.
ReplyDeleteAs with your house, you could look for something that works right now. Maybe this job is perfect for right now (or, of course, maybe it isn't, but just a different way of looking at things).
Shannon, honey, it is so hard to deal with increasing work stress. As much as you love your patients (and I understand; I'd do almost anything for my kids), you have to look out for you and Finn. Going to work miserable every day is no way to live. I tried it. So keep your options open. You don't know when you'll find a lovely opportunity- even if, it's as April says "something that works right now."
ReplyDeleteThe liaison position sounds really similar to what I do (different industry, same idea) and I end up in front of customers/patients more and more often as they end up feeling better about their solution/medication if they've met and talked to someone from the company. I Don't know if that's possible with your gig but it keeps me from feeling like only a liaison training people on my product and allows me to keep a real world feel. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteWow - so many changes - it must take a lot of strength.
ReplyDeleteIt IS hard, its such a huge fork in the road. If your work situation is truly unbearable, you could try this drug company jig, while continuing to look for a practice that fits you best. And who knows- you may really like your new setup.
ReplyDeleteShannon, I know you'd rather do patient care and not the MSL, but if you do decide to take the position, please negotiate the salary. Less could end up being more if you ask for it. There's always signing bonuses and bonuses during the year, if you prefer to negotiate that way. If you're interested in understanding some of the social conditioning and effect of asking (or not) when it come to salary, I recommend "Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide" by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever.
ReplyDeleteDon't you dare cancel that interview missy! You have to do it - you do NOT have to take the job if it is offered. And I guess you don't *have* to do the interview, but if you don't, you're instantly limiting your options (which I know you know) and you will probably always wonder "what if?" At least this lets you see what is out there. I'm sorry you are having to juggle all this. Life never seems to hand us what we want, when we want it. But I'm convinced we always get what we need. It just takes time sometimes to figure out why it's all happening.
ReplyDeletemy dad always used to say, "turn down offers, not opportunities."
ReplyDeletein other words, don't decide right now. wait, go on the interview, gather as much information as you can.
and then the decision will make itself. it will become clear.
and also, it's great that you applied to an office near your home! this is not the only opportunity.
speaking of which, did you move yet? how's the new place? what does Finn think of it? i want some pics when you get things settled!
I agree with the other ladies. Keep your options open, no one says this job switch has to be permanent. You are also in a good position to bargain for salary - you have the skills they want and you already have a job. Good luck with your choice.
ReplyDeleteeveryone already gave such awesome advice, so I dont' really have anything to add except to say that I'm thinking of you and I know how much a stressful job can take a toll on your body! I hope it all becomes clear very soon and an opportunity comes that you do feel excited about! Fingers crossed about the possible position close to your new place (which sounds just perfect by the way!)
ReplyDeleteEveryone's comments seem insightful. I'll only add that yes, you have seemed unhappy for awhile, and a job change isn't necessarily a "forever" decision. I do understand your feelings, though. I just verbally accepted a consulting job offer, even though I really didn't want to consult! But I need a job (mine ends in Sept) and there are many, many pluses to this offer. But it's hard to leave federal agency research - as it's what I hoped to continue to do. As others have said, alleviating stress is hugely important when you're balancing as much as we balance, so that should be a big consideration. Good luck with the interviews and your decisions!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I just gotta add a strong "second" about negotiating a higher salary. Especially if your current salary is higher - I'd think they'd expect to have to pay you this much. They certainly shouldn't think less of you for asking. If I were you, I would ask for a strong raise from your current salary. They do not need to know you are unhappy at your current job.
ReplyDeleteOh man! I just recently saw Dr. S and told him I'd start seeing you again. If you get this new job I'll have to go back to him with my tail between my legs. Sigh. Hope it all works out for you.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a big change, not seeing patients at all. You probably know, I recently changed jobs (due to a layoff) and ended up with something much higher in the "quality of life" area but lower in the "something I'm passionate about" area. I think about the change every day. I love it, and I don't love it. I recently had to fill out a professional development plan and include my long-term career goals, and I realized they involve going back to what I was doing before. In your case, though, you do sound really unhappy at your current job, and it's not terribly conducive to being a mom. I do like the idea of reminding yourself that it's just "right now" and at least going ahead with the interview before you make up your mind.
ReplyDeleteYou may not like not seeing patients, but it also doesn't sound like you like your job now, where you do... I'm worried about having to change positions or jobs at some point, as my crazy weird schedule just may not mesh with any child care options. And the thought totally stresses me out. But, I'd say, do the interview, even fly to headquarters if you have the opportunity. Likely, the more info you find out, the easier the decision will become. And I agree with negotiating on the salary. You should just tell them you can't accept less than what you make now. I bet just getting out of such a stressful job you're in now - where things can't get much worse - and into something new and different will make you happier, even if you're not doing exactly what you'd prefer. Best of luck with a tough decision! Keep us updated!
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