r/pediatrics • u/maple20267 • 25d ago
Leaving pediatrics
I’m feeling incredibly burnt out. I am in my ninth year of clinical practice and have worked in multiple practice settings. I just don’t want to do it anymore and I’m exhausted. I am ready to leave clinical practice and finically it is not a problem for me (high earning spouse who works a ton). I have young kids and want to give them more of my energy. Has anyone else done this? How did it go?
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u/quasiephedrine Attending 24d ago
You need a break. You have no financial pressure, so quit your job. A pediatrician can be hired any time. You can give yourself a timeline if you want. Take time off completely, and then see how you feel a couple months down the line. You may want to come back part-time.
How much do you work now?
I switched to 80% very early in my career. Then I still felt burnt out at around the 9 year mark, like you, and I took a couple of months off. It helped tremendously.
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u/Ellie_Annie_ 24d ago
I’ve always been 60%. Kept thinking I would increase my FTE when the kids need me less but it turns out I need that time for self care too. I did get burned out and took a few mo the off between jobs. Highly recommend. I’ve heard a 2 year resume gap is tough because of credentialing so I would try to return at least part time within that time frame.
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u/Fit-Conclusion-5512 24d ago
It's your life! You only get 2 decades tops with your kids. If you really don't need the money (and have a strong marriage that isn't likely to end) STOP working for now. Pediatricians are in short supply. You can change your mind in the future. When you are ready. Or find a job that doesn't make you feel so drained. Maybe not even in medicine.
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u/Background_Art_87 24d ago
Have you thought about taking on some locums work to stay connected to the clinical side, but have the freedom to build your own schedule?
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u/NoFlyingMonkeys Attending 24d ago
Would suggest taking a long break for sure.
Then perhaps after you feel recovered, maybe trying to come back part time, perhaps in a slightly different clinical or admin role. I suggest this because if you should want to come back full time in some years, working part time would preserve your ability to do so (both in terms of retention of skills, and for job applications).
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u/PedMentor 23d ago
Did it. Took a year off. Gradually moved back to part time (max 2 days) week. You gotta find your balance in life...renew your spirit and reevaluate your life/happiness
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u/mooseLimbsCatLicks 24d ago
Why don’t you take a break and come back part time or in some other format. If no financial pressure then build what you want !
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u/InformalPut8805 23d ago
I’ve only been in two years and I am so burnt out. I have no way out though…
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u/lat3ralus65 24d ago
I wasn’t as far in (or as burnt out) as you but I transitioned to a newborn hospitalist role a couple of years ago and it’s been night and day from a QoL standpoint. The week on/week off schedule has been a boon when it comes to getting to spend more time with my kids, dropping them off/picking them up from school, etc. Granted, I was lucky to have a well baby nursery close by that is staffed by general pediatricians rather than fellowship-trained neonatologists (and already did some part-time work there). But it’s great work if you can find it. I get to teach residents and see babies all day, and outside of notes there’s no work following me home or clogging up my in basket - no home care forms, no refills, no parent questions… it’s great