As we move toward the halfway point of 2025, May is an ideal time for physicians to pause and take stock– not just of your workload, but of your long-term career goals. Whether you’re feeling burnt out or inspired, a few check-ins this month can set the stage for meaningful growth and change.
1. Reflect: Are You Where You Want to Be?
Mid-year is a natural checkpoint. Ask yourself:
- Do I still feel accomplished and fulfilled?
- Am I supported by my team and leadership?
- Are my long-term goals still aligned with my current role?
Even if you’re not actively job searching, these questions can help you gauge your professional well-being, and flag areas that may need change.
2. Recharge: Prioritize Your Own Wellness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder that physician wellness matters. If you’ve been putting your needs last, consider what boundaries and habits you could adjust. Whether it’s taking time off, setting limits on after-hours call, or reconnecting with what brings you joy outside of medicine, small changes can have a big impact on how you feel at work and at home.
Ask yourself, what makes me happy? Is it time with family? Creative hobbies? Reading a good book without interruption? Identifying the things that bring you genuine joy, and making space for them, can help restore a sense of balance that’s often lost in the daily demands of clinical work. Remember, protecting your mental health is an investment in your longevity as a healer.
3. Refocus: Set Intentional Goals
Not every goal has to be a dramatic shift! Career growth can be quiet and strategic. You might explore adding a new certification, taking on a teaching or leadership opportunity, or adjusting your schedule to strengthen your professional satisfaction. Revisiting your goals at least quarterly can keep you aligned with what matters to you most.
This is also a great time to assess what “success” means to you. Is it more flexibility? A new patient population? A return to academic medicine, or a step away from it? Even if you’re content, speaking with a recruiter can offer clarity and perspective, helping you make informed decisions before contract renewals come into play.
Remember to write down your goals! Visualizing what you want and seeing it on paper makes it more tangible. Break each goal down into manageable steps and give yourself a loose timeline. This simple habit increases follow-through and helps you track progress throughout the year!
Let May be the month that you pause, plan, and start steering toward the future you want.
We’re here to help you explore new job opportunities confidently and confidentially. Call (800) 880-2028 today for a free career evaluation. May your May be bountiful!
