When physicians hire me for coaching, they are looking for relief. The weight of charting, understaffing, and productivity pressure has taken a toil. Some are experiencing burnout. Some are fed up with their organization. Some are feeling disillusioned with medicine.They are chomping at the bit for radical change, immediately. 

But they also fear landing in more of the same, leaving the proverbial frying pan and ending up in the fire.

 At this point, I share an analogy: summiting Mount Everest. 

 Climbers whose goal is scaling Mount Everest first spend time in one of two basecamps. They don’t expect to hop from the foothills to the summit. They recognize that they will be healthier and have a better chance of reaching their goal if they make their first challenge reaching basecamp.

 Once there, they spend time resting, acclimatizing, and waiting for the right conditions—all to increase their chances of reaching the summit.

 When working with a client who’s looking for job change, I suggest they slow down. I explain that being intentional about the process helps them run towards something and, as a bonus, avoid future decision regret. 

 If they have tried tweaks at their current job with no relief and are set on a change, I suggest that they consider dividing their search into two phases: 

1. Looking for basecamp, which is a job that will let them regroup and recover
2. Looking for Everest, which is a position that works for them and that they’re passionate about

 When you’re confused and exhausted, it’s really hard to find your Everest. Focusing first on locating your basecamp is a more achievable goal. That basecamp job provides the space, time, and energy to eventually discover what you REALLY want to be doing.

 This analogy can be useful with other decisions as well. If you’re moving across the country, could you rent first to acclimate before buying a home? If you’re thinking of adopting a pet, could you borrow a friend’s dog for a week?

 Breaking down changes into smaller goals makes them easier to start and more likely to be successful. 

If you’re thinking about a job change to escape one that’s not working, slow down. And, if you’d like some guidance in finding your basecamp or your Everest, the next step is a conversation. Message me to schedule some time.