One year ago I walked way from medicine at the peak of my career at age 56. I was in an academic practice and was considered a key player with accolades, grateful patients, residents who looked up to me, and peers who respected me. Many were shocked that I could walk away from all of that, but they didn't see the stress of medical practice that I felt day in and day out as I cared for serious medical issues in a continually worsening practice environment. My wife and others who knew me were worried that I would miss it, and there was a pool at work as to when I would come back to work.
From my point of view it was like flipping a switch as I went from a busy practice to an awesome retirement. I had recruited a replacement doctor so I knew my patients would continue to receive good care. My first year away from work has arguably been the best in my life. My wife says I am happier than she has ever seen me. When I ran into my old secretary, she accused me of using botox because the stress was all gone from my face.
Here is a partial list of some of the things I have done with my new freedom:
Completed 2 triathlons
Climbed my first 14er in Colorado (Mountain higher than 14,000 ft)
Hiked in Yosemite
Snorkeled in the Florida Keys
Went on a cycling tour with my buddies on the Natchez Trace Parkway
3 International vacations to Europe, Mexico, and Dominican Republic
Started a blog for physicians considering retirement (0 $ so hobby not work)
Read books for fun instead of journals
It is ridiculous how much fun I am having.
Other doctors I talk to seem to have 3 responses:
The ones older than me that are still working seem downright hostile and imply I am wasting my time. They have no clue how they would spend their days.
The ones that are younger want to know how I did it and tell me I am their role model.
The ones my age that are starting to feel like I did either have no hopes of retiring because they wouldn't be able to continue their expensive lifestyle, or they are watching me to see if I am bored and unhappy.
I think that one of the advantages of retiring early was that I am able to physically do what I want and am motivated to take on new challenges. I have obviously been traveling a lot, but my travel budget goes farther since I enjoy inexpensive activities and my flexible schedule allows me to find good deals.
My motto is Time> $ which is something I learned from reading this forum. Thanks to everyone here for all you have taught me.
From my point of view it was like flipping a switch as I went from a busy practice to an awesome retirement. I had recruited a replacement doctor so I knew my patients would continue to receive good care. My first year away from work has arguably been the best in my life. My wife says I am happier than she has ever seen me. When I ran into my old secretary, she accused me of using botox because the stress was all gone from my face.
Here is a partial list of some of the things I have done with my new freedom:
Completed 2 triathlons
Climbed my first 14er in Colorado (Mountain higher than 14,000 ft)
Hiked in Yosemite
Snorkeled in the Florida Keys
Went on a cycling tour with my buddies on the Natchez Trace Parkway
3 International vacations to Europe, Mexico, and Dominican Republic
Started a blog for physicians considering retirement (0 $ so hobby not work)
Read books for fun instead of journals
It is ridiculous how much fun I am having.
Other doctors I talk to seem to have 3 responses:
The ones older than me that are still working seem downright hostile and imply I am wasting my time. They have no clue how they would spend their days.
The ones that are younger want to know how I did it and tell me I am their role model.
The ones my age that are starting to feel like I did either have no hopes of retiring because they wouldn't be able to continue their expensive lifestyle, or they are watching me to see if I am bored and unhappy.
I think that one of the advantages of retiring early was that I am able to physically do what I want and am motivated to take on new challenges. I have obviously been traveling a lot, but my travel budget goes farther since I enjoy inexpensive activities and my flexible schedule allows me to find good deals.
My motto is Time> $ which is something I learned from reading this forum. Thanks to everyone here for all you have taught me.
