If that headline grabbed your attention, it’s likely that you are either on vacation or wish you were! By definition, vacation is the time you spend on travel or recreation – away from work. So, how is it possible to make your next physician practice feel like a vacation?
If you pick the right practice in the right place, it is possible to enjoy some of the feelings, sensations, and experiences you have on vacation on an everyday basis.
It takes a bit of personal introspection and a good guide who can help you align what makes you happy on vacation with a job that delivers those same satisfiers both within the practice and outside of work.
First, take inventory of what you love about vacation (other than not being at work)!
- Time: How do you spend your time on vacation? Do you plan to see, do or learn new things? Do you enroll in a course or take on a project? Do you recharge through reading, contemplation or the fine art of “doing nothing”?
- People: Describe the energy you get from the people you are around when vacationing. Do you find solitude restorative, or do you enjoy traveling with a group? If you have a family, what are things you do together, and how do you like to spend any alone time?
- Surroundings: What are the must-haves for your vacation destinations? Do they include access to water and mountains, or nightlife and culture? Do you relish challenging exercise or spa treatments? Are you all-in for local cuisine, history and notable sites? Maybe there is a hobby or special interest at the top of your list.
Next, explore how a potential practice opportunity and community align not only with “Dr. You,” but also with “Vacation You.”
Do not be afraid to ask your recruiter lots of questions. They understand that your medical skills – which can be applied in nearly any setting – are in high demand. Their goal is to differentiate each opportunity by showing you how they can meet your goals for quality of practice and quality of life.
Give them plenty of insight about your priorities so that they can customize the schedule for your interview. You will need ample opportunity to see how the amenities and culture – of both the organization and the community – will contribute to your overall work/life experience. Remember, you want to see and hear about the things that will evoke the same energy you feel on vacation.
Is the practice team-based or mostly autonomous? What group activities or committees are part of the job? Is time available for research, continuing education, medical missions or sabbaticals?
Does the facility offer yoga class, hiking trails, a meditation garden or gym? If there is onsite daycare, you may be able to drop in for lunch or special activities with your children. Do colleagues and their families enjoy any similar hobbies and interests as you and your family?
The U.S. is full of best-kept secrets. Some may be minutes away from fishing, horse trails, wineries or water sports that you normally must wait to enjoy on vacation. There may be fabulous dining and entertainment nearby that will make weekends special, or enough local history to allow you to be a tourist in your own town.
When you identify the restorative aspects of vacation that are unique to you, the choice of practice opportunities will become clear. The sum of positive team dynamics, small daily pleasures, local amenities and weekend excursions will go a long way toward making work feel more like a vacation.
Jackson Physician Search recruiters personally visit their client’s location so they can help candidates accurately evaluate fit. If you want to know more about any of our physician opportunities, please contact us.
