As some of you may (or may not) know, I have been on a bit of a hiatus from practicing dentistry.
And, I like it.
However, to leave for good right now wasn’t the plan. I can’t lie – I’ve been secretly wishing that I might be able to, but financially it’s just not feasible. Eventually, I will make it happen.
I am fortunate that I am seeking a position for 2 days/week versus full-time. Most job postings are for full-time but I am still reaching out to them, acknowledging that I do read it is a full-time job.
I state my experience and that I am seeking a job 2 days/ week. I ask that if it’s a possibility to please let me know. If not, no harm, no foul.
And, it feels good.
It feels good to know what I want and be firm and definitive about it.
In the past, I would often get swayed by what the job wanted and bend like a feeble tree in the wind.
Now, I’m staying rooted in my needs like a 100 year old oak. This time the wind may blow but I’m not swaying.
So, why does this feel so good?
One of my first thoughts is that by standing firm in what I want is a sign of confidence and the belief I can get it.
Second is that doing this is a form of self-care!
Say what?! I thought self-care was wine and bubble baths.
Self-care can most certainly can be wine and bubble baths, but more importantly it’s setting boundaries and taking care of one’s needs (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). I’ve learned in the past working in dentistry full-time is not good for me. By not good for me I mean not good for my mental health, nor my physical health quite frankly!
And by all means if you are a full-time dentist and it’s filling you up, keep on keepin’ on but for myself and many others, it is not. And that’s ok! We all need to stand firm in our needs. And, our needs are all different! This life, this profession, is not a one-size-fits-all. And thank goodness for that!
Too often others tell us what to do or we are influenced by what everyone else is doing. I encourage you to pay attention to what your needs are and do what’s best for you, not what anyone else tells you or what anyone else does. Believe me, it feels good!