Why It’s Important to Take Time Off After Residency and Before Starting Your Attending Job

Finishing residency is a big deal – it’s the end of years of hard work, long hours, and personal sacrifices. As you switch from being a resident to an attending physician, it’s super important to take some time off before jumping into your new role, in my opinion. Read my blog on things you should remind yourself of as a new attending physician next. Here are reasons why and how long I took off and what I did during my time off:

Reasons Why I Did and You Should:

• Mental and Emotional Reset
  Residency can be extremely demanding, often leading to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Taking some time off allows you to relax and recharge mentally and emotionally. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, process them, and mentally prepare for the new responsibilities and challenges ahead. This break can help you begin your attending job with a clear mind and renewed enthusiasm.
• Physical Health and Well-being
  The grueling schedule of residency can take a toll on your physical health. Long shifts, irregular sleep patterns, and high stress can lead to fatigue and other health issues. A break allows you to catch up on sleep, establish healthier routines, and focus on your physical well-being. 
• Quality Time with Loved Ones
  During residency, time with family and friends is often limited. Taking time off allows you to reconnect with your loved ones, strengthening those relationships and creating cherished memories.

• Personal Growth and Exploration
  Taking a break between residency and starting your attending job offers a rare opportunity for personal growth and exploration. Whether you choose to travel, pursue hobbies, or learn new skills, this period can enrich your life in ways that go beyond your medical career. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can lead to a more balanced and well-rounded life.
• Professional Reflection and Goal Setting
  Taking time off allows you to reflect on your professional journey thus far and helps you set clear goals for your future. Consider what kind of attending physician you want to be, the values you want to uphold, and the impact you wish to make. This period of reflection can help you enter your new role with a clear vision and a sense of purpose.
• Preventing Burnout
  Starting your attending job immediately after residency without a break can increase the risk of burnout. Taking time off allows you to recover from the intensive training period and reduce the likelihood of experiencing burnout early in your career. This proactive approach can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling medical career.

How Long I Took Off Between Residency and Attending Job

I took about 2.5 months off. I had people who supported that and people who advised against it. The main reason most people do not or cannot is financial. I knew I wanted to do this in advance, so I made financial decisions that allowed me to take the time off and still be able to pay my bills. I would advise keeping your finances in mind and preparing ahead of time. 

What I Did During my Time Off

I started new hobbies and restarted old hobbies. I did a lot of self-care and self-reflection, especially since I had to put a lot of my emotional grief with the loss of my mom aside to get through residency. I focused on doing and being a lot of the things listed above under Reasons Why I Did and You Should. And you bet I TRAVELED!! Right before the start of my attending job, I went to one of my favorite cities, London, England. I was comfortable to go on my own and just do things on my own since I had been there several times in the past. I also did some shopping for my attending job while I was there. It was a perfect end to my time off and I was very excited for the next chapter to begin!

Have you been convinced yet?!?

Honestly, it’s really important for your overall well-being. It’s like an investment in your mental, emotional, and physical health, ensuring you kick off your attending career feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to thrive. So, take this chance to relax, reconnect, and think about things, and set the stage for a rewarding and balanced medical career.

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Much love,