Why I Quit My Job: A Journey from Burnout to Thrivation

“I can’t do this anymore.” It was a thought that had been lingering in the back of my mind for months, slowly creeping into every part of my day. It would quiet itself for a while, then resurface again with a vengeance. As a family physician and faculty, I had spent years dedicating myself to high-quality education and caring for others, but somewhere along the way, I lost sight of caring for myself.

The decision to quit my job wasn’t made lightly. Like many of you, I poured my heart, soul, and countless hours into my work. I navigated the demanding landscape of medicine, pushing through the exhaustion and stress because that’s what we were trained to do. We’re told that the sacrifices are worth it, that the sleepless nights, the missed family moments, and the constant pressure are just part of the job.

But what happens when those sacrifices start to take more than they give? What happens when you find yourself burned out, frustrated, and questioning the very path you once felt so passionate about?

The Breaking Point

For me, it wasn’t one specific moment that led to my decision to quit—it was the accumulation of countless small moments, each one chipping away at my soul. I found myself becoming increasingly irritable, disconnected from my loved ones, and emotionally exhausted. I realized that the very things that once brought me joy—spending time with my daughter and being present with my family—were now overshadowed by the relentless demands of my job. I was losing touch with the person I wanted to be, as a physician and, more importantly, as a mother and partner.

I was angry—angry at the system that seemed to value productivity over human connection, angry at myself for not being able to “tough it out” and make things better, and angry that the career I had worked so hard to build was no longer fulfilling me the way that it used to. This was not how I thought I’d feel after working so hard to get here.

But beneath the anger was a deeper truth: I was afraid. Afraid that if I continued on this path, I would lose precious time with my daughter. Afraid that I would miss her first steps, her milestones, and the moments that truly matter. I was terrified of not being present, of not being the mother I wanted her to have, and not being the wife and daughter I wanted to be. And perhaps most of all, I feared that if I didn’t make a change, I would carry the regret of those lost moments for the rest of my life.

The Decision to Quit

Quitting my job felt like both a failure and a liberation. It meant stepping away from the identity I had built over years of hard work, an identity that had defined me for so long. There was a deep sense of mourning in letting go of that version of myself, but it also opened the door to reclaiming my health, my happiness, and my life.

More than anything, it was a realization of my values — particularly my need for autonomy and my commitment to integrity—that pushed me to make this decision. I knew there had to be a better way to teach and practice medicine, one that aligned more closely with maintaining my well-being, supporting the education we provide to learners, and ensuring the high quality care my patients deserve. I had to be honest with myself: this job, in its current form, was no longer serving me. It was time to make a change, not just for my own sake, but for the sake of my family, the residents I am responsible for modeling, and the patients I am dedicated to helping.

What I Learned

Quitting my job wasn’t just about leaving a position—it was about redefining what success and happiness meant to me. It was about understanding that my well-being matters, that it’s okay to step back and reassess what’s truly important. I learned that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away from something that isn’t right for you, even if it’s something you once loved.

Since making that decision, I’ve embarked on a profound journey of rediscovery. I’ve learned to prioritize both my mental and physical health, recognizing that they are the foundation of everything else in my life. Setting boundaries became essential—not just in my professional life, but in every aspect of my life—allowing me to thrive rather than merely survive. This journey has taught me the importance of staying true to my values and knowing that it’s essential to live a “life by design” that aligns with those values, even if it means taking an unexpected path.

Most importantly, this experience has fueled my passion for helping other early-career physicians who feel the same way I did—stuck, frustrated, and unsure of how to make a change. I’m committed to guiding them through their own journeys, helping them find the courage to prioritize their well-being and discover new ways to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Moving Forward

This blog is a space where I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned along the way, from dealing with burnout and work-life balance to finding joy and fulfillment in your career. If you’re feeling like I did—angry, frustrated, and stuck—know that you’re not alone, and that change is possible.

You don’t have to feel trapped in a job that’s draining you—whether it's by changing your mindset, setting boundaries, or exploring new opportunities, there are ways to make it work for you. There are different paths, other ways to practice medicine, and ways to live a life that brings you joy and satisfaction while staying true to your values. I’m here to help you discover those paths, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire you to take that first step toward reclaiming your life.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s work together in building a life where you don’t just survive—you thrive.