The unknown can be scary, but don’t let it keep you in a position where you aren’t fully satisfied. Changing jobs can be an emotional process. Whether the change is positively motivated or otherwise, it’s a decision that can alter the course of your career. It’s important not to leave this big decision up to your emotional whims. Thoroughly list out the pros and cons in order to make sure your choice is the right one.
This advice, true for any job change, is especially prescient when it comes to anesthesiology positions, including CRNAs. Because of all the different ways anesthesiology practices contract to get their work done, there is an extra layer to consider when evaluating possible positions.
Do Your Research
Do your research not only on your potential employer but also on yourself. Why do you want to leave your current position? Is it because you are unfulfilled, or is it because of the end of a residency? If you’re a new CRNA, ask yourself who you ultimately want to be as a professional. Is your job choice lining up with your answer?
This may seem like too much soul-searching for a job change, but you’ll simply exchange old problems for new ones your whole career if you can’t answer these questions.
Put Pen to Paper
Now that you know yourself, it’s time to get to know your current and potential employers. Ask as many questions as you can to the potential new employer so you have all the facts. Remember they are going to emphasize the positive and hide the negative, so try to talk with someone either at the company or who has recently left to get an honest opinion on the work environment.
For your current employer, can you leave on good terms? If your job change turns out to be unsatisfactory, can you return to your current position? Look out for noncompetes! Check out your job contract to make sure you know inside and out what the limits will be if you leave your position. If you need references for your job search, will your current employer provide them? Is confidentiality important? You don’t want to impact your current position if your employer finds out you are looking for a new job.
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Consider the Details
Besides the objective, there are many intangibles involved in a job change. Will you have to move to accept a new position? Changing locations is a whole other challenging layer when starting a new job. It’s also important to consider how the change will impact your family. By looking ahead to the next six months, and the next six years, you will get a better idea of the long-term impact a job change can have.
Does your new job have professional growth opportunities and mentors? Is this a traditional or nontraditional anesthesiology position? If you’ve been in the OR or a clinic your entire career, you may not have ever considered other academic pathways. You may discover a career choice that opens up a whole new world of anesthesiology positions.
Take charge of your anesthesiology career! The field is about to experience a tremendous amount of growth, so you will have a world of options available. Make sure you’re not just leaving an old job, but choosing your new one.
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