DON’T MAKE FINANCIAL SHOCKS
Tax is paid based upon the expectation of earning. HMRC like to be in credit. If you earn a lot suddenly, HMRC will want to increase your tax to be back in credit, expecting you to continue earning a lot in the future. If you reduce your work suddenly, you may still have a large tax bill to pay before your tax burden reduces.
YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY THE NHS TO WORK IN THE NHS
Once qualified you are an independent GP. You do not have to work in the NHS if you don’t want to. You don’t have to work in the UK if you don’t want to. The style of work that you are currently used to is just the NHS – it doesn’t all work like that. There are many jobs open to you by virtue of being a GP, not just being a GP.
GUIDANCE IS JUST GUIDANCE
When NHSE releases a new document suggesting what you must do, unless it’s in your contract – it’s just guidance. You don’t have to do it. However, you may have to justify why you didn’t follow the guidance.
FIND YOUR TRIBE
Your happiness will depend greatly upon the people around you. If you are not surrounded by people you like and like you, people you will protect and will protect you, people you will nurture and will nurture you, move on.
YOUR EDUCATION ISN’T OVER
Whilst you are taking your time to settle into your new role as a GP, your competitors are taking the next steps on their career journey. Downtime could be wasted time. Think carefully before taking your foot off the gas.
YOUR EDUCATION ISN’T OVER
Whilst you are taking your time to settle into your new role as a GP, your competitors are taking the next steps on their career journey. Downtime could be wasted time. Think carefully before taking your foot off the gas.
DON’T FALL FOR GROUP THINK
All large bodies of people develop institutionalised behaviours. Some are healthy, and some are less so. Be aware of the environment you are in and decide for yourself whether or not you wish to conform to the institution or not. Do not follow behaviours blindly. Good people do bad things all the time simply because slipping standards are accepted by the group. The delineation between acceptable and harmful isn’t always immediately clear.
YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE
Despite now being an independent qualified GP, you are not alone. There is a well-established network of people and organisations who will help, nurture and support you, irrespective of what happens to you in your personal and professional life. If you need help, reach out. Sooner rather than later.
CELEBRATE YOURSELF
What you have achieved so far in life is incredible. You should be very proud. Don’t wait for other people to celebrate your successes. You could be waiting a long time…