Category: career

Now More Than Ever

On By Clinician LifestylistIn career, lifestyleLeave a comment

Facing challenges and stressful situations can expose underlying characteristics that were already there. As clinicians, we see this phenomenon when a patient with an underlying health risk factor sustains a new injury that exacerbates their overall prognosis and outcomes. On the other hand, positive  underlying traits can also be exposed by stressing the system- think of the resilience of a determined young track athlete who diligently pushes through rehab to compete again after serious injury. At the start of 2020, many health care workers were already stretched thin in our roles, managing unsupportive environments, or climbing uphill on financial and life goals, while using our resilience, flexibility, and problem solving skills to persist in our careers. The national and global events of the past year- viral pandemic, racial reckoning, threats to democracy- are exposing the underlying stresses and traits that we all have. With Clinician Lifestylist, I want to reinforce the principles and traits that are in need of exposure, now more than ever.

Responsibility for my health and well-being

At all times, and especially when faced with a set back or trauma, I’m listening to what my mind, body, and heart need. For me, striking a balance of talking to loved ones and reading guidance from experts are essential forms of support. We can all get thrown off track some times with busy, changing schedules and unexpected challenges, and now I’m resetting in maintaining the evening routines and energy producing meal scheduling that work best for me and my lifestyle.

Setting short and long term goals

A key aspect of goal-setting includes keeping my finances in order. I’m still checking the state of my accounts every week and keeping an eye on my student loans (even while they are at 0% interest with the pandemic relief package). Every month, I’m paying off as much as I can in order to get this weight off me as soon as possible, and have one less stress in my life. I’m setting my intentions for “longer term” goals of buying a house and being able to really vacation for fun, with an eye to the days when these become shorter and near term goals. I’m remaining flexible in the face of obstacles, twists and turns, and I’m open to adjusting my goals and timelines when the state of affairs calls for it.

Savoring positive moments and expressing gratitude

In the past year, I’ve changed jobs (twice!), ultimately moving into a more supportive and fulfilling role. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been able to seize. I’ve witnessed tragedy and destruction professionally and publicly, rising to provide care, while I and my closest loved ones have been relatively safe and healthy. I’m savoring my good days and reaffirming the choices that I’m making in styling my life (see also Loving Your Clinician Lifestyle).

Now more than ever we can reflect on our health and goals, identify areas of risk and resilience, and pause to appreciate where we are in this moment before looking forward. 

Keeping Money in Your Pocket: COVID-19 and Beyond

On By Clinician LifestylistIn career, lifestyle, Personal FinanceLeave a comment

I’ve been away from writing here for a little while due to major career and life changes, even before a little thing called the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic hit. What I’ve been learning on my own journey is that the best ideas on managing lifestyle work in good times and prepare you for the storms. Here are some thoughts that I hope will be of use to everyone here- whether you’re on solid footing and looking to accelerate financial growth, just starting your career and learning, or had everything turned upside down recently.

  1. Mind your money. Having mindfulness about spending allows us to track where we are at right now. Before even considering making cuts or re-prioritizing expenses, we need to know the current landscape. Think of this as the initial diagnosis before starting on a plan. I use an online platform to track spending (Mint, not an ad) and get both a snapshot and long view of how I’m doing. Turns out buying lunch here and there at local spots has been reasonable for me, but dinner- watch out!
  2. Do the debt stomp. Growing toward financial independence means breaking ties with anything controlling our lifestyle other than ourselves. In times when you have income, getting any debts out of the way is a critical step, and the faster we stomp it out, the more money saved in the long run. On the numbers side, all that interest goes back in our pockets, and then compounds in future investments! On the mental side, we’re back in the driver’s seat, baby.
  3. Go for the biggest bang. Careful spending on big ticket items like housing, cars, and travel will bring great savings. Everyday purchases are important too, since learning how to budget on these items helps sharpen the wealth growing skills, but the relative impact of saving thousands on single items is a great place to start. For me, focusing on keeping rent as low as possible in my high cost area and monitoring food expenses has kept so much extra in my pocket (and going toward financial goals). With COVID-19 restrictions, we’re all getting to see the impact of travel on our finances. What positive changes can you keep going?
  4. Do it Yourself. As much as we can in-source daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and so on, we can save money. Of course, there is a link between using support services and being able to work more hours/ have more energy, which can boost in income and allow for time in other important areas. However, while in the debt stomp and growing wealth phases, we can keep exercising the skill of keeping money in our own pockets. My decision point comes down to whether I can do the task without feeling like I’m burning out. A good run of the numbers might be helpful here too.
  5. Share with important people in your life. Talking to a partner or with close friends and family can have many benefits. Sharing plans helps to clarify my understanding and intentions, creates accountability, and draws support along the way. Being on the same page with a partner can also really help accelerate work on goals, and foster a healthy relationship. Even more, when others are in on my plans, they seem more understanding of my lifestyle and choices (e.g. trying a new cookbook vs. all the Michelin star restaurants in town; finding the best local theater vs. the touring Broadway show). 

On my journey, I have put effort into increasing my skills in lifestyle management and financial health as I entered my professional career and navigated career changes. I’m thankful for these skills as the storms have rolled in, and continue to learn beneficial lessons.

Share your biggest pocket saving tips in the Clinician Lifestylist comments below!

The Clinician Style

On By Clinician LifestylistIn career, lifestyle, Personal FinanceLeave a comment

This post is geared toward early career clinicians, but may benefit advanced career folks too! When transitioning into my new professional clinician job, I was excited to make sure I looked the part too. At the moment, I’m mostly working in an outpatient office, so I rarely put on scrubs or a white coat. I also wanted to continue growing financial independence and not break the bank by upgrading my wardrobe. Here are some key choices that I’ve made:

  1. Getting a feel for the work environment and culture. Every hospital, clinic, or office will have a different standard of dress, whether stated or implicit. If you are in a department or group practice, it’s great to start by looking at how more senior professionals. I like to meet or exceed senior clinicians in dress level, within my own lifestyle guidelines as far as brands, number of pieces, and actual cost.
  2. Getting the full picture of what’s already in the closet. I start off the wardrobe plan by opening my closet doors and pulling out any clothes in storage. Since the middle of my main grad school years, I’ve had some work clothes that were shoved aside when not needed for hospital rotations, or was just getting tired of them and wanting some new clothes for internship and residency years. Even after donating and selling a bunch of items before moves, I still had some nice pieces that hadn’t been worn for awhile but were still stylish and well fitting enough to bring back in a new setting.
  3. Checking out thrifted options before buying new. Online marketplaces are also a stop before new retail. If new is a must, I like to see if the store is listed on coupon code websites or try waiting for a sale to come along.
  4. Good grooming goes a long way. Whether you’re lower or higher maintenance with your look, not underestimate the value of solid grooming to elevate style. I’m a fan of the “5-minute face,” approach to using a few basic makeup and hair products. For guys, a regular trim and some moisture on the face or lips can do the trick. Lastly, doctors, let’s not forget that our hands and nails are often on display!

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

  1. Pockets, pockets, and more pockets in tops and bottoms
  2. Wedge dress shoes for comfort and style
  3. Grown up backpack for commuting
  4. Hospital logo fleece jacket lives in the office
  5. Hair comb lives in a desk drawer