Tell me how you are doing after leaving GP

[paperfarm]

Had my last day yesterday. I feel incredibly sad but also knew I had no choice. I couldn't go on any longer with the workload and stress. I have no plans at all, beyond smiling and sleeping once again. What have you done? How are you coping?

[privateandnhsgp]

Well done for taking positive steps to safeguard yourself and your family.

I know several colleagues that have left. Some have gone onto non-NHS but medical roles (it's probably the NHS that is the problem rather then medicine per se) and some have left medicine entirely. All are MUCH happier than before.

We're conditioned to feel guilty about this kind of thing. - it's why Government (and sad to say the public) take advantage of us so easily. There actually isn't any need to - there's no benefit to killing yourself (literally) trying to prop up a broken system.

Please get some rest, thank you for your service.

[LunaTheCat]

You are very very brave! I am a GP - not in the Uk - there is no way I would cope.
Last year I just hit the wall and took 5 weeks off - it was life saving.
The pressure of the job is huge and expectations higher than can reasonably be expected.
Have you booked to see your own GP?
That can be very helpful.
💐

[Theredjellybean]

I left over ten yrs ago to go into a non NHS, non patient but medical related role.
Its fantastic... Think policy, education sort of thing.
I work 9-5 in hugely flexible role, senior position, six figure salary, and I'm actually respected by colleagues, external stakeholders etc for being a doctor.
Love my job now, I am early 50's and can happily see me doing this until I retired late 60's.
I got "sneery" comments from other doctors at the time.. About how people who can't do it teach and those that can't teach regulate... And definitely felt they thought I wasn't a proper doctor.. Well who cares???
Now I just get asked all the time how I got my job and how they can get one too... ☺
I do still do a weekend day in vaccination clinic or oohs.. Cus I like one day a week seeing patients, with no long term responsibility to them, and no practise hassle. The money is good too.
So hurrah for you OP.. You have made a great decision, if you like medicine in general then there are so many roles outside of traditional primary care, thar allow for a good life work balance and a satisfying career.