Ah, the ol’ burn out factor. As we wrap up the year and enter the new, many healthcare professionals start to ask themselves this fundamental question. “Should I try something different in the new year?” We have all been there, and with the job market offering plenty of options, some find themselves at this crossroad once again.
So, here are some of the pros and cons that we are seeing as we move into 2023. Good and bad of course, but the options for healthcare providers have honestly never been better. Wages are up, growth opportunities are available, and many healthcare facilities are rolling out the red carpets. However, this does not mean they can be taken advantage of. Every employer has limits, but many who once had the “take it or leave it” mentality when it came to negotiations, are now finding themselves more willing to make some concessions.
Negotiating a Better Wage: Tips for Healthcare Providers
You can likely negotiate a better wage. I see it every day, and I work to help healthcare providers navigate the new offers, and the counter offers. This can be uncomfortable for many healthcare workers who have been reluctant to stir things up, and I get it. You’ve had a good thing, but now it’s time to ask the boss for more money. You have a good relationship with your director, and maybe you’re even friends. But now, it is time to get paid. I would like to caution you about putting too much pressure on the boss, because most of the time, it will not be his/her final decision. Many times, this requires Human Resources approval, and well, we all know how that works. However, see our previous article on The Right Way To Negotiate Pay, and it gives you specific tips on how to go about this process.
Getting a Better Schedule: What You Need to Know
You might get a better schedule. Other than money, this seems to be the main reason to leave a job. You’ve been on nights, evenings, or weekends, and have paid your dues. Now you want a normal schedule so you can have a normal life. This one can be tricky because chances are, even the place you are interviewing at might only have these same shifts available. This is because they have already fielded the grievances of their own staff who were working nights and weekends, and have moved them to days to try to keep the peace. This obviously leaves management to backfill these new overnight and weekend shifts. You might be able to get more money, but the schedule you want might not be available.
Advancement Opportunities: Available Leadership Roles in Healthcare
Advancement opportunities are available. Right now, our organization has more than a dozen openings for leadership roles. Of course, this changes weekly, but it is not normal compared to previous years. In years past, we might have one or two leadership roles available in any given month, but times are different right now. This might include a position as a Lead Tech, Supervisor, Manager or Director. Many people are looking to move their careers forward, and this might be the time to do it.
Job Change Discomfort: Overcoming Fear of Change
First, making a job change can be uncomfortable. While this might be true, the discomfort should be somewhat forgotten when all the new and wonderful benefits of your new job finally kick in. Consider it a cold shower, or a hard workout. Sure, it’s uncomfortable, but the benefits far outweigh the short-term discomfort. The fact is many people must relocate in order to get the ideal position they seek. Here at RSG Health Services, we help relocate dozens of technologists each year. Finding that ideal job in your local market can be challenging, especially for people who live in rural areas or smaller cities.
Real Estate Market Concerns: Selling Your Home for the Right Job
The real estate market is a bit unfavorable. This is a variable for some folks, but not all. If you have no real estate, then you are good to go. However, for those who do, you just need to plan accordingly. You can probably still recognize significant equity in the sale of your home, but your new rate might be a bit higher. As we all know, this is a short-term situation, but it still needs to be considered. Some will consider an adjustable-rate mortgage that still remains fairly low, and then refinance down the road when things begin to normalize. For the right job, don’t let selling your home deter you from making the move.
Fear of Failure: Taking Necessary Steps to Move Forward in Your Career
Fear. Simply put, most don’t move because they are afraid of failure. We have all done this. You know, avoid what might happen. For those who can overcome this, the rewards are there, and I know dozens of people who have done it. As a recruiter for more than 28 years, I still talk with people every day who are so excited that they are finally taking the necessary steps to get out of a bad situation, or to advance beyond the mundane.
Conclusion: Why Healthcare is Still a Great Profession in 2023
Finally, I’d like to say that healthcare is still a great profession. The last two years have been extremely difficult on many people I have worked with, and it will continue to have its challenges. But you know what? This is not uncommon. Literally every profession from retail to healthcare is struggling to find good workers. I would like to encourage you to dip your toes in the water. Don’t be mistreated, undervalued, and overworked. With all the challenges we have to work through in our profession, there is also a lot of good out there. Great employers. Great locations. Great people to work with. Don’t stay in a bad situation, because you can change it.
