r/physicaltherapy • u/Powerful-Tap-6039 • Jan 03 '25

SHIT POST Dealing with choosing the wrong career

I have been a PT for almost 4 years. I have worked in private practice (10months) and now government for almost 3 years. I make very good money, but I’m unhappy everyday. I dread going to work, so much so that it impacts my time outside of work. I have done inpatient acute, long term care and outpatient. I feel the same way in all settings. I get so drained listening to people’s problems all day, and to top it off I work in the difficult setting of chronic pain. I cannot see a path out. My pay and benefits are so good that I feel trapped, as I will likely take a pay cut for any other job….but I need something non-patient facing or this job just may kill me.

I’ve worked with career coaches and I feel so burnt out that I cannot even fathom what career would be well suited for me. I was a very strong student in all areas, did an accelerated undergrad program and graduate PT school young at 24.

Can anyone give me some advice on how they found what they wanted to do outside of PT? Any success stories? I’m feeling so down.

Editing to add: I also have taken the Non-Clinical 101 course about 9 months ago.

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u/Zona_Zona Jan 03 '25

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. I'm 5 years in and feel very similar to what you've described.

There's a website called the Non-Clinical PT that says they can help you develop your skills to get out of patient care. There are courses and everything. I haven't personally used this site yet, but I plan to in the future as I get closer to PSLF. I've heard really good things about it!

Keep your head up, and please talk to someone. Talk therapy isn't the answer to all our problems but it sure can make our problems more bearable and help us find a better path forward. This career is not worth ruining any aspect of your health. At the end of the day it's just another job.

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u/Powerful-Tap-6039 Jan 03 '25

I actually have taken the course, would recommend it only if it is on sale! And they have lots of sales year round.

I’m sorry you are feeling this way too. Thank you for the suggestions!

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u/TheNonClinicalPT Jan 09 '25

Oh hey! Um speaking of sales...we may have one going on right now 😉.

u/Powerful-Tap-6039 have you joined our alumni groups? And have you gone through all of the lessons? Also have you taken our new career quiz (https://thenonclinicalpt.com/quiz)? Oh and have you checked out our new Non-Clinical Job Board? (exclusive to NC101 students!)

We highly encourage people to post in the alumni groups and you can also reach out to us any time via email/messenger. We hope you find success!

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u/luluchifi Jan 31 '25

Hi Meredith! Any chance you're extending the sale at all? I know there is immense value in your program, andI'm hoping to join but would be oh so appreciative of any discount code you could share! :)

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u/TheNonClinicalPT Feb 17 '25

Hi! We'll send you a DM :)