Comments on: 10 Signs You Need a New Job

By: Lolabees

Lolabees — Thu, 06 May 2021 18:49:06 +0000

In reply to Alina. Alina, that must be frustrating. I have a friend who is a dentist in Belgium who helps other dentists with this type of stuff. Would you like me to connect you with her? If so, fill out the contact form on here, and I'll connect you two.

By: Alina

Alina — Thu, 06 May 2021 09:02:11 +0000

Hi again!
Well it seems that my “career counseling” sessions did not help me as I thought they might.
Funny and disappointing in the same time for me.The only main idea that came off the sesions was that the career test I took(the Holland test) could not be validated which was quite a surprise for the career counselor, who specified that it never happened before and who also suggested I might have burn out or chronic fatigue.
That was really disappointing the hear it from her, but the big deal is that is not a therapist so it was just a person’s opinion and that made me overcome the moment more easier.
Also I was connected with an actual therapist at the time who expressed that she doesn’t really believes in tests 100% and I agree with her and she also helped to see this is not such a big drama.
And if learned something from doing dentistry is that you need to overcome stress on a daily basis.
So I started doing some classes for Excel just to see how it feels and also have a degree at the end, because most of the job ads require this ability and I am considering doing even more, even though I don’t know the exact profession I would like.
I have also joined a few fb groups with job ads in HR, payroll , IT recruitment etc.
Sometimes I am really afraid to leave behind the only thing I know wich is dentistry but in the same time the only thing I know still gives me anxiety.
I am not so sure I can retire from dentistry. Meaning having to work in general dentistry for another 30 years?
When I put things in that perspective it becomes more obvious that I am still not so fond of it.
At least not how I should be.

By: Lolabees

Lolabees — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:03:39 +0000

In reply to Alina.

Oh yes, I completely understand. I lived in Spain for a year and remember how hard it was for me to really express myself in a second language. I would have never known based on your writing. You express yourself very well in writing in English! Your self-doubt and indecision is so normal based on the stage you are in. I hope you are able to get some great results with your coach! Remember… most people can’t do dentistry, so if you can do this, you can do anything. 🙂

Actually, just thought of something… I am hosting a free career change masterclass this Sunday at 8 pm UK time. You should join. It’s free, and you can just watch. You don’t have to say anything! Here is my blog post about it with information and links to register. https://www.lolabeescareercoaching.com/free-dentist-career-change-masterclass-2-2/

By: Alina

Alina — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:43:17 +0000

I thank you for your supportive message. I do believe that this is the only place where the other one understands you completely. I did feel curiouse to dig into a few career counseling sessions because I never tried it until now and because if I am to make a decision at least I can make a more realistic choice. It isn’t that I do not want to work with you but because my speaking in English is more arduous that the writing I can’t imagine (for now )how I could express myself exactly how I want. I seem to find it hard to express it accurately even in my mother tongue. But I always come here to see other people like me. As a personal conclusion it is my way of being and thinking,therefore my personality,that makes it so hard to feel like myself at work ,not to mention enjoying it at as a profession. I am not so easy going and I tend to over over over stress about anything. I am also veeery indecisive as a person generally,an important aspect that I remember you mentioned in the past. So not being decisive and confident enough in this field makes it difficult for both the patient and the doctor. And I do think there are cases that involve some more specific abilities (technical let’s say) that are not so manageable either. And being in general dentistry It might make it even worst?…But I tend to think that they might become manageable for people with more confidence and more will to actually solve oral health problems in general. Maybe I will come up with some news after my career coaching sessions end. Until then my mind keeps spinning.

By: Lolabees

Lolabees — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 18:41:56 +0000

In reply to Alina.

Hi Alina, I felt all that you are describing at one time. I was anxious, depressed, had low self esteem… when you don’t like dentistry, that is what it does to you. You are not alone, and there are many others just like us. I wonder if working with a career counselor who does not understand what it’s like to be a dentist might not be as helpful as working with someone who gets it. I had that experience when I worked with a career coach. I loved her, but she did not get some of the nuances that come with dentistry, and that mattered in our coaching. I do free consultations, so feel free to reach out to me. Even if we have one conversation and don’t end up working together, one thing I can guarantee is that you will feel better when we hang up the phone! You can do this. Know that you don’t have to stay stuck in what is creating so much pain for you. I felt the same way, and if I could get unstuck from my career, I know anyone can.

By: Alina

Alina — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:49:16 +0000

You are probably right. Also I cannot believe how profoundly stuck I feel in it. It is draining and I don’t see a realistic light at the end of tunnel. The problem is not only I never got into to profession by my own will,but as a dentist every failure that occurs seems insurmontable. The only word that I can use the describe it,besides some degree of depression, is draining. I cannot bring myself to see the good outcomes that I had. The bad ones take full control of me and I feel so down for hours,days… sometimes I feel like I am the biggest failure even though I’ve seen bad outcomes in teeth that were treated by someone else,but my fear is I will never be that awesome and good dentist people recommend,because I don’t have the drive that people who got into it because they wanted too have(and are content with it). The conclusion is every failure makes me feel I am the worst dentist,that I should’ve never been one,that I don’t help people as I was supposed too, I just create problems. I did reach out to therapy and recently to a career counselor( I live in Eu). I was surprised how awful I felt after my first session in career counsiling.. just because she noticed I have a low self esteem and I am still very indecisive.. which made me realize I am no different of who I was 10 yrs ago. And it triggered bad memories and negativity from the past. It is like it is impossible for me to find something better suites to me.. and I can’t accept the things that went wrong during my career. I feel like they drag me down everytime.

By: Lolabees

Lolabees — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 01:36:25 +0000

In reply to Alina. Haha! Alina, I agree that there is nothing better than your own teeth, but I do believe in crown and bridge in the right circumstance. I've seen crowns last for 30 years (not mine, I'm too young, but my boss had lots!)

By: Alina

Alina — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 10:52:05 +0000

I guess 5 out of 10. But I knew I wanted out before starting ?. God it sounds awful?. But I secretely wish people wouldn’t have dental problems ever! I’ve dreamed a few times about people with all healthy white teeth,great smiles. What if nobody had cavities? Wow! It means no fillings,no root canals,no crowns!! Yay! What about no gum disease? Even cooler! People would only need the orthodontist and the surgeon(extractions). It sounds silly but I would love it. In the end there is nothing better than your own teeth. Do you agree with this? I’ve seen great bridges and crowna,but I just can’t make myself to believe in them. I’m just a dreamer ?

By: lolabees

lolabees — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:03:09 +0000

In reply to Jas.

Ha! You will be the first to get some charity… ok, well, maybe the 3rd or 4th. Would you believe that I don’t buy the Powerball ticket anymore!!! Only on rare occasions just for the fun of it. But it’s definitely not out of desperation. That feels good. And as far as living with your parents– I used to make a lot more money than I do now, but I was much more tight with it because I wanted to save as much as I could so I could retire sooner! 🙂

By: Jas

Jas — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:32:16 +0000

In reply to allison.

Allison, I’ve learned that communication really helps to reduce the stress of dentistry. Warn as much as you can about side effects and never give guarantees. You’re panicking because you’re taking responsibility for the success of the outcome. When you can’t. There are too many biological and physical factors at work. Placed a porcelain crown? Warn that the porcelain could fracture. Placed a bridge? Warn that the abutments could de-vitalise or fracture off. Just cleaned the root canals? Warn that it’s a blind technique and we have to let the body do the rest. If your patient is going on holiday, tell them to find the nearest dentist in case they need to see them. If you feel comfortable, give her a prescription for some antibiotics for ‘just in case’.

I had a mentor who always said to plan for failure. He would tell his patients that the mouth is a harsh environment full of millions of bacteria. And that because of that, all dentistry eventually fails. So plan for failure. If they wanted a bridge, he would say, that’s fine. But when the abutment crowns fail, worst case scenario is that you’ll lose two healthy teeth. So then we’ll make you a denture. Or, you can save up for an implant. You can be an averagely good technician with your hands, but if you plan for failure and are realistic about your limitations and that of the treatment, I think you’ll be able to enjoy a much better ride.

It doesn’t help that people often have such high expectations. Lower those expectations until they are actually lower than what you can provide. The ones who appreciate honesty will keep coming back! 🙂