Lolabees, You are so spot on regarding the disdain that other “practicing” dentists impart on us that chose to leave. I can’t help but believe much of there discord is due to the tunnel vision and ingrained resistance to ALL that exists that dentists classically have. To put another way, they’re stagnated by “paralysis by analysis” too. No one should condemn those that stay OR leave. Life must be embraced; however it presents itself ….to me…..to you…to everyone……to make the best of it.

Thanks Susan:)

Great advice and a very brave move to save yourself and make a big change in your life. I feel many dentists feel “trapped” in their practices which leads to depression. 27 years of owning your practice is a great accomplishment. I could only make it for 19 years.

Wow… thankyou for being upfront and honest and sharing your advice… 🙂 Just curious to know what have you been doing since you sold your practice…. That’s a question I ask myself often!

It would be easy to say…knock that thought right out of your head! But, coming from a guy that owned his practice 27 years and hated most days during the last 3 would be monumentally hypocritical! At 53, I felt I was aging way before my body was; it took time but I realized my mind was slipping into depression and finiteness. Finally, I got the guts to make the change, despite my wife’s “fear” of the financial unknown. Selling was like jumping under a cool shower during a very hot summer day. Feeling the gentle water cleansing your skin while the mind wonders off to a peaceful place and ultimately allowed me to emerge refreshed.
My advice…..sell and stop the aging process before its too late. You’re growing older faster than you deserve.

You’re welcome, and thank you, SB for making it what it is!!

How cool to pursue other things too! Definitely keep us posted on what you do.

I think it’s brilliant to be able to retire in your 50’s… that’s definitely not a waste of your years. That would have been my goal, except I couldn’t stand it any longer– could barely make it to 40! 😀

Yes, yes, yes!! I still want to share your story… maybe we’ll do an interview if you aren’t up for writing about it!