Me too! What really helped me leave was the idea I kept telling myself that I didn’t need to suffer my way through life for it to be valuable or to have meaning. That’s so important to me. What’s the point of living that way anyway? I’m sure you know those people who thrive on stress? I have some friends that way, and I love them dearly, but I just don’t understand it!

Jas- you certainly made my night when I saw that you were up at 2 am hoping to sleep but stuck reading the blog! We all dream of an easy way out, don’t we?

That made me howl with laughter sat here in England at twenty to two in the morning! 😀 I also have similar dreams regarding my winning lottery ticket, of marrying – well, anyone lol – and of your magic weight loss programme working for me without me actually having to do it 😀

Thanks for the kind words Lolabees. Will keep in touch and will contribute further to your blog regarding my dental ‘ adventures’. 🙂

Hi Ash,
Thanks for sharing your story. I love hearing how the dental career is for other dentists, especially those from other countries. I’ve learned that a lot of what we go through is very universal, regardless of culture. Your path is fascinating, and it’s so inspiring that you have never given up. It sounds like you really know what you want and will do what it takes to get it. I think that will eventually pay off. You also prove a point that I like to make here quite often– just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean you aren’t good at it. It’s a judgement (at times a false one) we face when we admit the truth. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the blog, and thanks so much for your encouragement! Wishing you the very best and hoping you finally break free into the dream job you’re looking for. Keep me posted when you get to switch away from clinical practice! I’d love to hear how it goes for you. 🙂

Great to read your blog. Evrything you write sounds like an echo in my own life.I have been a Dentist for 17 years now and hated it from day one. Although I dislike the work, the thing is I.m good at it. I have spent quite a few years in private practice which went really well, however It was not fufilling or rewarding in a “I love my work’ kind a of way. I decided to leave and work as Dentist in a large company in the Netherlands (I am from South Africa). After a year and a half returned back to South Africa, bought a practice and studied for my MBA through a good U.K. school, part timel. After 5 years of being in the practice, I accepted a job from a large mining company in their healthcare division as a Dentist. I completed my degree and am still with the mining company after 5 yrs, still working as a Clinical Dentist. I did a part time consulting role with a multinational pharrma as a Dental expert in strategic marketing of oral care products. I found huge enjoyment in doing this, hower due to cost cutting , this position was not renewed.
Like you. I waited for the day a patient would ‘realise’ my potential and say why don’t you come and work for us…., however over the years I realised this to be nothing more than a unrealistic expectation. I still have not given up on my dream of working in a non clincal position and regularly apply for postions in healthcare,,,but am yet to be successful. I realised that by changing jpbs alot, I was actually trying to change the environment that i worked in due to the fact that i couldn’t change my occupation.
I am glad that you found your way out as sometimes our lifestyles create our prisons for us. I wish you all the success in the future.

regards

Ash

Thanks, Molly. You are a great role model… MollyGrr!