I used to believe that social media was bad for my career, but now I think it's a great for me to pre-screen employers...
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
I used to believe that social media was bad for my career, but now I think it's a great for me to pre-screen employers... I suppose it’s technically the employers pre-screening me, but it’s pretty nice actually. Here’s the thing: if they don’t like my social media presence, they probably aren’t going to like me all that much in real life. I make a concerted effort to be my genuine self on these platforms, aiming to destigmatize psychiatry and let people know it’s perfectly okay to access mental health care. In a world where the stigma surrounding mental health remains prevalent, I believe it’s crucial to showcase authenticity. Employers are increasingly aware of the type of person who fits into their work culture, and social media provides a free and accessible avenue for them to assess this compatibility. It’s a modern approach that allows them to gauge not just qualifications, but also the personality and values of potential hires. There’s so much perfectionism in the field of medicine that it can be disheartening when you’re not accepted for all positions you apply for. However, I’ve come to realize that there are several jobs I am actually relieved I did not get, as the work culture was likely not conducive to my well-being.
In the medical profession, there’s not much opportunity to test the waters before fully committing to a position. You're either locked into a contract or you're not, which can feel quite rigid. Occasionally, a locum tenens position—essentially a temporary role—can transition into a permanent one, but that’s not always the case. The reality is that it looks unfavorable on a physician’s resume if they hop around jobs too frequently, yet it’s incredibly challenging to predict which positions will be a good fit without actually experiencing the work environment firsthand. Many physicians opt to remain within their residency programs, choosing to work there post-residency. For some, this can be a seamless and beneficial transition into becoming an attending physician, but it can also lead to an awkward dynamic where colleagues may view you through the lens of your earlier, less experienced self. This can create a challenging environment when trying to assert your professional identity. I genuinely believe that it would be ideal for doctors to have a three-month trial period at a new job, allowing them to assess whether the position aligns with their professional and personal values, but I’m not sure that this option would ever realistically come to fruition in the current healthcare system.
I really lucked out with my current employers. They respect my autonomy and are incredibly supportive of both my personal life and my career development. The relationship I have with them has fostered an environment where I feel free to express my thoughts and ideas, and I have learned a great deal from both of them. This has made a significant difference in my overall job satisfaction and professional growth. I often reflect on how much I wish I could have found a good fit earlier in my career; had I done so, it would have undoubtedly decreased a lot of the stress, grief, and suffering that I experienced during those formative years.
Just to be clear, it’s almost never the patients that are the problem at a job. In fact, most patients are genuinely seeking help and are a joy to work with. The challenges often arise from the intricate interpersonal dynamics within the office, which can be so complicated and confusing! Navigating relationships with colleagues, understanding the office hierarchy, and managing differing communication styles can create a unique set of challenges that can impact the overall workplace atmosphere. These dynamics can sometimes overshadow the rewarding aspects of patient care, making it essential to find a work environment that fosters positive interactions and mutual respect among staff.
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