The Entrepreneur's Life: Trading Journals for Apple & Juniper Trees

A Physician’s Journey into Holistic Downshifting

“I’m learning more about horticulture these days than I am from my medical journals—and I’ve never been happier.”

That’s the joyful confession from a physician—let’s call him “Dr. M”—who recently downshifted from a full-time academic internal medicine career into a 0.5 FTE remote role, to pursue a life of deeper purpose on a apple orchard and farm in rural Maine.

In a season where burnout is breaking many of our colleagues, Dr. M is choosing a different path—a story of intentionality, micro-business ownership, and redefining identity beyond the white coat.

A Shift from Achievement to Alignment

Dr. M spent nearly a decade at one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. But prestige alone wasn’t fulfilling the deeper longing stirring in his soul.

He craved margin. Movement. Meaning. He and his wife—a nurse practitioner with deep Maine roots—chose to follow that internal whisper. They decided to head back to her family farm and take over the family apple orchard

Building a Micro-Corporation That Serves a Human Life

With PEA’s guidance, Dr. M launched a new business—a micro-corporation rooted in relational care for frail elderly patients in rural Maine. He plans to perform home visits with a small cohort of 100 vulnerable elderly patients. His plan is not greedy, nor to build a huge business, but rather to live a sustainable lifestyle that fulfills his calling as a doctor.

He also kept a 0.5 FTE remote position with his prior role (in-basket triage work), maintaining financial stability without the stress of full-time grind.

And here's the surprise: he decided to start a Christmas tree farm to pair with the orchard.

“It’s Medicine That Fits Me Now.”

Dr. M's new business in the mountains isn’t just metaphorical. It's literal. On land his wife inherited, he now grows Balsam, Fraser, and spruce.

"Each tree teaches me patience. I’m still healing from my old way of working."

He's building two businesses: one rooted in humanity, the other rooted in soil.

🌿 Why Holistic Self-Care Matters for Physicians

Dr. M’s story reminds us:

• You're more than your credentials.

• Wellness isn’t selfish—it's strategic.

• Your family deserves the healthiest version of you.

• Micro-businesses can flex with your season.

He found peace not in escape, but in integration.

Lessons from the Field

Downshifting isn’t downgrading. Reducing clinical time often improves life satisfaction and creative output.

Slow business growth is still growth. Dr. M’s lean practice model fits his rhythm. His life. His land.

Nature heals. Tending trees restores the soul in ways no burnout webinar can.

Autonomy creates design freedom. Marketplace ownership empowers life by design, not obligation.

Your Invitation: Redefine Success

If you're aching for more meaning... If you wonder if it’s “okay” to do less medicine so you can live more fully...

Dr. M’s story is your green light.

You’re not crazy. You’re just ready.

Let Us Help You Downshift with Strategy

Here are tools to help you begin:

• 📘 Free eBook: Design Your Career Around Your Life

• 📆 Schedule a Business Strategy Consultation

• 📦 Buy a Micro-Corporation Business Plan Template (Dr M Loved this) →

• 🎄 Read my eBook: The 7-Figure Side Hustle

💼 Is This Deductible?

Q: If a husband and wife are both employees in a micro-corporation and travel for business, can they each claim per diem?

A: Yes—if:

• Both are bona fide employees with actual duties.

• Travel is overnight, for legitimate business reasons.

• Each has independent justification for the trip.

• Federal per diem rates are followed.

Pro Tip: Keep documentation: itinerary, purpose, roles, meeting agenda, and receipts.

Join the Movement

"Clinicians everywhere are rediscovering their autonomy through micro-business ownership. Are you next?"

Join the PEA Explorer Membership →

Final Word from Dr. M:

"I thought I’d miss medicine more than I do. But now that I’ve redefined how I practice—and given myself the freedom to love something else—I realize I haven’t lost anything. I’ve just gained me back."