When Quiet Quitting Becomes a Survival Strategy

I was once deeply embedded in the hospital system, serving not only as a clinician but also participating in the physician network governance. The meetings were frequent, the expectations high, and the compensation nonexistent. Over time, I found myself questioning the value of this "corporate citizenship." Was I truly making a difference, or was I merely a cog in a machine that didn't recognize my worth?

Eventually, I made the challenging and heart-wrenching decision to step away from these roles. This choice was not born out of apathy or a lack of engagement but rather from a critical realization that my time, skills, and expertise were being exploited without proper acknowledgment or fair reward.

The Corporate Citizenship Fallacy

Despite my dedication and hard work to be a positive force in the system, there was a noticeable absence of appreciation or tangible benefits for the efforts I tirelessly invested. This experience opened my eyes to an important truth: both compensated and uncompensated corporate citizenship is truly not worth the sacrifice.

Why should one continue to pour energy into endeavors that fail to recognize their value? The notion that loyalty and commitment would eventually be reciprocated proved to be a fallacy in this context. It became clear that sustaining such roles only perpetuates an unfair dynamic where effort is expected but not rewarded. By stepping away, I embraced the belief that one's skills deserve recognition and compensation—principles essential for maintaining self-worth and professional integrity. This decision underscored the importance of seeking opportunities where contributions are genuinely valued, appreciated, and rewarded—a fundamental right every professional should pursue.

The time I regained positively transformed multiple aspects of my life, not only by enhancing my personal well-being and enriching my family interactions but also by offering the crucial leeway necessary to embark on my micro-business journey. This significant shift in my life's trajectory would never have come to fruition had I not made the courageous decision to step away from leadership roles that, while they may have boosted my ego, ultimately sapped my energy and undermined my overall well-being. By relinquishing these demanding positions, I was able to reallocate that precious time and energy towards pursuits that genuinely resonated with me and brought about a more fulfilling balance in both personal and professional domains.

This personal journey mirrors a broader trend in the medical community known as "quiet quitting." According to a recent survey by Sermo, 79% of physicians believe that health systems fail to adequately recognize or address this phenomenon . Physicians are adjusting their work behaviors, including minimizing documentation, reducing patient-facing hours, turning down leadership roles, and skipping professional development opportunities.

🔍 Understanding Quiet Quitting in Medicine

"Quiet quitting" refers to employees doing only the bare minimum in their roles, opting not to go above and beyond. In the medical field, this manifests as physicians disengaging from non-clinical duties, reducing patient interactions, and declining additional responsibilities.

The Sermo survey highlights several concerning statistics:

• 43% of physicians are minimizing documentation.

• 37% have reduced patient-facing hours.

• 43% are turning down leadership roles.

• 37% are skipping professional development opportunities.

These adjustments are not merely acts of defiance but coping mechanisms in response to systemic issues within healthcare institutions.

🧠 The Micro-Business Insight: Reclaiming Autonomy

The traditional employment model in healthcare often demands that physicians contribute to the corporate brand without adequate compensation or recognition. This dynamic can lead to burnout and disengagement.

By contrast, embracing a micro-business approach empowers you to take control of your professional life. Through forming micro-corporations, you can:

• Set your own schedules and workloads.

• Choose the types of services you offer.

• Directly benefit from your efforts and expertise.

This transformative shift in workplace dynamics not only significantly boosts job satisfaction but also creates a more harmonious alignment between professional activities and personal values.

Imagine a scenario where the tasks you perform at work resonate with your core beliefs and ideals, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful career experience. By integrating personal values into daily responsibilities, you will find greater purpose in your work, fostering an environment where motivation and enthusiasm naturally flourish. This alignment not only benefits your mental well-being but also translates into higher productivity and increased commitment to your micro-corporation goals.

Embracing this change offers both personal gratification and professional success, making it an essential evolution for modern workplaces seeking to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

📚 Is This Deductible?

Scenario: I left my wallet in the airplane seat pocket while traveling on a business trip recently. Was the cost of replacing my wallet, driver's license, and credit cards deductible?

Insight: Generally, the IRS does not allow deductions for personal losses, including lost wallets or personal identification. However, if any business-related items were lost, such as company credit cards or business receipts, there might be a case for partial deductions. It's essential to consult with a tax professional to navigate these nuances.

Bonus Insight: If you lose your personal identification, the TSA offers a phone based identification process for you to pass through security. Fortunately I passed the security questions on my recent travel😊.

For a comprehensive guide on tax deductions relevant to physician entrepreneurs, download our free e-book: Tax Deduction Guide for Micro-Business Owners

📬 Join the Movement

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker

Physicians across the country are reclaiming their autonomy and redefining their careers through micro-business ownership. Are you ready to join them?

Become a member of the PEA Explorer Membership and take the first step towards professional freedom: Join PEA Now As A Member.

Lastly, I invite you to purchase my flagship business course that will empower you to thrive in the marketplace: “Doctor, Your Are A Business” which I am offering in a flash sale for 30% off. Go here to save $300 now.

By acknowledging the challenges within the current healthcare system and embracing alternative models like micro-business ownership, you can find renewed purpose and satisfaction in your career!