How would you integrate yourself professionally in a new city?

[finalpsychyear]

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Hi, I have recently transitioned to a top 12-14 city area in population. I struggle in the sense that i have no colleagues as I did my training in another state and moved back a few years ago to my home state and then have recently moved again in the same state very close to a major city.

Does the idea of working in a free standing psych hospital as an independent contractor make any sense if a large part of the reason is to get to be known in the area since i am the new guy in town? I figured it would also help me establish colleagues and it seems a lot of the "better" opportunities go unadvertised so maybe for the future i would be part of this inner circle?

It won't be hard to set up a private practice in the area but i fear doing only that will keep me more or less out of the social circle if i plan to live there long term.

 

[Sushirolls]

The transition from residency can be socially tough. Four years of camaraderie fueled by shared experiences is hard to replicate.

Consider yourself free. Its time to work where you want to. Focus on building up your life balance. Pursue those hobbies, read those books. Or better yet, pursue social circles outside of the psych crowd. Go pick up a bow and spend some time at the local archery range/store, or go join a board game club.

Choosing to work at a free standing psych hospital will likely not yield what you seek. Folks in general will be striving to see more patients to make more money, or be striving to be more efficient to leave the hospital sooner. Neither of those paths leave room for socializing. Socializing really only happens in the minutes before meetings and after meetings.

Your name and reputation will build on its own simply through the passage of time. Picking one practice venue over the other won't make a darn difference. No one cares if you are the new guy in town or not.