Leaving Postdoc early

[ohPsychology]

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I have started a clinical psych postdoc at a very prestigious medical school, with some very recognizable names involved in training. However, I am completely miserable and the experience is not near what I'd hoped. I am so unhappy at the present time that I am beginning to grow concerned about my own mental health and well being. I am willing to give it a serious try and power-through the adjustment period in hopes it gets better, but in the event that it doesn't... Does anyone have any input or info on whether its possible to leave a postdoc early (without totally burning bridges - again, big names involved here) if I've secured a job? I have looked at my contract, and I can't find anything that expressedly states a full 12 months, but I also don't see anything that mentions flexible end dates either.

I know I am very lucky to have this opportunity, and I feel very guilty about taking it from someone who may have been much happier here. But, I am reaching a point where I am not sure it will be healthy (for me or my patients) to stay.

Any and all input is appreciated

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I don't think there's anything legally stopping you from leaving the position if you're miserable (or for any other reason for that matter). How severely it burns bridges is going to depend on the individuals involved, though, as some folks will likely be more understanding than others. Regardless, it's going to at the very least be an inconvenience for them, as they're either now going to have to re-initiate a postdoc search or just suck it up and go without until next year. It does happen, though, and if you're as unhappy as you say, then you're probably not the first individual to feel this way there (and may not even be the first to have left early). What particular aspects of the experience thus far are degrading the experience for you? Workload, types of work being done, political atmosphere of the department, etc.? That might help folks give you some input as to whether those are the types of things that you'll naturally adjust to, or if they could represent an unhealthy training environment.

How's your relationship with your supervisor(s) and/or director of training there? Any chance you can talk with them about your concerns to see if perhaps there's something they can do?

 

[LisaLisa86]

I don't think there's anything legally stopping you from leaving the position if you're miserable (or for any other reason for that matter). How severely it burns bridges is going to depend on the individuals involved, though, as some folks will likely be more understanding than others. Regardless, it's going to at the very least be an inconvenience for them, as they're either now going to have to re-initiate a postdoc search or just suck it up and go without until next year. It does happen, though, and if you're as unhappy as you say, then you're probably not the first individual to feel this way there (and may not even be the first to have left early). What particular aspects of the experience thus far are degrading the experience for you? Workload, types of work being done, political atmosphere of the department, etc.? That might help folks give you some input as to whether those are the types of things that you'll naturally adjust to, or if they could represent an unhealthy training environment.

How's your relationship with your supervisor(s) and/or director of training there? Any chance you can talk with them about your concerns to see if perhaps there's something they can do?

I would also encourage you talking to people about it. Nobody can fix it if they don't know there's a problem.

 

[PHD12]

I have started a clinical psych postdoc at a very prestigious medical school, with some very recognizable names involved in training. However, I am completely miserable and the experience is not near what I'd hoped. I am so unhappy at the present time that I am beginning to grow concerned about my own mental health and well being. I am willing to give it a serious try and power-through the adjustment period in hopes it gets better, but in the event that it doesn't... Does anyone have any input or info on whether its possible to leave a postdoc early (without totally burning bridges - again, big names involved here) if I've secured a job? I have looked at my contract, and I can't find anything that expressedly states a full 12 months, but I also don't see anything that mentions flexible end dates either.

I know I am very lucky to have this opportunity, and I feel very guilty about taking it from someone who may have been much happier here. But, I am reaching a point where I am not sure it will be healthy (for me or my patients) to stay.

Any and all input is appreciated

Postdoc is only 1 year at most places. At this point, you have less than 1 year. I wouldn't personally leave postdoc early, unless it was unbearable and I did everything I could to resolve things. If you wanted to stay in the same city, I do think it could affect your job prospects in the future. I would talk to a supervisor that I trust and see if they can do anything to adjust your schedule/workload, etc.

 

[joetro]

Sorry to hear. Do you have any contract or specifically any kind of payback agreement? This may depend on site and funding mechanisms, but I have a 2-year post-doc where I'd have to payback if I left it early at any point. So, check on if there are any financial ramifications. And, maybe try it a bit longer? Adjustment from internship can be tough for many reasons.