Life After Postdoc

[PSYD2024]

I'm searching for next steps after my postdoc and not sure what to do. Currently at a private practice and overwhelmed so I want something with less burnout but still decent pay. I like therapy but I'm curious what other full time options are available even maybe less direct client work.

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[PsyDr]

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by PP, then your options are probably academia, or something like program evaluation/whatever it’s called. You do NOT want to go into something atypical if you are having trouble keeping up.

Options:

1) college counseling centers
2) teach as an assistant adjunct faculty member in some low level college or community college. But you’d probably have to supplement your income with work as a pizza delivery driver, drug dealer, or sell feet pics.
3) school district work, and also supplemental work.
4) continue your job, get into therapy, learn some boundaries, never work harder than the patient, do some self care, make your notes less comprehensive, charge for EVERYTHING so as to reduce non reimbursing work, take a lunch, get some friends, learn something new in your field, take a class so you have to avoid work for that time, etc.

 

[Sanman]

Options largely depend on your individual background and experiences.

Do you have a strong background in assessment, program management, teaching, research, stats? There is no easy answer here. Psychologists do therapy and assessment.

The first question is what is burning you out?

 

[Peacemaker36]

You could always try utilization review, reviewing cases for medical necessity for insurance companies.

 

[Sanman]

You could always try utilization review, reviewing cases for medical necessity for insurance companies.

Most of those jobs require 3-5 yrs of licensed clinical practice.

 

[The Cinnabon]

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by PP, then your options are probably academia, or something like program evaluation/whatever it’s called. You do NOT want to go into something atypical if you are having trouble keeping up.

Options:

1) college counseling centers
2) teach as an assistant adjunct faculty member in some low level college or community college. But you’d probably have to supplement your income with work as a pizza delivery driver, drug dealer, or sell feet pics.
3) school district work, and also supplemental work.
4) continue your job, get into therapy, learn some boundaries, never work harder than the patient, do some self care, make your notes less comprehensive, charge for EVERYTHING so as to reduce non reimbursing work, take a lunch, get some friends, learn something new in your field, take a class so you have to avoid work for that time, etc.

With how my 401K has been looking, this is more and more seeming like a tantalizing option.

 

[Sanman]

With how my 401K has been looking, this is more and more seeming like a tantalizing option.

The question then becomes whose feet will you be taking a picture of?

 

[PsyDr]

With how my 401K has been looking, this is more and more seeming like a tantalizing option.

When I suggested that Psygal ell feet pics, she did NOT react well.

But seriously, the next few years will be an great time to throw money into the market. Set up some Google alert for Buffett/BRK news. When they start making moves, follow. Our profession is relatively recession resistant.

 

[Sanman]

When I suggested that Psygal ell feet pics, she did NOT react well.

I'm going to need you to write a book of dating advice. It will be:

 

[Ollie123]

Our profession is relatively recession resistant.

Considering finally getting my act together to get licensed in my current state (not required so never bothered since moving). Solely because IF we reach a point the entire US higher ed system disintegrates, I foresee no shortage of depression/anxiety in need of treatment. Whether anyone will be able to afford it at that point is another matter...

The fact that the admin at least reacted to bond market moves to avoid causing a complete economic collapse is...I guess good? I'm glad we've decided that a 5-alarm economic fire is "too much" even if we've decided a 4-alarm one is the goal.

 

[PSYD2024]

You could always try utilization review, reviewing cases for medical necessity for insurance companies.

i'm just now learning that this is a thing. It actually sounds like something i'd be interested In but not sure where to look.

 

[PSYD2024]

Options largely depend on your individual background and experiences.

Do you have a strong background in assessment, program management, teaching, research, stats? There is no easy answer here. Psychologists do therapy and assessment.

The first question is what is burning you out?

I feel like I have bare minimum experience. I work long hours currently doing therapy and testing. I wouldn't mind continuing therapy and testing just not at the pace I'm going but still wanting to make decent $.

 

[docloufan]

i'm just now learning that this is a thing. It actually sounds like something i'd be interested In but not sure where to look.

Would be years before a company would consider you for that.

 

[summerbabe]

I work long hours currently doing therapy and testing. I wouldn't mind continuing therapy and testing just not at the pace I'm going but still wanting to make decent $.

What are your specific hours/scheduled patient care demands and your pay?

You may be:

- In a terrible/exploitative environment that overworks and underpays you. If so, changing into a better environment might alleviate many, if not all, of your concerns.

- In a fine environment but burned out. If so, changes ranging from taking a vacation to increased self care might help to turn the tide slowly and help you establish a sustainable future baseline.

- A bad fit for this field. Some people, even if they have an objectively reasonable workload, good work environment and fair pay, are not cut out for full-time clinical work. This one is really tricky since our professional degree and license is very specialized but pivoting is possible.