Moving to another state

[Messerschmitts]

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I'm not sure where to post this question, so I'm posting it to my psychiatry colleagues. I'm considering leaving my state to take a job elsewhere in the future (2+ years from now, not right this second), mainly for reasons of cost of living (and other issues).

I'm currently working my very first job out of residency (working for County) so I have no experience with this. My questions are:

1.) Do you first get a license from a state you think you want to go to, or do you first secure the job, then apply for license? You would think it's easier to get a license first, that way if you get a job you can start working right away. However, good jobs positions are spread across many states, I don't want to apply to a state, not get that job, and have to apply to another state.

I know Texas is different because of the dreaded Texas Jurisprudence Exam, and thus if you have a burning desire to move to Texas you have to start the process 1 year in advance. I like Texas, but I don't like it enough to go through that ordeal, so I'm going for states that have easier license requirements.

2.) How much notice should I give out of politeness? I am very flexible on time.

3.) For others who have left their jobs, did your supervisor get offended/upset? My supervisor, the director of mental health in my county, really likes me and gets along with me, I was actually hoping to use her as a reference, but it would be kind of awkward. "Hey would you be willing to reference so I can take a job elsewhere and leave you?"

Thanks for inputs.

 

[wolfvgang22]

I think three months notice is nice, or whenever your contract is up. I've seen lots of docs give 2 weeks notice.

Don't let the Texas Jurisprudence exam scare you, it is only a one hour test with like 50 some odd questions. The review book by Ben White takes about an hour to read and prepares you for it, I like it.

I wouldn't apply for a license in another state unless you are pretty sure you are going to be working there. I think sometimes you can get a provisional license in some states while applying if you just got a job in the state and I think Texas is one of those, check their website because I'm not 100% sure but I think I saw that on the TMB website somewhere.

 

[st2205]

I would find a job first and then get a license unless it was somewhere like Texas that it takes an eternity to get one (took nearly 6 months for mine and that was quick). The plus side to waiting until you have a job is then you can have the new employer pay for licensing. Naturally having a license makes you immediately available, but it's not like most places will sifting through a plethora of applications so they'd likely wait.

 

[Shikima]

I'd add, that if you want to get to that state irrespective of the job which you think is ideal, you'll find other equally fulfilling jobs in the state. If you start the process, commit to it.

 

[st2205]

Also, after having read one of your threads in another forum from a year or more ago, wanted to commend you on making the jump away from the cost of living.

 

[sunlioness]

Notice is usually specified in your contract. It's anywhere from 2 - 4 months. You will likely be required to use your current boss as reference for any place that might hire you. People are usually understanding.

Job first, then license.


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[Messerschmitts]

Also, after having read one of your threads in another forum from a year or more ago, wanted to commend you on making the jump away from the cost of living.

Thanks, I'm still undecided, though leaning towards leaving. Trying to get ahead financially in California (especially the Bay Area) is like trying to run forward on a treadmill, and unfortunately the treadmill is usually winning. Thanks for the answers though everyone, so job first (except maybe for Texas give turnaround time).

 

[Messerschmitts]

Don't let the Texas Jurisprudence exam scare you, it is only a one hour test with like 50 some odd questions. The review book by Ben White takes about an hour to read and prepares you for it, I like it.

Ha ha I'm glad you didn't have trouble with it, I've heard some horror stories on this board, and elsewhere on the internet. It's 50 questions but supposed to be a beast, I've heard many people failing it, and you only get 3 tries in your life. I'm sure if I absolutely needed to I could pass it, but seems like a lot of effort, and most other states don't require anything like that. Texas is cool but I don't have any family there, no compelling reason to go there versus another low cost state. Right now I'm aiming for TN, KY, or IN or thereabouts. My in-laws live in KY.

 

[trophyhusband]

Ha ha I'm glad you didn't have trouble with it, I've heard some horror stories on this board, and elsewhere on the internet. It's 50 questions but supposed to be a beast, I've heard many people failing it, and you only get 3 tries in your life. I'm sure if I absolutely needed to I could pass it, but seems like a lot of effort, and most other states don't require anything like that. Texas is cool but I don't have any family there, no compelling reason to go there versus another low cost state. Right now I'm aiming for TN, KY, or IN or thereabouts. My in-laws live in KY.

My wife studied the two study guides you can get on Kindle the morning before the test and passed easily. She would not call herself a good test taker so I don't think you'd have anything to worry about if you are interested.