There was a time when I believed that working full-time was the only respectable path.
That belief didn’t come from nowhere. It came from years of being praised for overachieving, for putting in the extra hours, for proving my value through how much I could carry—without flinching. And for a while, I tried to make it work. I did my best to do the full-time thing.
But the deeper I got into it, the more I realized: this rhythm, this structure, this culture of constant work—was not meant for the life I wanted to live.
Here’s why I walked away from full-time work for good—and why I have no desire to go back.
1. A Life Centered Around Work Doesn’t Honor My Spirit
When your calendar is packed with meetings, shifts, deadlines, and obligations, it’s easy to forget you’re more than just your productivity. So, for a long time, I forgot. I forgot what it felt like to breathe deeply, to wake up slowly, to move through a day without pressure dictating every moment. Working full-time required me to build my life around work. Now, I build my work around life. And the difference is night and day.
My values—freedom, peace of mind, spaciousness, curiosity, joy—simply don’t fit inside the rigid box of full-time labor. I’ve learned that when I honor my spirit, everything else flows better…my relationships, my creativity, even my health.
2. Full-Time Hours Aren’t Financially Necessary
One of the biggest myths we’re sold is that working more automatically means earning more.
But that’s not always true. With intention and strategy, I’ve been able to earn a full-time income working part-time hours. That didn’t happen by chance—it came from shifting my mindset around money, realigning my goals, and exploring nontraditional career paths.
I’m thoughtful about where my energy goes and what I say yes to.
Because when you know your numbers, define your financial priorities, and let go of unnecessary expenses or ego-driven consumption, you can create freedom.
For me, that means investing in memories—not material things.
It means spending more time traveling, laughing, exploring, and simply being. That’s the return on investment I care about most.
3. I Make a Bigger Impact in Fewer Hours
Here’s the honest truth: just because I work fewer hours doesn’t mean I’m making less of a difference. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’ve found that meaningful work, done on my own terms, allows me to be fully present. Fully energized. Fully aligned. I give better when I’m not depleted.
There’s a sweet spot where work feels fulfilling instead of draining. When I operate from that place, I do my best work. I connect more deeply. I serve more powerfully. And I get to walk away each day with energy left to enjoy my life.
4. My Worth Has Nothing to Do with My Workload
This might be the most important shift of all. For too long, I believed my value was tied to what I could produce—whether it was clinical outcomes, caregiving, or even how clean my home was. I’ve since unlearned that.
Now, I no longer hustle to prove myself. I no longer need to justify my existence with a packed calendar or a color-coded to-do list. My worth is not based on hours clocked, tasks completed, external praise or even my revenue. My worth is inherent. I treat it as such. And that belief is what allows me to set boundaries, say no, and create a career that supports me, not the other way around.
Choosing Freedom Over Full-Time
Choosing not to return to full-time work wasn’t just about hours—it was about reclaiming my life. It was about choosing freedom, alignment, and joy over hustle, burnout, and obligation. Yes, I still work. I still serve. I still make an impact. I still do my passion. But I do it on a schedule that reflects my values, not society’s expectations.
If you’re ready to explore how to design a life in medicine that honors your energy, your freedom, and your truth—book a call for 1:1 consultation.
Together, we’ll map out a personalized plan to help you create a sustainable, values-based career that supports your full self. You don’t need to return to what drained you. There’s another way—and it’s waiting for you.