Wow what a story. Thank you for sharing it. Poetry and writing is such a huge tonic isn’t it. I get the sense that this next chapter is gonna be pretty magical x
Louise, your honesty in detailing the emotional toll of uncertainty is something I deeply resonate with.
The "persistent pressure to 'have a plan'" is a universal weight many of us carry, especially in professions that demand so much. It's easy to look at someone who has achieved so much, like becoming a consultant surgeon, and assume they have it all figured out. But your story reveals the very human struggle behind the accolades. It's a powerful reminder that success isn't a straight line, and even at the pinnacle of a career, doubts and fears can still creep in. Your story is a testament to the fact that it's okay to not always have a plan, and that the journey of figuring it out is just as valuable as the destination.
Thank you, Alex. You have such a talent for getting to the crux of the issue, even when I hadn't quite figured it out when I was writing the piece! You're absolutely right, though. What is life, if not a journey with plans made and plans changed and it's made meaningful by the people we meet along the way? 🩵
Exactly! Life changes. It is what happens. And that is okay - because it is usually what we learn and who we meet that makes it worth the change in direction.
I am also considering my future career and potential huge changes right now. I can relate to some of the areas you’re thinking through and I have also enjoyed reading about the parts I can’t relate to i.e. the wild ride of training and practicing as a doctor
Thank you for reading and commenting, Laura. It's a big thing, isn't it, this whole career transition. I hope you're ok and that your next right step brings everything you could possibly hope for. It's been interesting to look back at my career journey, and I've jsut noticed that you and Ellie both described it as a 'wild ride'! I think at the time, I was jsut so focussed on the next hoop to jump that I haven't really paid attention to anything else, so this has been a useful exercise in taking stock!
I've loved reading your posts in this series Louise, it's been fascinating reading more about your career and the reasons behind stepping back from it. Its incredible what you accomplished too. I love how you are taking a pause and finding out what you really want to do now, and am excited to see what the future holds for you ❤️
Thank you so much, Jenna, that's lovely of you to say. I have no idea yet where things go from here, but it is such a privilege to be here in this Substack community being inspired by the creativity around me!
Wow what a story. Thank you for sharing it. Poetry and writing is such a huge tonic isn’t it. I get the sense that this next chapter is gonna be pretty magical x
Thank you! Such a tonic. The possibility feels huge, just trying to take the time to figure it all out ☺️ thanks so much for your kindness 💜
Reading about your path , Louise, didn’t feel like a journey, it felt like an Odyssey!
I’m so grateful you found your way here, amongst friends, new connections with others and with yourself, and tapping into the well of words within.
And yet, there is much to grieve.
I’m here for you, my dear Surgeon – Soul – Sister – Friend 🩷🙏🏻🥰
Thank you my love, I am grateful to be here xxx
What a wild ride! I’m very glad you’re here sharing your words with us 😊
Thank you Ellie! I'm glad you're here sharing your words too :)
Louise, your honesty in detailing the emotional toll of uncertainty is something I deeply resonate with.
The "persistent pressure to 'have a plan'" is a universal weight many of us carry, especially in professions that demand so much. It's easy to look at someone who has achieved so much, like becoming a consultant surgeon, and assume they have it all figured out. But your story reveals the very human struggle behind the accolades. It's a powerful reminder that success isn't a straight line, and even at the pinnacle of a career, doubts and fears can still creep in. Your story is a testament to the fact that it's okay to not always have a plan, and that the journey of figuring it out is just as valuable as the destination.
Thank you, Alex. You have such a talent for getting to the crux of the issue, even when I hadn't quite figured it out when I was writing the piece! You're absolutely right, though. What is life, if not a journey with plans made and plans changed and it's made meaningful by the people we meet along the way? 🩵
Exactly! Life changes. It is what happens. And that is okay - because it is usually what we learn and who we meet that makes it worth the change in direction.
I am also considering my future career and potential huge changes right now. I can relate to some of the areas you’re thinking through and I have also enjoyed reading about the parts I can’t relate to i.e. the wild ride of training and practicing as a doctor
Thank you for reading and commenting, Laura. It's a big thing, isn't it, this whole career transition. I hope you're ok and that your next right step brings everything you could possibly hope for. It's been interesting to look back at my career journey, and I've jsut noticed that you and Ellie both described it as a 'wild ride'! I think at the time, I was jsut so focussed on the next hoop to jump that I haven't really paid attention to anything else, so this has been a useful exercise in taking stock!
I've loved reading your posts in this series Louise, it's been fascinating reading more about your career and the reasons behind stepping back from it. Its incredible what you accomplished too. I love how you are taking a pause and finding out what you really want to do now, and am excited to see what the future holds for you ❤️
Thank you so much, Jenna, that's lovely of you to say. I have no idea yet where things go from here, but it is such a privilege to be here in this Substack community being inspired by the creativity around me!