Due to the demanding nature of their work, doctors and dentists often do not consider the option of a “side hustle.” Their schedules are typically filled with appointments, and the financial benefits of additional work may be insignificant for those with high incomes. However, their specialized knowledge and skillsets can present unique consulting opportunities that could enhance their return on investment and ease their transition into retirement.
Doctors and dentists possess valuable expertise that could be utilized in consulting roles, providing them with additional income streams outside of their primary careers. Consulting work allows them to share their knowledge with others and make a positive impact in various industries. Such work can also provide a sense of fulfillment and intellectual stimulation, which may help to alleviate some of the stress associated with their primary profession.
Why should I consider consulting?
Consulting can be an attractive option for medical professionals seeking to diversify their experiences, expand their network, and earn additional income. The nature of consulting work allows for a lower-stress environment than their primary profession, where they can focus on analyzing a specific problem, providing their opinion, and then moving on. This can provide a refreshing change of pace and allow them to practice their craft in a different way.
Consulting also presents opportunities for professional development by exposing medical professionals to new experiences and people. They can network with a wider group of professionals, potentially opening doors to new career paths or collaborations. Consulting work can also involve providing services to charitable organizations, non-profits, schools, and government bodies, allowing medical professionals to make a positive impact on their community or an important cause.
Consulting work also provides a sense of autonomy, as medical professionals can set their own schedules and rates. This can offer greater flexibility and control over their work-life balance. Additionally, the extra income earned through consulting work can help medical professionals reach their financial goals faster or allow them to pursue personal endeavors such as taking a dream vacation, purchasing a vacation home, or starting a new business venture in retirement. consulting work can provide a fulfilling and enriching experience for medical professionals seeking to broaden their horizons, make a positive impact, and achieve financial goals.
What are some consulting options?
Consulting can be an appealing option for medical professionals seeking to expand their horizons and generate additional income. There are a variety of consulting options available, each with its own unique benefits and challenges.
One popular consulting option is serving as an expert witness. Organizations like American Medical Forensic Specialists match medical professionals with court cases and other legal matters that require their professional opinion. This type of consulting can be a great way to apply your knowledge and experience in a lower-stress environment while also providing a valuable service to the legal system.
Another consulting option is in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industry. When new medicines, technology, or techniques are introduced, medical supply companies often seek third-party input from professionals who can provide opinions on things like efficacy or workflow integration. This can be a great opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medical technology while also expanding your professional network.
Medical writing is another consulting option. If you enjoy reading and writing about your industry, you can pitch to medical or dental journals to see if there might be an opportunity for you to be a regular contributor. This can provide a creative outlet while also allowing you to share your knowledge and experience with a broader audience.
For those interested in research, pharmaceutical research is another consulting option. Medical professionals can assist in trials of new medicines or ongoing studies. This can be a great way to apply your expertise to cutting-edge research while also contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge.
For medical professionals with strong administrative skills, consulting in administration or management may be a good fit. As an office’s go-to person for administrative tasks, you can continue to build those skills and balance seeing patients with helping the business grow. This type of consulting can be particularly valuable for those aspiring to open their own practice later in their career.
Peer review is another consulting option. Medical professionals can establish themselves as independent contractors who can help hospitals and offices review staff performance and the quality of care they provide. This type of consulting can provide a valuable service to the medical community while also allowing medical professionals to apply their expertise in a different way.
Finally, medical professionals can consider volunteering their services. If money is not a motivating factor, they can contact local schools, hospitals, free clinics, and other medical facilities that serve those in need and ask how they can help. This type of consulting can be a great way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
In addition to the financial benefits of consulting work, it can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can ease the transition into retirement. Many retirees experience a profound loss of identity when they stop working, and this can be even more difficult for medical professionals. However, if they have laid the groundwork for a second act, they can ease into retirement without leaving “doctor” behind.
Consulting work can also help medical professionals fill blank spots in their new retirement schedule when they are not travelling, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying their favorite hobbies. They may even decide to start their own consultancy firm as a retirement project, providing a new source of income and a creative outlet
How can consulting ease my transition into retirement?
Retirement can be a difficult transition for many medical professionals who may feel a profound loss of identity when they stop working. However, consulting work can offer a way to ease into retirement without leaving behind the expertise and experience they’ve accumulated over their careers. It can also help fill the empty spaces in a new retirement schedule with meaningful work that can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Moreover, starting a consultancy firm can be a rewarding retirement project, providing a source of income and an opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with others. However, it’s important to carefully consider the financial implications of taking on consulting work, especially if you’re already bringing home a good paycheck. Reviewing your financial plan and goals with a professional is recommended to ensure that any additional work you’re considering aligns with your overall retirement plan.
Are you getting the best Return on Life possible with the money you have? Are you using your money in ways that improve your life?