As physical therapists, we invest our time, energy, and expertise into the organizations we work for, striving to make a positive impact on our patients’ lives. However, there comes a point in our careers when we may begin to question whether our current job is the right fit for us.

Recognizing the red flags that indicate it may be time to move on is crucial for our professional growth and well-being. Here are three key indicators that physical therapists should be aware of:

Diverging Values: Misalignment with Organizational Values

One of the most significant red flags to watch for is when your personal values no longer align with those of the organization you work for. As physical therapists, our values often center around providing exceptional patient care, ongoing professional development, and a commitment to ethical practice.

For instance, if you highly value Continuing Education (ConEd) to stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatment modalities, but your company consistently cuts ConEd budgets or limits opportunities for training, it could be a sign of misalignment. Other examples might include conflicts in patient-centered care approaches, ethical practices, or workplace culture.

When you find yourself at odds with the core values of your workplace, it can lead to frustration, a sense of stagnation, and ultimately, a diminished passion for your work. Recognizing this misalignment early on allows you to consider whether it’s time to seek opportunities where your values are honored and supported.

Unhealthy Focus on Profit: Putting Money Over Patients

While financial stability is essential for any business, an unhealthy emphasis on profit at the expense of patient care can be a major red flag. As physical therapists, our primary focus should always be on the well-being and progress of our patients.

Signs of a profit-driven environment may include pressure to meet revenue targets at the expense of quality care, excessive emphasis on billable hours, or prioritizing profit-generating services over patient needs. If you find yourself in a position where ethical compromises or patient care concerns arise due to profit-driven decisions, it may be time to reassess your workplace environment.

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the lives of others, and working in an environment that prioritizes financial gain over patient outcomes can be disheartening and professionally compromising.

Lack of Career Progression: Stagnation in Growth Opportunities

A fulfilling career in physical therapy involves continuous growth, learning, and development. When you begin to feel that there’s no clear path for advancement or professional evolution within your current organization, it could be a red flag signaling stagnation.

Career progression can take many forms for physical therapists, whether it’s advancing to a senior clinician role, transitioning into mentorship or teaching positions, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, or specializing in a niche area of practice. However, if you find yourself hitting a ceiling in your current job, with no opportunities for growth or advancement, it may be time to consider new horizons.

Feeling professionally unfulfilled or limited in your ability to expand your skills and expertise can lead to burnout and a sense of being stuck in a rut. Recognizing this red flag allows you to explore new opportunities that align with your career aspirations and provide the growth and challenges you seek.

Conclusion

Knowing when it’s time to leave a job as a physical therapist involves recognizing these red flags that indicate a potential mismatch between your values, career goals, and the organization’s ethos.

When you observe signs of diverging values, an unhealthy focus on profit, or a lack of career progression, it’s essential to reflect on your professional fulfillment and consider whether a change is warranted.

By being attuned to these indicators, physical therapists can navigate their career paths with clarity, purpose, and a commitment to continued growth and excellence in patient care.

Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know! Contact our PT Success Team at ptlighthouse@thejacksonclinics.com

To learn more about The Jackson Clinics and to explore a career with us, please visit thejacksonclinics.com/careers