I can really relate, ‘training’ in the U.K. is service provision that gets you depression and an overdraft.

Obviously things aren’t perfect here but they’re a whole lot better. It’s been a strange experience trying to unlearn the Pavlovian response I had to work and realising that work doesn’t have to be a place where you’re permanently stressed and scared. I’m just starting to recover from burnout and get my enjoyment of medicine and compassion back. I don’t think recovery from burnout would have been possible for me in the NHS.

Support in the U.K. when you’re struggling feels very ‘you’re the problem, you’re not resilient enough’

And the salary makes a huge difference. The day job salary here is equivalent to U.K. locum salary. It honestly makes a huge difference being able to buy what I want, support family, not have to worry about money. It’s sad because 34% pay restoration still doesn’t bring U.K. salaries in line with Australia!

So yes I’ve been there and the grass is greener on the other side!