Why doesn’t the excitement from CSM last?

Have you experienced it yet? That sinking feeling when you get back from CSM.

While I am at CSM I always feel so invigorated and excited about PT. Then you get back to the day to day grind of PT and all that passion and positivity seems to fade away. At least that is how I used to feel.

Why do we feel so good when we are there but that feeling never lasts as long as we would like?

I first thought it was because we were learning new things. It has been said that those who are continually learning have much more career happiness. But that can’t be all there is to it. If that were the case, watching online continuing education courses would be enough. Don't get me wrong, I get a lot out of online continuing education like MedBridge, but it does not fulfill one of our deepest needs --- community.

We were meant to be in community. We were not meant to do this PT career thing alone. What we do as PTs is hard. It is emotionally draining to listen to people tell you about all their problems. To dig deep to find the thing that will motivate the apparently unmotivated patient. To be frustrated that you can’t get everyone better.

But CSM is not just about being around 18,000 people. That is community, but we seek more than just numbers. We seek connection and connection is about being around passionate people who are interested in the same niche specialty that you are and share the same beliefs about PT as you do. So while your co-workers may be great, they may just be interested in having an 8-5 PT job…..not truly living their passion and loving their career.

As I look back on my career, my happiest times have been when I was working with people and we had fun together, cared about each other, and helped each other out. I’ve been at places where the people were good, but I still didn’t feel like I truly belonged. And I’ve been places where I’ve had deep connections with the people I’m around. During those times, I would say, “I could dig a ditch with these people and would have a blast.” Fortunately, I have that with my current team at UE, ProRehab & UE Sports Residency Program, and the Professional Rebellion.

If you don’t have that environment at your current workplace or you really don’t like your job, I totally understand. I have been there and it sucks. But there is hope. I promise. I have seen myself and countless others make the journey to an awesome career.

Unfortunately, it may be hard for you to join us here at the University of Evansville, but you can become part of the Professional Rebellion community. It is a free place where we talk about our struggles and our aspirations. A place where people can help you believe that your ideal career is possible and take tangible steps toward it.

So I hope you will join our community. No strings attached. Just a place where we can walk along side each other. Take the first step….it is often the hardest.

Click HERE to join our free community!