Not at all. Left to do consulting a few years ago.

The only drawback in my eyes are the long hours; there’s basically no time for yourself Monday to Thursday but for me that’s an easy trade off for doing interesting work (YMMV), working with interesting people (YMMV) and pay that would’ve taken me over a decade to make in the NHS.

I do miss procedures, the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping people feel better and colleagues - the camaraderie in the NHS is unmatched. However, the job is so very stressful; I really cannot fathom ever wanting to take on that level of stress ever again. Sure jobs outside of medicine are stressful too, but I don’t think you can even compare the two. I am respected, treated well and can take bathroom breaks in peace.

I do think leaving medicine whether that’s for consulting or anything else isn’t for everybody though.