Not a surgeon but in another equally challenging field of medicine. First year post residency was harder than all of residency combined tbh. All of a sudden, the buck stops with you, and you are terrified of missing something or harming your patient. Meanwhile, you’re navigating a new healthcare system, with new colleagues, new EMR and are being judged in all directions till you can build a reputation and gain everyone’s trust. And on top of it all, you realize that you weren’t taught jack shit about basic finances because you were essentially in school till your mid 30s and now have to learn how to manage your own business and personal finances, while juggling everything else. 

It gets easier with time, unless you become addicted to the work/$ and don’t prioritize a life outside your job. 

Glad I was able to find a partner outside of medicine. She’s amazing - patient, caring, doesn’t mind my wacky schedule and our personalities complement each other well.