The days are long, but the years are short. I was just here three years ago; thought I was going to be around for a few more years, yet life has other plans for me. In less than a month, I’ll be moving on to a different city, for a different job.

Honestly didn’t expect to be leaving this place so soon. A part of me feels a little wistful; another part of me needs to get out to save myself. I’ve tried to talk myself out of it, telling myself that I need to stick to what I initially chose, that persevering is good. That this is grit, I have the will to power on, things will get better, and I will eventually look back and be glad that I stuck around. But at which point do we know that persisting is no longer ‘grit’, and that it is time to move on?

There is no right answer, but I think this is the right time for me to move on. I’ll be taking a break from primary care, and will return to practicing hospital medicine, at least for now. I will miss my patients, some of whom have grown on me so much that it saddens me so much to say goodbye. But, it is what it is. Everything comes to an end eventually. I’m just thankful we’ve had all this time together.

Not all is lost. I’ve learned a lot from my patients, and gained a handful of good friends along the way. And I’m sure I’ll be back to this place to visit. That’s all for now. Off to start packing!