How I quit residency with $120,000 in student loans

Are you feeling trapped by your hefty student loans, unsure of how to pursue a career change while still managing your debt?

In this article, I shared my journey of breaking free from the weight of student loans so I could leave residency.

Continue reading to see my secret to living my most authentic life, even with student loan debt my secret to living my most authentic life, even with student loan debt.

FINANCIAL FREEDOM: A PARADIGM SHIFT

I initially believed that the only way to pay off my student loans was by securing a high-paying medical career.

This perception kept me stuck on a path that no longer resonated with my aspirations.

However, a pivotal moment during my burnout led me to reassess my priorities.

I realized that the urgency I felt to repay my loans as fast as I could was driven by societal constructs and fear of escalating interest rates.

It was a mindset shift that empowered me to change my perception of money and reframe my mindset.

RECLAIMING CONTROL: INCOME-DRIVEN REPAYMENT

Through mindset work, I discovered the concept of income-driven repayment plans.

This helped me release the urgency that had been suffocating me.

I opted for an income-driven repayment plan, liberating myself from the overwhelming pressure to eliminate my debt swiftly.

This choice gave me the freedom to explore alternative career paths without sacrificing my financial stability.

SHIFTING PRIORITIES: CHOOSING MENTAL FREEDOM

My decision to pay off my loans gradually was rooted in acknowledging the significance of time and energy as currencies far more valuable than money.

By letting go of the pressure of loan repayments, I took back control of my life.

Instead of fixating on the number in my bank account, I chose to prioritize moments that enriched my life and aligned with my authentic self.

This choice to seek mental freedom started a life-changing journey.

THE PATH TO FULFILLMENT: EMBRACING THE PRESENT

Having student loans shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a fulfilling life.

By embracing a present-focused mindset, I aligned my energy with endeavors that ignited my passion.

While adhering to modest repayments, I shifted my focus towards building a career that resonated with my purpose.

This shift in perspective liberated me from the burden of student loans, allowing me to lead a fulfilling and authentic life.

FINANCIAL LIBERATION: RETHINKING SUCCESS

I found out that success doesn’t depend on quickly paying back loans.

Instead, success happens when you seek real fulfillment and consciously use your time and energy on things that aligns to your purpose.

Freeing myself from the fear of never-ending debt let me set my own definition of success, going beyond the limits set by society’s expectations and financial pressures.

“It’s my perceptions of money that were keeping me from doing what I wanted to do.”

Listen to the full podcast episode for a more detailed discussion on how I quit my residency with $120,000 in student loans on Life After Medicine Podcast.