The answer in simple words: Yes. Let’s dig into that. For the past almost four years, I
have been working as a contract doctor in the nation, in places where there is desperate
need for a rheumatologist. I had worked in many different places, and in each one of
them I learn positives and negatives at each clinic practice location, and I continue on
learning. My last job unfortunately was not a great experience, nonetheless I still look at
any positivity that may have come with that experience. At the end I left that job, and I
am glad I did. I thought to share some thoughts and mental health benefits that come to
mind that might come out from leaving a toxic job. Here they are: I found one of the best
benefits is appreciating positive aspects of your prior job you might have been
dismissing; comparing your current toxic job with your previous jobs will let you
appreciate the POSITIVES you did not clearly see before. Of course also you will be
able to compare your current toxic job to any future and real job in the future you might
find out -when you move on to a new job- that you will never know about unless you
literally leave the current toxic job, otherwise you will keep comparing your toxic current
job- to an imaginary job you never stepped in or approached due to hesitance to leave
and kept you stuck in your place or for what ever reason.
Then here’s come the part of mental health: when you appreciate the positives in the
other jobs (previous or future jobs), this gives you sense of deep satisfaction -of
yourself- and relief and comfort, which of course reflects back not only on your mental
health but your physical health as well like have better sleeping and more productivity
and creativity at work and more balance of your life. Again I feel best benefit leaving
your toxic job is what that will bring of SEEING THE POSITIVITY you’ve been missing
outside that toxic job; positivity like: deep satisfaction, tranquility to your soul,
acceptance of yourself that you are doing what is right and following your good karma
(otherwise you will end up with “The Moral Crisis of America’s Doctors” – NY times of 2023 – very beautiful article). Also taking big decision like this (leaving your
toxic job), would increase your self- confidence and become better determined in your
decisions.
Hope this small agenda of thoughts would help anyone who is hesitant to leave his/her
job be able to take decision. Remember the positivity of your mental health you will be
missing!
By: Dr Hani Habal
April 2026
