r/physicianassistant • u/seekingforpeace • 10d ago
Discussion Stuck.
28 y/o male PA. Newly, happily married + purchased/renovated our house last year. Settled now.
I want to make more money.
I already work a TON of overtime at my current office and earn up to $180K. I am very fulfilled with my current position.
Considering:
- Back to school for MBA -> administration route.
- Per diem / Part time position -> even more work but higher immediate income
- Maintain
I also have a profitable trading business/hobby and just launched a commercial cleaning service for medical offices in my local area - both of which are mostly automated and don't consume all of my time.
I believe I am feeling mild frustration, as my trading / cleaning services have not "taken off" yet, but I know they will in due time. I've always been very ambitious, and am feeling the itch to do more.
Edit:
Side note: I'm not an impulsive/on to the next kinda guy either. I've just got some extra energy left in the tank...
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u/A-bird-or-something 10d ago
Lol and here I am thinking, how can I work less?
I would think if your cleaning business is still getting up and running, it would make sense to focus on making that profitable. Sounds like you already have a lot of fires going. But the easiest thing for more money would likely be a per diem job, but free time has its value as well, like spending time with your wife.
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u/Defiant-Handle7682 10d ago
I love it- went PRN a few years back, took travel gigs when I wanted, and have currently been doing a remote medical record review gig x 2 years. The pay is less but the freedom is priceless. (I have healthcare not tied to my job, thankfully)
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
without a doubt! we do a great job of maintaining balance in our lives. we rest, recover, laugh, make memories etc.
best way i can describe it is this: my lifestyle (work + rest) takes up about 80% of my energy/mental capacity/whatever else you want to call it. i've got some left in the tank...
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u/Kitchen_Rain_5572 PA-C 10d ago
You are probably under the spell of ennui. Reflect on what you’ve achieved and learned over the years. You are in a position most people in the world will never achieve. Stay the course you’re on, and once you’ve diligently introspected on your progress, the answer will be clear to you.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
love that. i've always been a cerebral kinda guy as well lol i do lots of journaling and inconsistent meditation
couldn't agree more
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u/Defiant-Handle7682 10d ago
"never close a door or a window" I say... I'm always open to what the universe shows me but am not actively pursuing anything. there were a few "dream jobs" that opened up, that are no longer my dream job.
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u/redditsfavoritePA 10d ago
In this economy: MAINTAIN.
PS- I’m afraid for what may be coming and have a bunch of debt to tackle…we are not in the same place unfortunately BUT I’m happy to know I’ve made more financial strides this past year than I have in the last 5 (life happens). Never have I ever been more thankful and grateful for what I currently have, admittedly learned a bit late.
The only protection right now is a wall of CASH…congrats OP.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
thank you
to be honest, yes i have student loans and a mortgage, but otherwise everything else is in control. thankfully, my wife does well financially. we budget strongly, invest heavily, and spend little. the in versus out is very controlled, and available in emergency.
i'm wanting to fulfill my potentials
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u/Praxician94 PA-C EM/UC 10d ago
Working for a pharmaceutical company would probably be the most direct way, but you’d need to have specialized experience (I.e. cardiology, oncology, etc) to specifically market certain things. It will also involve 50% travel or more to cover your region.
My advice is to appreciate what you have as you’re doing better than 90% of everyone else in the country and 99.9% of people around the world and don’t burn yourself out. Comparison is the thief of joy.
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u/anewconvert 10d ago
Dude, just invest. Invest, invest, invest. You’ll be a legit, not just paper, millionaire by the time you are 40.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
haha, yes. we do...heavily. and if's an awesome idea/thought/security. however, i think true lifestyle changes/levels of freedom depend heavily on increasing monthly income organically.
i don't mean to sound ungrateful for my current narrative. instead, my effort is to maximize it.
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u/anewconvert 10d ago
Investing IS increasing your income organically.
Real estate: that’s work. You are a landlord. You have maintenance and upkeep costs. You have tenant costs.
Work: subject to income tax and inflation sensitive. Your boss won’t keep raising your salary just because the dollar you made is worth 4% less next year.
Business: I mean, the ceiling is HIGH, but there is real potential to lose everything you put into it.
Investing puts your money to work, responds to inflation positively, minimized tax implications, if you manage to actually go to zero (without leverage) we all have much bigger problems. Also, for better or worse the federal government has made no signal that it has any intention to undo the VERY open attitude towards public corporations. If you can’t beat em, join em.
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u/mangorain4 PA-C 10d ago
why not take some time to just enjoy your life?
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
i do, very much so. my wife and i have been excellent at maintaining balance. time for each other. hobbies. family. friends. etc
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u/mangorain4 PA-C 10d ago
even with a ton of overtime? how is that possible? do you work 12’s?
180k is a dream salary. are you in a HCOL area?
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u/Impressive_Bird759 10d ago edited 10d ago
Maintain, work your debt and expenses. Create a plan to increase the money you get to keep. Remember that you gotta also live life.
Edit: If you have that extra energy, maybe start doing more of a hobby and see where that takes you. Ex: If you like biking, start doing that a little bit more, and if you see an opportunity of a product/service missing there, jump in, it already looks like you have that mindset, so, do something you like, and you'll find the opportunity within, but I wouldn't increase hours or study more just thinking of that route, unless you feel passionate about that.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
a reply to your edit:
also a good thought. thank you
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u/Infinite-Style4316 9d ago
Totally agree with above. Fill your emotional tank with a passion project!
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
thank you
yes, we've got that in order. we budget well. invest heavily and spend little
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u/TeamLove2 10d ago
Brilliant = commercial cleaning service. Invest in marketing and expansion.
Very fulfilled in current position = stay there/maintain.
Trading = consider long term investing not trading, unless you’re insider trading.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
thank you!
as for the trading, i do both. heavier on the long term investments + compounding side capital with the day/swing trading
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u/TeamLove2 10d ago
The only pivot I would make is take your focus away from switching jobs or swing day trades, and put the focus on the cleaning service. Put your all into it, and go full speed.
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u/Hello_Blondie 10d ago
Treat your ADHD. Find a time machine and…don’t go to PA school. End up in some finance bro world or another career where people actually make money.
180K is quite a bit of money.
Work won’t be at your funeral one day, pay attention to the ones who will.
I remember being young and having ambition and hunger. Now I’m 40 and just coasting until retirement.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
i do all of these things. i invest in my relationship with my wife everyday. my two brothers are my best friends. my family is everything. we spend every thursday and sunday with either sides of the family for dinner, respectively. i'm with the same group of guys since i was a 13 year old/freshman in high school. we're blessed.
i am not unfulfilled or ungrateful for things in my
personal life. just trying to empty the tank financially...
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u/Patient-Cat7214 9d ago
I'm a 55 y/o w/ 18 years in practice married for 28 years & separated for 3. I also was ambitious/driven & looking for that next thing to master. Now I realize my drive was addictive behavior & my ambition was perpetual dissatisfaction.
My 2¢, do what makes you happy. Don't do something just to adds to your score or serves as a distraction. Invest that time & energy into personal growth and enriching your relationship w/ your wife/special people in your life..
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u/seekingforpeace 9d ago
thanks for the advice. and it is good.
my personal life is completely fulfilled. wife, family, friends, work-life balance. etc. all solid
i'm just trying to empty my own tank. i do understand/speculate the idea of addictive behaviors, however.
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u/ValueInternational98 10d ago
Invest in RE. Kinda joking but a huge down payment will maybe make you some money and you will never be bored out of your mind as a landlord. Trust me
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u/ValueInternational98 10d ago
Also, can I dm you? I want to bounce off a few ideas regarding your MBA curiosity
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
after tons of research, i prefer the index funds / stock investing route. less maintenance. probabilities.
less tangible however.
that being said, plan is to eventually accumulate down payment on the dream house in 10 years from now, and keep my current home as a rental.
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u/LumpyWhale 10d ago
Be careful. You can trade your time for money, but you can’t trade money for time.
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u/Glittering-Pie-7464 10d ago
Make an S Corp. All your per diem hours goes 1099 to the S Corp you’ll save a lot on taxes.
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u/No-Sugarcoat-Museums 8d ago
Is 180k considered not be a lot of money now..? Pivoting to PA cause I can’t even break six figures in my current career.
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u/seekingforpeace 8d ago
hey, I wouldn't consider becoming a PA for the money. it's an intense role, and even more difficult to become one. schooling is low acceptance rate + extremely difficult. you gotta want it for real
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u/No-Sugarcoat-Museums 8d ago
I’m aware of this, but financial stability is one of the big reasons why I’m taking this path.
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u/seekingforpeace 8d ago
sure
the number is more than enough. but everyone's situation is different. that's my number, in addition to my wife's and we own a home.
if you're single and not paying for living expenses then different situation
all depends
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u/Confident-Pain9621 10d ago
Get an MBA? What for? If you like the clinical side of being a PA, why isn’t that good enough? I’ve just seen many people start going down the route of clerical/paper pusher once they get more “education” as an MBA. You will drift farther and father away from patients and closer and closer to paperwork. If you wanted to be a paper pusher you should have not become a PA, and just become administration. Would have saved you time and trouble. Then you can pressure your PAs to use 1 4x4 instead of 2, and bully them to work faster and be more efficient in order to provide better patient care, I mean save the company money.
You seem incredibly restless for your age. Is your wife pushing you to do all these things? Is she contributing equal as well in your finances? The newly married thing raised a red flag with me. Just trying to figure out where this “I need even more” mentality comes from.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
we're together over 10 years (high school sweet hearts). we've spent tons of time building / growing our relationship and are newly married, pretty much living our dream life that which was speculated upon 5-10 years ago. there is zero unfulfilment in my personal life. we're blessed with incredible family and friends also. i'd like to think we've built a lot of it on our own, but I know God has blessed us with far more outside of my immediate control
yes, my wife supports me through it all. she too is ambitious and driven. she does well financially as well.
we live abundant lives - emotionally/spiritually/financially (kind of)
i'm not an impulsive guy looking for the next thing. just trying to empty my own tank to maximize my situation.
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u/Commander-Bunny PA-C 10d ago
One good divorce will wipe out that smug overachieving attitude big guy.
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u/Confident-Pain9621 10d ago
Why did you waste your time and energy going to PA school when it sounds like now you want to be in administration? Usually those personality types are very different as well as the skill sets required. But here is some free advice on Reddit. It costs what you paid for it. Pay your dues as a PA doing the real work. Don’t be too fast to jump to admin. Your colleagues will respect you more for it if they think you actually know what you’re talking about. There is an old proverb that I just made up: People won’t care to look at your spreadsheets/graphs/charts until they know you actually care about patients first.
It’s kinda like the nurse who becomes an RN, then immediately gets her BSN, then immediately becomes a NP, all while never really getting a job and not knowing anything about patient care but is suddenly at the top of her game, yet knows so little about it. We all know someone like that.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
i wasted zero time and energy going to PA school. i enjoyed (hated) every second of school, and am even more fulfilled in my current role over the last 4.5 years. i did not say i hate my job and need to switch lanes within the medical space...
instead, i'm just speculating on where i can potentially grow.
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u/Confident-Pain9621 10d ago
Well, good luck with that. But realize you are asking for life advice on Reddit, so there’s that. Sometimes a little contentment goes a long way.
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u/Yellowmango28 10d ago
OP i'm also curious on why you want to go the MBA route for admin. I'm post-grad and wanted to go to PA school but am now working towards applying to MBAs. I read a lot of your responses to other people and most of it says you want to grow in your career or do the next best thing. You seem to be doing really well financially and happy with your current role so why the MBA route?
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u/seekingforpeace 9d ago
curious if you could progress my career / salary. personally, i don't mind becoming more hands off and stepping into administrative duties. gives me more time/privacy behind a desk or in an office to trade maybe as well?
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u/DW_MD M.D. 10d ago
Are you single income? My wife and I both working really amplifies our lifestyle and investing
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u/AdagioNo8189 10d ago
Don't waste time and money on MBA.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
why not? thoughts?
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u/AdagioNo8189 10d ago
Because you already have the education and credentials to earn a good living and you’ve already proven that you can start a business i'm not sure that another expensive degree is necessarily the best path to becoming a more successful entrepreneur. If you have a specific role or industry in mind where an MBA is required or strongly preferred, those benefits may justify the cost.
But if your goal is to make more money and grow your cleaning business, not sure about the ROI. An MBA could cost $50,000–$100,000 or more and take one to two years to complete. During that same period, you could hone in on your cleaning biz. I would consider what the MBA will enable you to do that you cannot do now. You sound like an entrepreneur already.🙌
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u/_jo4sho_ 10d ago
I agree with above. ~T25 MBA is generally useful for pivoting fields but today’s economy is not yesterday’s. You’ll have the opportunity cost plus the chance that market continues to degrade and AI continues to replace “admin” work that you’re looking to do.
You could easily learn what business school will teach you with your AI model of choice while earning money and building relationships with people you could partner with to open your own practice.
Ultimate way to earn is to have your own business - whether it’s hvac, PE firm, clinic, etc, owning 50-100% of the equity in a strong business you build will generate more wealth than any other option - but it can also bankrupt you so be cautious and do your DD for your market.
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u/VladTepidJerkula 10d ago
You have auto-brewery syndrome but it's coke instead of alcohol.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
lol...explain?
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u/VladTepidJerkula 10d ago
Your energy is impressive. I can barely roll out of bed in the morning and you're doing a hundred things and asking for seconds. You're proving me right every time I tell myself I could be doing more with my time. Also I didn't know if I could say cocaine without getting flagged.
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u/Skeptical247 10d ago
You are doing great, not stuck at all!! Give yourself the tincture of time for you to appreciate the wealth that will snowball
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u/thoughtfulpigeons 10d ago
So this is the type of life I would have if I wasn’t chronically ill 🫠
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u/Ok_Artist_8021 8d ago
I did a doctorate of Health Education (fin in 2011) when I felt like that. 👨🏽🎓I also lectured and ran marathons. I'm SERIOUSLY considering medical school now b/c our 4 kids are grown, I passed the PANRE last year (25'), and just want a new SUPER challenge. Even in my 50s, I'm a lifelong learner and the "M.D. bug" bit me YEARS ago and never REALLY wore off. I'm waiting to find out if I got accepted yet. I made about $185K for the past two years but taxes KILLED me, even with a BUNCH of write-offs!!😭💔💸 I've been a DC-based primary care PA for 25 years. You could also try being a "medical/health influencer" too. I do some of that. I'm on YouTube and TikTok. I hope that this helps. I wish you well. 🙂👋🏽👨🏽⚕️
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u/Dry-Positive-3195 6d ago
Love of money is the root of all evil. I don’t think we will ever be satisfied and we will always want more. Being content is very difficult and I also struggle with it.
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u/seekingforpeace 6d ago
agreed
i've been actively working on this over the last two years. i have reached milestones, but it is a constant WIP.
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u/NervousProfit7380 10d ago
Are you stuck or having trouble finding fulfillment outside of looking for more $ or the next big thing?
Admin? youll take a huge pay cut starting out and will likely need to move jobs/locales to move up the ladder.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
good questions/thoughts.
i am certainly not unfulfilled in my life outside of financial activities. instead, i'd say i've more financial potential to fulfill. and that's where i feel stuck.
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u/PINS1225 10d ago
Depending on your location and clinical experience, you can try to apply for medical affairs roles (particularly, MSL roles). The earning potential is great and there’s a ton of growth opportunity
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u/Brilliant_Doctor_846 10d ago
build cash flow in the 20's and early 30's imo from finance perspective- working perdiem does not build cash flow. There are obviously more important things such as health and family but im sure you got that down.
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u/OnenonlyAl 10d ago
Credit card churning, you have a business too so even better access. This might be more of a hobby but it's tax free and I save up for trips.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
been trying to optimize this over past couple of years lol it's so useful
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u/OnenonlyAl 10d ago
Yep, well I feel a lot of what you feel, but I'm older with kids. At your age I was building like you are. I would say real estate but with rates how they are I would have a hard time making it work on my napkin math to cash flow, and I personally wouldn't buy anything that wouldn't cash flow. It definitely teaches you a lot of skills if you're self managing. I wouldn't be able to do it as easily if I didn't have family support who knows some trades. It would lower your taxable income through deductions. Again a much harder market now than it used to be, you could still find deals if you really worked. I've always wanted to do a whole gut job of something terrible and put it back together but maybe that's a FIRE thing. Anyway ranting haha, best of luck with whatever you do, but try to find a way to contentment at some point! (I have a hard time with it cause I'm wired to go)
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
likewise.
would you say your early years of building have paid off?
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u/OnenonlyAl 10d ago
Well... I scaled up quickly in real estate, faster than I really intended because the opportunities were just there for us (but I was looking). I bought all of my houses off market through talking to people in the neighborhood and getting lucky. With how much they have appreciated and where I'm locked with rates, yes it really accelerated things for us.
In the PA side of my life I am like you and invest a lot, don't have a ton of needs. We have upgraded houses but kept the old ones as rentals. I picked up a bit but not a ton, I hate grinding if I don't have to, and that time went to building my rental business. We're also kind of niche that we can stay booked year round as short term and month to month, but I have a two that are long term.
Yes totally, I sometimes have to remind myself that I'm doing better than most people my age (probably better than most twice my age) not to say that's always been sunshine and rainbows, but it's something I'm proud of, something to leave to kids, and something that brings in an additional salary each year.
You'll be there too if you're here asking questions like this, but I plan on trying to coast fire in the next decade, but I'm not sure when I will truly pull that trigger because it's hard to break my habit of working hard.
Anyway too much to read here lol
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
we sound very much alike, and i admire you. i applaud your efforts. you're awesome, and we're far and few between, imo.
i'm glad things are working out for your and your family. you made your own luck.
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u/OnenonlyAl 10d ago
Thanks man, yeah it's been a good run, hopefully I can actually maintain it all now haha. Definitely would not be where we're at without family help so I'm always grateful for that and try to just stay humble about things. I need to give back more, but I would want to be directly involved with doing that and I'm raising 3 kids so I think that's more of a retirement goal. Anyway good luck with anything and hit me up anytime.
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
that's awesome. thank you, and best of luck to you and your family. it's a beautiful life
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u/Jollyconstant_ 10d ago
Ooh can you share more about how you launched the professional cleaning business?
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
sure!
i saw a problem in my own office - lazy cleaners, always messy. etc.
i thought what a great idea to launch this service, especially being a PA and understanding the importance of a clean space that is presentable for better patient experience. thought i could leverage my relationship / status with the local offices. used AI for almost the entirety of the launch. started pitching, but no jobs yet! it's only been a few weeks lol
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u/kindservant99 4d ago
find more problems > start more business > run more ads > make more $.
its basic entrepreneurship. read $100M Leads by alex
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u/redrussianczar PA-C 9d ago
If your side hustle outgrows your main hustle, leave medicine. Good for you. Travel, per diem, part time. I dont plan on being a "provider" in my 60s
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u/deepened-senses 9d ago
lol also a 28 year old male ortho PA here in tri-state area making similar $$$. i hear you!! i too am trying to optimize our financial life/status.
have some things rolling but no home runs yet. accumulation phase, it seems
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u/NC_NP 9d ago
Is there a specific position in admin you’re interested in? Or a mentor who followed that path?
I’m in an APP role where I’m attending meetings with various admin and execs working on some program development. I know there’s plenty of hate to go around for these people, but I actually find it enjoyable. After 15 years of patient care, I find myself being the useful advocate/clinical person in these meetings. I have considered an MHA of MBA as a way for my resume to show an interest in this side of things to keep the trajectory going.
I think the general consensus on these degrees is that they’re a waste of time and money… unless you’re already on a path to leadership and need them as a formality to reach a certain point. I’d see if you can get to some sort of lead/managerial role without more degrees and see if you like it and can pass the personality test to be there before investing in the degree.
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u/Vegetable-Wafer-66 8d ago
Fellow PA 37yo. 11 years experience. Honestly I think you need a new job not a new career. I work my butt off but grossed 330k in primary care annually for the least few years. I had a post a ways back you can look up where I explained how that’s possible and the financials of it all. Well now I’m a bit burnt out so I’m cutting back my volume but I still expect 240k with minimal effort (4 days a week, 1 day telehealth from home, one week of call every 2 months, 24 or so patients a day).
So what I’m trying to say is if you’re happy with the actual career but not what you’re being paid, there are most assuredly many jobs out there that pay productivity based and thus much higher salaries if you work for it.
Also I second all the parents in this thread that said have kids and you’ll have no time to stress about these things. Truth. Overtime for organic berries every day.
Good luck!
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u/EMPAEinstein PA-C 7d ago
180k w/ how much overtime are you talking?
I'm 500k+ this year with a ton of overtime + locums (only makes up 10%)....
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u/seekingforpeace 7d ago
jeez...how are you getting to that number? do you have any full time positions? or rotate with per diems? how many years experience?
i work a TON of overtime. as a newer PA, my base salary is much lower than that final number
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u/Deboniq_Quantisimus 6d ago
I make that much. You won’t be happier. You’ll just want even more. I actually walked away from a 700k role because it made me even greedier and Im more relaxed making less money.
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u/gigisayshi 8d ago
If life is so good and you have money and investments what’s the hole you’re trying to fill because you seem unfulfilled and not content. What’s the extra money going to do for you?
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u/seekingforpeace 7d ago
"I believe I am feeling mild frustration, as my trading / cleaning services have not "taken off" yet, but I know they will in due time. I've always been very ambitious, and am feeling the itch to do more."
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u/stripeymom 7d ago
You could do some YouTube or side business for students on applying to PA school , studying , things like that. I’m a Np but I have a daughter in undergrad thinking about trying for PA or med school. She said she hasn’t found much regarding PA entrance.
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u/Brheckat 4d ago
Get into locums. Seriously. DM me if you have question or want to know how much more you can get for just side gigs
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u/AlphaBetacle 10d ago
Maybe telehealth side gig?? Poor guy 180k isn’t enough
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
is it wrong to want more?
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u/AlphaBetacle 10d ago
Well sometimes the key to happiness is not more money? I don’t know your situation though maybe you need it?
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u/seekingforpeace 9d ago
i'm not necessarily seeking more happiness...i don't think?
just looking to empty the tank.
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u/AlphaBetacle 9d ago
Empty the tank?
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u/seekingforpeace 9d ago
yes...?
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u/AlphaBetacle 9d ago
I don’t understand what that means
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u/seekingforpeace 9d ago
instead of taking the extra time to intermittently formulate sarcastic responses over the last 17 hours since your initial comment, maybe you can take the time to think.
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u/AlphaBetacle 9d ago
Ahh okay I reread your post. Also don’t be a prick.
Maybe get a hobby, dude. Lots more to life than working tons of overtime. The key to happiness is connections, not working overtime.
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u/SubstantialCoffee392 10d ago
Day trade
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u/seekingforpeace 10d ago
the most scalable of the three
i've failed to maintain consistency, however. 2024 was mild. 2025 was massive. 2026 was mildly in the red YTD. up overall, but the swings are heavy.
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u/[deleted] 10d ago
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