To everyone (except my previous bosses),

Recently I started my own private practice. Before licensure, I dreamt of one day doing this—some seasons of my career I would put it to the side and then later pick the idea back up again. Since taking this leap, the transition has been almost nothing like what I expected—well, maybe a little, but I’ve never done this before.

You feel-out your identity and how you fit into it - with any new role or situation.  One day I even came to work in blue jeans (very unusual), just because I could. Who was going to scold me? My boss? Perhaps this was an act of discovery (or rebellion) to see if this fit the new role I’m inhabiting—a business owner.

Anyway, yesterday a very unexpected opportunity came up to travel out of town for two weeks! Beachside, no less. I would consider myself an ethical opportunist. So I accepted.

For someone who holds great value in planning, consistency, and reliability, I immediately thought of the impact this trip may have on my clients. I thought, “Oh no. I just told them I’d see them next week.”

As soon as possible, I began calling my in-office clients to switch to virtual sessions. One client in particular was very supportive as I explained the situation. They replied, “That’s the beauty of being your own boss. You get to do what you want.” 

And to their point, there is some truth in that—I can set up systems that work best for myself and my clients. I can control every aspect of billing, scheduling, office decor, and availability so that all aspects of the business align with my values of high-quality, personable care.

But that comment got me thinking.

I never worked for my bosses. (And if you’re one of them and got this far...) Each and every one of them—I hold in high regard. They created a business to scale that I can look up to. They supervised, coached, and supported me as I figured the whole therapist thing out. For that, I will forever be grateful.

AND—I never worked for my bosses. I didn’t tune into trainings, wake up early, document thoroughly, or show up on time - for my bosses. I didn’t think about them over the weekend and whisper to myself, “I hope they’re doing okay.” I didn’t worry about calling off or taking a vacation because of what my boss might think.

I did all those things because I care deeply about my clients. I tune into trainings, wake up early, document thoroughly, and show up on time for my clients. When I know my client has a big presentation, difficult conversation, heartbreak, or graduation—I think about them on the weekend. And yes . . . sometimes I do think to myself, “I hope they’re doing okay.” I worry about calling off or taking a vacation because of the impact it may have on my clients—especially something so impromptu.

The ending to this story is that my clients are great. All of them have been super flexible and accommodating regarding this temporary scheduling change. And that one comment got me thinking: I did all of this for my clients. 

With an immense amount of gratitude   

Elena