Before you begin, I will like to make an appeal to you.
I think it is high time we told ourselves the truth about physiotherapy
and the healthcare profession as a whole. We cannot keep deceiving
ourselves that by studying these fields, we are guaranteed financial
breakthrough. Let us be honest: there is no financial breakthrough
waiting for you simply because you chose to become a clinician.
This is a bitter pill to swallow, but one that needs to be said. Our
predecessors, intentionally or not, failed to tell us this. And that is
one of the reasons why so many clinicians, whether physiotherapists,
nurses, or even doctors who are walking around frustrated, burnt out,
and disillusioned.
We came into these professions with high hopes. Bright-eyed, full of
zeal, passion, and a desire to make a difference. Many of us had this
superhero complex of wanting to help people, to be that change in the
community, to touch lives. And yes, that is a beautiful thing. That is
still what drives many of us. But let's be real! deep down, everyone
also wants financial stability. Everyone wants to live a good life, take
care of their loved ones, afford nice things, and have peace of mind. We
all want that win-win --- change lives and make money.
But when you step into the real world of healthcare work, you find that
one side of the equation is present (making a difference), but the other
(financial breakthrough) is missing. That is where disappointment starts
to creep in. That is where you begin to question everything.
It leads to a lack of job satisfaction. And let us not forget there are
certain things that contribute to job satisfaction. Some say three, some
say five, some say ten but it depends on who you are talking to. But we
all know a few core ones:
- Job security and stability
- A positive and supportive work environment
- Career growth and development
- Recognition and appreciation
- Fair compensation and benefits
Compensation is key. You could be passionate about what you do, but if
you are constantly underpaid, overworked, and undervalued, that love for
the profession begins to fade. That flame, that enthusiasm you brought
in, will slowly go out. And when that flame dies, what you are left with
is stress, burnout, depression, and dissatisfaction.
And here is the truth I keep telling people: I have never seen any
physiotherapist, nurse, or radiographer who became wealthy solely from
their monthly salary. That is why I am a strong advocate for *clinicians
going into entrepreneurship.*
When you run your own business, you are not just making money but
rather, you are creating your own job satisfaction. You are doing the
same thing you were trained to do of helping people, providing care, but
on your terms. You have autonomy. You control the environment. You set
the tone. You build the team. You choose the direction. And guess what?
You also build wealth.
One of the biggest perks of entrepreneurship is that you create the kind
of workplace you have always wanted. You create your own stability. You
decide your work-life balance. You define the culture. You choose what
compensation looks like. You are no longer waiting for anyone to
validate your worth. You set your own value.
Let me give you an example:
There is someone I deeply admire. A mentor who shaped the way I view
physiotherapy and business. His name is Dr. Nnamdi, the founder of
Amazing Physiotherapy Clinic and Azim HEALTH. When I worked with
him, I was learning not just about clinical care, but about the ropes of
physiotherapy entrepreneurship.
One thing he said has stayed with me to this day. He said, *"I have
never written a CV in my life. I do not know how to write one, because I
have never dreamt of being employed by someone."*
That blew my mind. And it made me realise how backward our system is. In
physiotherapy school, we are not taught to think like entrepreneurs. We
are taught to be workers, just employees, salary earners. At best, they
might mention "doing PP" that is, going to patients home for physio
services, but nobody opens our eyes to the full scope of what is
possible.
There are so many ways to make money from physiotherapy that have
nothing to do with waiting for a paycheck. But because we are not taught
this, people keep graduating into a system that cannot absorb them, and
even those who get jobs are unhappy, underpaid, and trapped.
We need to change the narrative. We need to stop romanticising struggle
and start preparing our colleagues for financial empowerment. That
includes thinking beyond the four walls of a hospital or clinic.
There is more to physiotherapy than being overworked and underpaid.
There are untapped avenues to explore. We need to start to talk about
some practical and profitable ways physiotherapists and health care
workers can make money beyond traditional employment.
If you found this helpful, or if it resonated with you in any way,
subscribe to my blog so you can get updates directly in your inbox
when I drop the next part.
Thanks for reading.
📘 If you are applying for NHS roles and struggling with your supporting
information, I have written a simple, practical e-book to guide you. It
breaks down exactly how to write a strong application using the STAR
method, align with the person specification, and tell your story
clearly.
Grab your copy here:
[[https://selar.com/236m77]{.underline}](https://selar.com/236m77)
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**Why I Do Not Think Leaving the UK for Another Developed Country Just
for a Higher Salary Is a Smart Move**
Many healthcare professionals are migrating from the UK to countries
like Australia or New Zealand for higher salaries. But does more pay
really mean a better life? Here's why I chose to stay---and what you
should consider before making the move.
Adebola Badiru