A day in my life after quitting medicine

[@ZachHighley]

Everyone asking: ADVENTURE TIME IS A CARTOON HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW ABOUT IT. It’s the best cartoon ever. Watch it ASAP. I’ve watched 10 minutes before bed for the past ~5 years. I’m on my 14th time watching it right now… Also, check out saily.com/ZachHighley or use code “ZachHighley” for a 15% exclusive discount on a traveling data plan!

[@hannahg8091]

Dear Zach - pls consider coming to South Africa or Africa to be a doctor. The way we do it here is soooo different from what I’ve seen in the US and UK. Here doctors are family friends, sit and chat with us and know our whole family. It’s so therapeutic going to our family dr and not even getting meds but just the chat. Life is so different and even more chilled here …

[@Asmaasma124]

Aww I like ADVENTURE TIME

[@EmE1075-k6q]

​@hannahg8091 , 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃. The worst advice one can ever take. It's just like advising someone to leave Heaven and come to hell. I don't know about other African countries, but if it's Nigeria, please, run! 🏃🏃🏃

[@camjohn1443]

Man this feels so crazy, I remember watching your study videos and content back when I was a freshman in undergrad 5 years ago. So much has changed since then, I am glad that we can both start finding our footing in life. All the best to you, and keep putting yourself first!

[@topy10]

I went from medicine to helicopter pilot, then did dentistry and continued my father's clinic while teaching dentistry in college. Now I'm 60, work two mornings in my clinic and run the Foundation Studies Unit in a college. Quite a few changes that always happened naturally, one day I was doing a thing and the next a different one. Never had to plan anything and never had an empty day having to think what to do. I worked only 4 days a week for the last 15 years and will never retire. Hope one day you feel you don't really want to ever retire. That's success in my view.

[@ZachHighley]

That's the dream! That sounds 100% like success! How did you select what you wanted to stick doing in the end?

[@topy10]

I never had to select, I just keep doing the same thing if every morning I jump out of bed eager to start. As a doctor the most important for me is to have as much time as I want to talk to my patients, to get to know their health problems but also the personal ones they share with me, to meet and treat their families, to feel that my advice is important to them, that they come to see me when there is nothing wrong with them. A comment from my father brought back an old dream of being a pilot and I didn't think twice about it. I stopped flying when I felt that I had learned everything, that I had taken enough risks and that I had achieved my dream of becoming a forest firefighting pilot. I went back to school to become a dentist like my father and took over his practice when he retired. Chance led me to teach orofacial pain and craniomandibular dysfunction and I discovered the importance of interacting with young people. As I progressed to head of the basic sciences department the administrative side increased and I don't like it as much but I still teach 15 hours a week of anatomy, embryology and pathology. The contact with young people is simply a blessing that keeps me young. I even share holidays with former students some summers. I never planned to be a teacher like my grandfather, a dentist like my father or a pilot like my uncle but since childhood they were the three people I most admired. I love my daughter dearly and she always has time to share a beer with me and talk for hours. I can't believe how lucky I am. I am satisfied. Remember life is what happens to you while you plan your life. I wish you the best.

[@adriano1309]

I love to hear stories like this. So I would assume you don't believe in early retirement then no?

[@Asmaasma124]

I liked your view of things

[@SanganozusLP]

How did you go from medicine to helicopter pilot? :O Sounds so interesting!

[@tejab6497]

Hey dr highley, I saw your previous video. As an older medical graduate waiting for residency interviews to roll in.... All i can say to you is that keeping your inner child, your inner non zombie alive to me is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of your life. And if walking into the sunlight away from this is needed to do that, you did the right thing. I love you man. Breathe. Enjoy your freedom. Dont look back too often.

[@anotherrandomguy8505]

I remember watching the entirety of your "why i quit medicine" vid just the other day As someone struggling with college applications, it was comforting (and weirdly inspiring?) to hear u, someone who i thought "had it all figured out", talk about having doubts and regrets Great video as always. Looking forward to more, sorta casual videos like this!

[@MrJessie51]

Dude is taking trips around the world, family paid for school, and living a. Tip percentile life… he is now making money by people just watching his “down to earth” videos… that’s why he quit medicine. This money is sooo much easier

[@user-wq4ui7gw1w]

Obviously, quitting something that you've invested so much time can be traumatizing. Good to see that you put yourself first though.. I can see that you have a solid head on your shoulders and you're gonna absolutely crush whatever the fuck you do next. Keep pushing my man!

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you so much dude! appreciate it

[@stefan3876]

Great to see you again back in action. Be YOU, always. Love from Europe🤗

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@stefan3876]

​ You are most Welcome Zach. God bless you ♥️

[@LukeGuy-x2z]

I’m happy that you realized medicine wasn’t the right path for you. I felt pressured to pursue medicine, so I went along with it, thinking I had everything figured out. However, during my undergrad years I became passionate about the research I was doing. The research involved synthesizing new psychedelic and dissociative compounds to explore their mechanisms and potential therapeutic properties. Naturally, family and friends weren’t exactly supportive. When it finally came time to decide between grad school for research or medical school, part of me worried I was making a huge mistake since becoming a doctor had always been my goal. But now, I’m happy with the choice I made and have come to realize that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. I’m not sure how relevant my story is to yours, but I’m glad you recognized that it’s okay to change your goals and dreams along the way. Life isn’t just about the destination; it’s about all the moments in between. I don’t know what your experience with med school was like, but if it wasn’t what you hoped for or if you weren’t enjoying the journey, I think you made the right choice. Research isn’t for everyone, but I enjoy being in the lab, creating compounds that have received some FDA approval and may help people under clinical supervision. I might change things up again someday, and that’s okay too. It’s good to have a plan, but don’t forget to enjoy the little moments along the way and to find something that makes you excited to get up in the morning (whether that’s work or something else).

[@abkonk]

Why is number 1 goal money, number 5 deeper connection with people/things that matter. I appreciate your openness and I'm glad you left Medicine

[@dcmbdcmb3116]

Love you Zach. You will be a success in whatever paths you choose. Always look forward to seeing you!

[@parsaparvaz6536]

I’m with you on this journey we got this

[@Dr_Adnan.N.K]

Haha, it's a win win for me... You making more videos means I get to watch more high quality stuff

[@ZachHighley]

thank you!

[@michaeldirvin3568]

Dr. Zach. Dr. Mike here. In your last KZbin video you discussed leaving medicine. I think you are meant for psychiatry. You can spend additional time with people. You can see the miracles that life brings in therapy. Most importantly, we need to find a cure via medication for methamphetamine. We have a couple rx for opioids )Suboxone, Vivitrol) but we need one for stimulants like methamphetamine. So if you don't want to do psychiatry, get in the lab and help create a pharmacological revolution to save millions of lives. There's so much to do. You need to become board certified!! Go get board certified!! You can always change your focus later. Finish what you started!! Sending prayers your way. Yours truly, Dr. Mike...It's a great day to be alive.

[@ZachHighley]

Hey Dr. Mike, thanks for the words of wisdom. I just can't see myself going back to clinical medicine. I can see some semblance of "going back into the lab" to make new things for people though. It is indeed a great day to be alive. Thanks so much.

[@AnnBertholf]

I think his dad brought Lexapro to market, so it I’m sure this route was on his radar. Zach is so charismatic, I think he can serve the world best in front of the camera.

[@Rachelcuenot]

Psychiatrist here. I had the same thought. I just put up my shingle and have deep conversations for a living. Most don’t even want meds

[@Glotzboje]

@@ZachHighleyRead Prof. Dr. Peter Gøetzsche‘s books about the pharmaceutical industry.

[@Glotzboje]

@@AnnBertholfHis dad brought Lexapro to market?????? This drug of the DEVIL!?

[@medplaylist]

Hey Zack! You helped a lot of individuals throughout your medical journey, you learnt so much about yourself, and you've become an influencer (the most outstanding type of influencer, by the way). I believe most pre-meds and medical students are guilty of romanticizing medicine prior to establishing significant clinical experience (at least I did). Thanks for always inspiring me throughout my journey on becoming a MD - such as yourself. I'll be here for your uploads, irrespective of you working as physician or not, it was never really about that to begin with.

[@esahoosa]

Your excitement and energy is infectious especially in this video, love the transitions, jump cuts and sick edit dude :)

[@sanjanasriv]

I just want to say, thank you so much for making the past two videos. I was hooked for the entire 1 hour of your previous one. I'm a 3rd year biomedical engineering major who wanted to do medicine for reasons almost identical to yours. An absolute curiosity and passion to learn about the human body, and a desire to make an impact. Maybe 5 months ago, I took a long, hard look at what my future might look like as a doctor and questioned whether it was worth the sacrifices I would have to make. If the juice was worth the squeeze, in your mentor's words. And the answer to that question, I think, is no. It's not. One particular thought I've had that you articulated perfectly is the suppression of brilliance. A few of my friends are in medical school in India right now, and speaking to them made me question this. There are so many brilliant thinkers, outspoken individuals whose strong sense of self almost seems broken down by the wheel of the medical industry. It's like they're energy deprived to the extent that all they can do, with that remaining energy, is follow the step-by step instructions they've been taught. It almost seems like manufacturing replicates. Which makes sense, you want all your trainees to react uniformly to make sure there's a uniform quality of care. But it also seems like the exact opposite of what aspiring doctors assume they will do with their minds once they finally achieve their dream of becoming one.

[@ZachHighley]

Great story, thanks for sharing. Wishing you the best.

[@sanjanasriv]

​@@ZachHighley Thank you! Even though I don't know you, watching your videos and your journey feels like mentorship to me. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn from you!

[@mlewbank]

I quit residency 2 years ago and still am finding my way. Career- wise I am still lost, but I am so much happier and healthier. My life is full in a way it never was while I was in medical training. :D Rooting for you!

[@anaseline]

I quit medicine 2 yrs ago..I felt the peace, excitement, and energy of this video..this is so refreshing..goodluck on your journey….😊

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@Tolya1979]

Good luck to you, Zach! I have been on SSDI since I was 16, which meant, at most times, I could not officially have a "paid job". Try to keep to a set schedule every day and every week, as things could go downhill quickly when you do not have some form of structure in your life. Also, remember to keep up responsibilities, as you are on your own schedule and have to be self-motivated. I don't really think you will have too much trouble with these things, but who knows... Best of luck to you again, Zach!

[@ubiquitousinfluence]

Good luck Zach. We hope you find what you are looking for, in this thing called life.

[@mukundathakur5097]

Please continue the Zach Highley show ❤

[@Pap3rKoI.]

Yes!

[@ZachHighley]

More to come more to come...

[@AnnBertholf]

Best idea in this thread. ❤

[@MrJessie51]

Look at how he is living.. he has family paying for what others go in debt for and is making money on KZbin etc… obv he’s going to continue with KZbin ….

[@janetg.]

I feel bad you quit. My son is a Endocrinologist and loves it!!! No, he didn't like the MICU and everyone dyeing, but he knew it was a means to the end. He works 8am - 4:00pm, no call, no holidays, no weekends, no nights. He also has legal holidays off and yes, he works for the VA. He loves his Vets!!!! He loves his life and is so glad he went for a fellowship and doing what he wants. He has 50 minutes for a new patient and 34- 40 minutes for repeat appointments. He feel very rewards and accomplished as a medical provider. Yay, there was a lot sh*t to get through, but the end goal is priceless.

[@JenniferSinclair-o3m]

Don't worry. Dr. Zach will go back. He will become bored eventually.

[@all_about_ac]

Sending you the hugest support!

[@radmanvm6337]

Look man if you weren’t passionate about doing medicine, I think you did the best job ever and you’re free to do the things that you’ve always wanted to do in your life. Congrats.🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks!

[@mediokritet]

I just watched your Why I quit video and I can relate to questioning whether the juice is worth the squeeze. Medicine is brutal, it inevitably takes a toll on you physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually and the end results for your patients may end up being underwhelming. I don't have a clear answer as I've too taken some "mini retirements"/ path switches within medicine. I'm all in for my patients while I'm in but I also need deep rest and decompression at times ... it's a lot. Wish you a great new chapter ahead.

[@مصطفیآقازاده]

Hi every one. I'm 29 and gonna start medicine this year. I always watched zach's videos and followed him for motivation and inspiration but now that I see he's quit medicine I'm hesitating and doubting I might be making a mistake wanting to persue my dream major and career. BTW I already have a b.c in occupational therapy and am working as an OT in my clinic but I realy truely loveeeee medicine and always wanted to become a medical doctor. No matter what, I MUST get that freaking M.D. things like age, environmen, etc shouldn't stop me and be obstacles in my way... I have faith in myself and my likings. Do ya'll agree?

[@closetotheedge8859]

Yes, follow your dreams

[@DrSarra]

I am a 27 yo, freshly graduated doctor, medicine was my dream, and i realized it, but now i regret cuz the actual job is not what i expected at all

[@lubandlovu2804]

@@DrSarrain what way?

[@ZachHighley]

Do it my friend! I'm going to copy and paste my pinned comment from my leaving medicine video: For those going into medicine or who are in medicine: We are so honored to have this opportunity to work with people who are at one of the most scary times in their lives. Truly privileged. No one, no one at all, experiences something as unique as being with people at the crucible of their life. You have the opportunity to change people's lives. Lean in. Pay attention to healing pain, whether it's through medical interventions or just talking to people. Pay attention to your team. Pay attention to your thoughts. Your patients are everything.

[@مصطفیآقازاده]

👌👌❤❤

[@Meraki07]

Find Yourself ... This is your story .. You are the ARTIST of your life.. Find WHO YOU ARE .. Its going to be hard but trust your Journey.

[@stephen.]

On one hand, it’s crazy to me that someone who worked so long to become a doctor, quits during residency. On the other hand, I can completely understand the stress of being in medicine and pressure that’s put on residents (poor pay for the amount of hours worked). I’m finishing up a post-bac and it’s been such a stressful time. The thought of going into a different career within health care is becoming appealing but we’ll see. Best of luck!!

[@ChewieTomatoes1]

When you come from money, you can afford to make changes because you have a fallback plan.

[@feriel2672]

always love the vlogs! you got your own storytelling that's very captivating!

[@ArtByHazel]

It’s your unique journey and you alone knows what feels good for your soul.

[@alyssad7019]

keep these videos coming! love them

[@dinahkalvari2558]

Hey Zack ! Thanks for sharing ! It is so nice how many people care about your journey and u made them care - which is a huge skill . Being so productive in this phase is so awesome and doing it in your own way . I think you must be in touch with your needs and part of being in touch with your needs and who you are is that they can change I geuss. We’re all capable of not being who we thought we were if we listen to ourselves . Or kind of not acknowledging the core components of who we are for other reasons . I think some people like to be squeezed in itself . The juice is then worth the squeeze. But these are all so complex and juicy q . I hope to be like you in that I can give to others , take chances, learn , create and accept life for what it is .

[@kaartik7310]

the vibes of and around your house can't be any better❤

[@yeahilovebread]

I was SO excited to see this one!! Was super curious about how you’ve been these days, so I’m glad to see you’re still taking care of yourself and working things out🤩

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@stevekirschman354]

Hey doc Zack it’s rev Steve , you have so much to give your intuitive intelligent you is going to change the world , can’t wait to see And be a part of more to come

[@andrewhoulihan7940]

Great video Zach. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@nghitran5317]

I love this video Zach, hope you enjoy your life!

[@hanleylinify]

I have always dreamed of leaving medicine. I am a PGY2; however, financially, I could not and I got stuck in this perpetual stressful medicine. I wish I could quit medicine one day and enjoy my life to the fullest.

[@june3536]

Great! So excited for your future endeavors and all the best to you, Zach! 😇

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks so much!

[@vidhiwadhwani841]

Hey, it’s okay to quit. It’s okay to take time off. It’s okay just to be. I’m sure you’ll do great, just trust the process. With all the negativity on the internet, I suggest we be kind to everyone around us. All the best Zach. Sending a lot of love towards you ❤😊

[@torrentmurthy7383]

Just wanted to let you know you’re having a positive influence ❤

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@othmanee166]

I want to give my perspective as a MOROCCAN MEDICAL STUDENT, an arabian african coutry, where all the medical students are going through a strike for 10 months=no studying or rotations, where I had enough time to think deeply about life. Looking around me, I see an agonizing health care and medical education and a majority of population living in a survival state. So the mental pain of doing an unfulfilling work or the constant search of a meaningful happiness evaporates in front of the greater risk of ending up in a shitty life with no basic needs. So we become "your version" of Zombies(which is quite good in comparison) in order not to become "our version" of Zombies. I might be wrong because It's not sane to lift your mood by always being grateful for not being like those living in worse conditions, but sometimes it's our only solution.

[@MEDD-lt6es]

you just need the courage to confront the chaos of life

[@عبدالمطلبشكور]

i really loved this video , enjoyed every second of it , hope to be the man you want and Goodluck on the road to 20 mil.

[@dianaj3139]

Newest subscriber... Very interesting that you finished school... and then said "Forget it" I am not doing that!! jajaja... I just stuck on the hamster wheel in the medical field and then one day I just decided to quit... but I looked around and I was already old!! GEEzzzzz So great to know some folks figure it out earlier! By some standards I retired early... but not early enough!

[@ch.k4580]

Hey Zach, nice to see you here and how you started to find your path after leaving medicine. Looking forward for more and also maybe future collaborations. You are doing a fantastic job! Keep the great work up! Now I know what you meant in the E-mail when I wrote it to you. I wish you all the best and we gonna stay in touch!

[@yashasvitripathi4443]

Nice to see you again Keep crushing it bro❤

[@Ahmed_Najimie]

Really loved the place , take care Zach

[@julieisthatart]

You are doing exactly the right thing, she says, from her advanced age. My experience in life leads me to say this. I am enjoying your trip out of some maze into your life. Thank you for sharing.

[@Quitovlogs]

God bless you bro, I really enjoyed/ learned from the way you carry yourself and organize your life.

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks for watching!!

[@berenicemackenzie8405]

Man, youtube recommended me this channels first video and now i see this 😭

[@tamaradavtyan7520]

Incredible storytelling … thanks for the honestly, truly inspirational

[@joeyhomewood]

Shortcut for the grayscale on iPhones - just tap your lock button 3x

[@maxgms7637]

Amazing content ! Watched a lot of your videos in a very short period of time ! Just great !

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you so much!

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Another lovely vlog, Zach! You're amazing, mate! Cheers from Brazil!

[@ZachHighley]

Cheers Eduardo!

[@allegrajoanna]

Rooting for you as always 🫶🏾

[@gabrielmalcate2202]

amazing bro, keep posting!

[@ZachHighley]

On it!

[@Som.Suwadee]

:) miss vlog style video, feels like your earlier videos…welcome back

[@FloridaRaider]

Big Naval fan. You're doing it right. You do have doctor vibes. I could see you as a small town doctor. Sorry, the system is broken.

[@joemmanevalga9980]

petition for more Lily cameo's pls. she's such a queen! 🐶

[@madoka-q8o]

May you always be happy in what you are doing. Thank you so much for your commitment to medicine and making great professional videos; you have truly helped and inspired many students, including myself. Furthermore, You have been an integral part of my medical training, so I hope to match the productivity, passion, and organization you've demonstrated in your videos. Lots of support and respect, and may success accompany you in the things you are about to begin. Thank you so much, and see Dr.Zach Highely in the next ooone! 🫀🫀

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you so much!

[@farzanehzolafaghari8419]

I couldn't get accepted for medical school and these days are not going perfect...! And again this is you dear Zach who make me feel better... Thanks for this good feeling.

[@madeleineisabel1287]

You're so smart! And you explain it so simple so anyone can learn and take after your tricks which will lead on the path towards your goals.

[@adaa_study]

take care zach!

[@ZachHighley]

thanks! you too

[@mohommedsheezan4700]

That short clip from outside the window 🔥

[@gakorothyt9768]

Opened YT to study Cerebrum Anatomy but that title really compelled me to watch your video first.

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks for the watch!!!

[@gakorothyt9768]

@@ZachHighley Imma huge fan of your content. Your advices have really helped me tons. I went from being a below average student to becoming a good student all thanks to you.

[@ΔΙΟΝΥΣΗΣΦΛΕΒΟΤΟΜΟΣ]

Dr Zach, i think you belong to the pioneers of a new generation guys that their life is a multitask and multirole real-time project, due to hard work, studing,lot of knowledge,social media communication and informarics.Only good things will be the result of this procedure.Keep walking the route of changes-challenges-adaption-experimenting...cause it 's the way of progress!

[@sf70388]

Where is the neat bookshelf from? Btw, I started following you back when I was a pre-med student and am so inspired by your self-awareness and decision to quit medicine. I am now in grad school to become a mental health counselor, and have no regrets about not pursuing medical school. I am also a wife and mom to a one-year-old, so for me the decision was quite easy because I always had the mentality that I would put my family before my career. Being in grad school has not been easy, but I know it's much more manageable than med school.

[@Urr342]

Its fine..life isn't all that we make it!! We can just do whTever we want..just making sure to give it our all to enjoy the journey and not feel bored

[@thomas92952]

Great video and even greater goals! Ask and you shall receive!

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@manfredbismark6688]

Stay strong, forward! Rudi.

[@ZachHighley]

Cheers Rudi!

[@JungleJetAviation06]

There’s nothing wrong with quitting tbh. I’ve thought about dropping out of college in the last two weeks even tho it’s my last year. I want to be a pilot but feel like it’s not gonna go well due to some medical issues. Tired of quitting being villainized, it’s okay to tap out if you can’t do something. No point stressing over anything cause at the end of the day, it’s not that serious/worth it.

[@marieclaudeb.2366]

It’s not about what you’re good at.. it’s what makes you happy and brings you joy ❤ take it from a 57 yr old who had a successful career but walked away and now is back in school doing science ( no algebra or chemistry in 40 years ahah!) for career number two to become the retirement project

[@Samson-dn4eo]

What career are you working on

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you for the advice! What are you doing now?

[@marieclaudeb.2366]

@@ZachHighley i spent about 30 years in urban planning, public service… during the pandemic I discovered a dm vet program in the Caribbean I can apply to (I would never be considered where I live 🇨🇦 because age and of public financing of those programs). I’m working on refreshing the requirements.. if all goes well, I will never retire and work until I die ;) I’m selling my house to pay for tuition, moving for 3 years to become a vet and go help rescues and homeless people who can’t afford pet care. Animals have always been a passion.. probably the strongest one :)

[@JenniferSinclair-o3m]

I am 57 too, and am entering a new career!!!!

[@jayala21]

Being in flow state is the key

[@ZachHighley]

Major key

[@ahmad.alemam]

if you hate seeing zombies why not bring the joy back to them yourself, in that environment nobody noticed that it was smashing brilliante people over and over again else you, so you are the only one who have the opportunity to do that, since you know what darkness there is, you also know what needs to be brought into the light from now on, please fight with us ,you still have the heart of a hero

[@ZachHighley]

on it on it

[@adithpremathilaka8135]

you are amazing dude, great role model for me

[@XiaoxuSmallWorld]

I want to tell you that you inspired me by your video Lucid Dream for 30 days, after I watched your video, I started reading the book

[@randomsarcasm2022]

How are you paying bills, paying off student loans, etc.? I'd love to see a video on your budget breakdown and influencer income.

[@dandefoe]

Yes. I heard mention of 500K in student/school debt in the quitting video.

[@HizamRamli]

Zach not like you take loan..haha

[@randomsarcasm2022]

@@HizamRamli Is that supposed to be a sentence written in English? I don't understand.

[@HizamRamli]

@@randomsarcasm2022 you not a robot right 😂

[@shirl974]

He's from a wealthy family,money isn't an issue

[@ShortCanuck]

Breathe Zach. You need time to heal yourself. Put yourself first and be kind to yourself. Just breathe ❤

[@Gjallarhorn9317]

Love the vision board that you have and I aspire to achieve something similar including strong relationships/family and financial success. Wanting to pursue medical school in the future and eventually leverage the knowledge and experience in some sort of entrepreneurial endeavor. Any advice that you would tell your younger self? Also, watched the entirey of your previous video and enjoyed every bit of it!

[@mohammadfarkhehpour1434]

Thanks Zach ❤

[@Jdw6848]

I stayed at a job 22 years i didn't like unfortunately I didn't have choice. However now the last 8 years I am in a good place

[@katherynsantana6891]

Yeah i wanted to ask what are you spending your time on now that you hace left medicine ❤❤❤

[@katherynsantana6891]

Have*

[@ZachHighley]

This is a very close representation of what I'm doing now! But likely will change.

[@darklelantos6373]

I've been supporting this channel for a long time, but I have to say that these last couple of videos have given off some very entitled vibes. Zach has clearly led a charmed existence, getting to go through college and med school without ever having to worry about supporting himself financially (he said it himself... his parents spent half a million dollars so he could pursue his dream of being a doctor). Even now as an unemployed person he's clearly still supported by his parents and boasts that he does nothing now (except hiking, reading and getting coffee it would seem) since quitting medicine. I have no doubt that Zach has studied hard over the years, but when reality of actual working life set in then the cracks started to show and he tossed in the towel pretty quickly. It's hard to build character when the biggest worry you've ever had is which med school you're going to attend (and not how you would pay for it, plus rent, plus food and generally trying to survive). To be in such a prime position was a gift and to throw it all away is the epitome of privilege. I don't think I'm going to be sticking around to see these 'comedy videos' he has planned. Throwing away a career as a doctor to be on youtube is wild 🤡

[@Idratherbewithmydog]

Thank you, finally someone said this!

[@philshuster7463]

You bring up some valid points...privilege, money, etc. You add some intelligence to the mix and you have the makings for an unsettled individual. These kinds of KZbin videos can become a fantasyland and as another viewer said, pseudoscience of a kind. I just hope and pray Zach finds what he is looking for. Many guys his age are also pursuing a relationship that is for life with the possibility of a family. Fortunate he does not have that to deal with. My anesthesia education consisted of a wife and two children who were depending on me. I had to think of their well-being as well.

[@darklelantos6373]

@@philshuster7463 Exactly. Zach has had zero actual real-world worries and has existed within a privileged bubble his entire life. When the reality of having to actually work for a living set in, then suddenly his lifelong dream was easy to cast aside. It really exposed his lack of character with how easily he threw in the towel. It's pretty clear that his desire to be a doctor was wrapped up in the 'prestige' and status of it all (who wears their coat and name badge to do groceries... dude, get a grip).

[@philshuster7463]

@@darklelantos6373 I think you have nailed it and have made an accurate assessment. This is the downside of social media and can be a trap for ppl to fall into, missing the true picture of fantasy vs reality.

[@philshuster7463]

@@darklelantos6373 As you so well dissected his scenario, there is more that meets the eye. When reality sets in, character or the lack there of, kicks in. The real world has a way of making the crooked path straight and some ppl don't want to pay the price and walk in it. I think I remember a saying, "No pain, no gain."

[@DavidValle-ej8es]

I’m an engineer and left that to peruse medicine but before I could even apply I dealt with religious, and health issues, as well as not doing well in Emt school. I then realized that the medical industry is messed up and financially could not support myself if I restarted and left engineering completely . I had been doing engineering only for a year after school. My question is this: do you think it was only that you just needed a break from medicine?

[@santhanakrishnan3275]

All the best zach. Love from India.

[@stevekirschman354]

I can’t resist , you are highly liked

[@uhyanyan]

Looked thru your timeblocks at 2:33 and just thought about how much happier than seems than my residency life 😅😅😅

[@ZachHighley]

haha, my timeblocks are mostly fun!

[@shekinahsimon95]

Wife from a different country.. Hmm.. That's a unique & interesting goal.. Well, kudos to you for taking a moment to pause & reflect- to go for what you actually want to do; when (coming from a 3rd-person perspective) it actually seemed u were living the dream... Takes a lot of guts to make such a big change. I'm wishing you all the best and hope that you will find fulfillment and joy in your future endeavors. P.S Lily is soo cute!

[@annisapusponegoro2756]

Hi Zach, keep forward and pull yourself together! And maybe one day you can try to do travelling in Asia like Indonesia

[@DP-qy5fc]

I’m doing my master’s, and some days, it’s really tough to get up early. I really admire how you manage to stay motivated each day! Do you have any advice for finding that morning motivation? Besides maybe the thought of meeting your future wife from India? Haha..

[@lotjasmine]

Hi Zach, miss your medicine videos...But still love your videos now...Cheers🌼🥀🏵🌷

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks for watching and the nice words!

[@lotjasmine]

@@ZachHighley You're welcome🌹🌼🥀

[@sarahrah3660]

People gotta say too much! Let him cook! Life has it's own way of unfolding. He got this 😊 love from Korea.

[@willprytz]

Thanks for the video! I truly appreciate it and find it inspiring. Just one question: What does "adventure time" means? (in your evening routine)

[@ZachHighley]

hey check my new pinned comment lol

[@TarenWatten]

Dear Zach, Have you ever considered acting? You know, just for fun in a lay theatre or something like that. I think you'd be good at it.

[@giantaxe126]

Hi what app do you use for time blocks and also for health tracking?

[@dannyfeldman2448]

Ive always wondered if the “thing” that you are called to do in life is not something that’s supposed to be flashy or high praise or something that goes against your personality. But rather it’s something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Even in medicine, you can choose non-people focus such as pathology. Specialize in molecular. As an MS II/III, I wonder how feasible this could be since I never though about path until I realized my social/life battery goes down the drain with floor/people based medicine.

[@abdallah7069]

Believe me u just taked the best disicion Good luck enjoy ur life

[@rtx2080ubermacht]

do you wear reading glasses while using devices?

[@officialkevinle]

Hey Zach, what app do you use to time block?

[@ZachHighley]

Apple calendar!

[@yvonneoshevwe2334]

What's te title of the other book you mentioned? Not the 12 week year one. It's also not updated In your reading list. Thank you very much.