July 13th, 2024

Former doctor Jeff Kai Fong gave up medical career to become truck driver

Former Auckland doctor Jeff Kai Fong transitioned to truck driving after a 30-year medical career due to stress and feeling unappreciated during the pandemic. He now enjoys his new job and plans a fulfilling retirement.

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Former doctor Jeff Kai Fong gave up medical career to become truck driver

Former Auckland doctor Jeff Kai Fong transitioned from a 30-year medical career to become a truck driver, finding relief from the stress of the healthcare system. Kai Fong, now 61, reflected on a critical patient case that made him realize the toll of his previous job. He highlighted the challenges in healthcare, including staff shortages and system changes with each new government. Feeling unappreciated and unsupported during the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided to leave medicine in 2021. Kai Fong now enjoys his truck driving job at GilesCivil, appreciating the work environment, benefits, and supportive colleagues. Despite the pay cut, he finds fulfillment in his new role and plans to retire at 65 to pursue hobbies like cartooning and field archery. Living in a mobile home at his daughter's place, he looks forward to a carefree retirement by the beach in his van. Kai Fong's story sheds light on the personal and professional satisfaction found in making a significant career change.

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Link Icon 3 comments
By @fn-mote - 9 months
After 30 years as a doctor surely he can do whatever he wants.

This quote was interesting:

> “This is the first time in 30 years I’ve had medical insurance, and it’s as a truck driver. They don’t give you medical insurance when you’re a doctor.”

He worked in NZ but drives trucks in Canada? So I guess the difference is the national health care system, right?

I feel like there’s a larger picture here that the article could address.

By @neverartful - 9 months
I'm not a doctor but have worked in software engineering for 29 years and gave it up in May to be a self-employed handyman. The stress of my last big corporate job was going to kill me. It's important to do what's right for yourself.
By @_the_inflator - 9 months
Dr Markus Studer did a very similar career change in the early 2000th. Heart surgeon went truck driver.