perth

So my next chapter is a 6-month stint in Perth of which the 1st month has already passed without too much drama. Not actually explored much of the city yet coz most evenings are spent in the gym or trying to study for this upcoming SCE exit exam.

The work life balance really is a myth. I essentially lost three days following a recent party due to a particularly bad hangover on day 1, and then spent the other 2 days with heavy brain fog. You either spend your today preparing for tomorrow, or you spend today repairing yesterday. I had a lot of fun but not sure if it’s worth it and had to be reminded by other people what I did coz I had no recollection of events.

I’m pretty experienced at exams by this point so I know what I need to do but this upcoming SCE is not looking too good. Dr Peter Williamson who I’m finally working with in Perth is an amazing teacher who has been trying to teach my thick skull CPET and advanced respiratory but nothing is sticking. I’m really grateful someone cares this much as I’ve become quite cynical.

I’ve applied for this exam way too early and only now realise I haven’t done any subspecialty work (e.g. transplant medicine, CPET, cystic fibrosis, occupational medicine and the list goes on) and have only actually done a year of respiratory. My last 7 months have been spent in general medicine…

Wasn’t until someone mentioned that the exam fee £665 could actually buy an iPhone before I started regretting it. But it’s only money – something interesting that I’ve noticed is that there are months when the rise in the investment markets actually exceeds my monthly salary. Of course I never include this in the QPIRs because market rises don’t mean anything unless you sell and materialise the gain but life will get more comfortable very soon.

Some of you have also reached out to me to chat about investing over coffee and if you’re willing to travel to Perth I’m more than happy to oblige x