The Hidden Cost of Not Starting Over: 3 Hard Truths from a Surgeon-Turned-Creative
The Creative Switch · Nikki Vallance
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Show Notes
The Hidden Cost of Not Starting Over: 3 Hard Truths from a Surgeon-Turned-Creative
What happens when a paediatric trauma surgeon dares to leave it all behind in search of a more authentic, creative life? In this episode boldness takes centre stage as Louise Morris shares the harsh realities of embracing radical change. The conversation explores the emotional toll of staying in a hard earned but unsustainable role, the paralysing perfectionism, and the sacrifices required to step away from external validation.
Through Louise's candid reflections, you are invited to consider the risks and rewards of forging a new path, discovering that genuine fulfilment demands a whole lot of courage to start over.
Louise Morris Bio:
Louise is a poet, storyteller, educator, craft-dabbler and community-gatherer who used to be a consultant paediatric, neonatal, and trauma surgeon. After 18 years in the NHS caring for children and families, she now writes full-time, with a focus on decision-making, career transition, feminist leadership, and everyday joy. Alongside her writing, she is developing a portfolio of work that includes reflective writing circles for clinicians, strategic support for women in leadership, and in-person gatherings for creatives seeking deeper connection. Louise lives in rural Nottinghamshire with her husband and two young children, and serves as a non-executive director at Lemon Jelly Press CIC, a small independent publisher with a mission to amplify unheard voices.
Episode Chapters with time stamps:
- 02:49 - The Edge
- 00:18 - Reconnecting with Creativity
- 06:21 - The Courage to Create: Louise's Journey
- 13:14 - Exploring Creativity and Career Paths
- 19:37 - Rediscovering Creativity Through Writing
- 24:23 - The Art of Decision Making in Surgery
- 31:45 - The Human Connection in Medicine
- 33:48 - Finding Connection in a New World
- 37:00 - The Journey of Fitting In
- 44:11 - Navigating Change and Embracing Creativity
- 45:03 - Creative Adventures - going back to singing
Four Creative Nuggets:
“When that fixed term post ended last July, I made a decision not to apply for any more jobs and I came home to my children.” — Louise Morris
“There was a little bit of me thinking, now that I'm finished training and I've ticked off all the boxes I had to tick to get to here, is this it? Is this my life for the next 20 years?” — Louise Morris
Talking about not taking up a permanent role. “My goodness, it's been such a gift not doing that. I feel like I've woken up to Mary Oliver's one wild and precious life.” — Louise Morris
In a high pressure, high commitment career, “You don’t have space to think about who you are and what you want… You don’t have that time to breathe.” — Louise Morris
Links:
Louise Morris
https://lulamorris.substack.com/
https://livestack.substack.com/
The Edge
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/burnout-belief-reforming-the-nhs
Creative Adventures
Episode mentioned: Caroline Pearce
Nikki Vallance
https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/
https://www.nikkivallance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/
https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/
Afflliate Links
Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53
Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq