A junction on the road - Security vs freedom (part 2)

Now, here comes the tricky part- the procedure you need to go through to jump ship. (This is mostly gonna be beneficial to junior doctors). I'm going to share my experience in hoping you can use this to ease your way leaving government. So, from my experience, there are a few steps you will need to go through when you're quitting government as a doctor (I'll eleborate further later)

1. confirming mentally you are leaving
2. have a family conference with your love ones and inform them about your decision and your future plan ::optional:: this will really help in the long term
3. confirming your compulsory status from MMC
4. dealing with your study loan provider (JPA, PTPTN, MARA etc) 
5. sending your resignation letter

1. confirming mentally you are leaving

remember earlier I said you need to weigh the pro's and con's? That is basically the first thing you should do. List down the all the goods and bad things about both your current and future workplace. Below is my own list to illustrate an example with you guys:

Like I said earlier, I didn't really ponder much to jump ship simply because of the income and the time flexibility. I always remember a quote from a close friend of mine who is also one of my financial mentor about leaving current work for a new one 

"Macha, if you're leaving your current job you better make sure you new job can give you at least 2-3 times more salary. Then, baru berbaloi leaving government."  

2. Having a family conference 

I'm not sure about you but my parent still have their say (trust me - I managed to mellow them down a lot) in most of my decision. But first, I got to convince my other half - which proven to be easier (bless her, she always backs me up in whatever I do. Even if I do something stupid) Having her by my side really helps when 'conferencing' with my parent. Needless to say, this time around, even to my amazement the conference went through without any blood drop.. 

3. Confirming compulsory service status

Okay, now the tricky part. As all or part of you know, we doctors in Malaysia are supposed to perform a compulsory service to the nation as according to the Medical Act 1971. The service will be counted starting from  the day after you completed your housemanship. There should not be a break during the 2 years period ie no "cuti tanpa gaji, cuti separuh gaji" (Do refer to my other post for more info) 
You'll also need to have a copy (or two) of your service book (green colour book) to be sent to MMC for confirmation of your compulsory service completion - this is usually needed to be done if you quit within first 5 years of service. 

4. dealing with your study loan provider

So, for some or most people who is financially incapable to pay personally for their tertiary study-like me, definitely they would have been sponsored by someone (parent not included) So, besides the need to deal with compulsory service, you will also need to make sure to check with your loan provider especially JPA whether you have any 'side contract' that needed you to serve in government for X amount of years. (for JPA usually 10 years) In my case, I was sponsored by MARA and there was no extra years of service attached in my agreement so I'm free after 4 years. 
Footnote: Please, for your future's sake, pay your loan back if you haven't. Be responsible and be good - you are a doctor!!

5. Sending your resignation letter

Now, you can send your letter to the respective PKD. (District Health Office) You don't have to write 3-4 pages long letter. Suffice with a simple letter stating your latest post, grade and salary. To those too lazy to write your own, here I provide a template - just change the name and date accordingly... on a second thought - write your own la lazy bum.. hehe 
Oh ya, forgot to mentioned about this important stuff. You have the option of sending in your resignation with a 3 month notice, 1 month notice or 24 hours. The 3 month notice will be the most advised to you by the office staff as they would have 2 months 2 weeks to procrastinate on your letter (I know it sound a bit harsh but hey, all the office procedure can be done in 2 weeks - yes, I ask and check with the staff) Personally, the best would be 1 month notice as you don't have any penalty or waiting to long to 'cabut' (waiting can be very agonizing...)
In my case, due to some unforeseen circumstance I decided to deliver a 24-hours notice. By doing so, I was ordered to pay a fine - a total of 1 month pay. Take note here that you'll only need to pay your basic salary NOT including your other allowance. If the finance department staff ask you to pay more ask them to look into the "Surat Pekeliling Perkhidmatan 2011 bil 10" (page 6)