There are a few types of psychologists. One who desires to own their own business, one who loves the safety of the government or university environment, and the other is a betweener. Betweeners want to own a practice but have reasons to need a safety net. I honestly think there are a lot of practitioners who think they want to own their own businesses; however, are really a betweener. Joining a practice should in some ways make your life easier. How?
Just say, "NO!"
In a really stable practice, the practitioners should be able to say, "no thank you" when it comes to referrals they don't enjoy taking. When the practice is flourishing with referrals and cares about clinical outcomes, practitioners won't be forced to see clients they don't enjoy.
Just say, "YES!"
Whether this means a practitioner can get out and try new things (marketing, modalities of treatment, groups) or a practitioner can slowly take on referrals outside of their comfort zone, a practitioner should be able to feel as though they have the ability to try new things and back out if they discover they're in over their head.
You honestly can't be F***'d to do the business side.
You need an accountant, website developer, marketing manager, business manager, operations manager, several administration staff. You spend hours working on the business. Even more hours working in the business. You manage practitioners, staff meetings, CPD, social activities, and more. Whilst working as a contractor in a private practice comes with its own set of responsibilities, you must recognise there is more responsibility to running a flourishing practice.
If you want easy enough, join a practice that asks for your involvement and input, but provides you with the space to relax and take holidays.
