Life Beyond Medical School

Abstract

Medicine has a funny way of taking over your life. When I got accepted, I was full of excitement and ambition for the journey ahead. But as the course progressed, I noticed a quiet contradiction—medicine demands so much of you, yet leaves little space for anything else. I found myself losing touch with who I was outside of lectures, placements, and revision. I needed a way to reset—something to manage stress, stay organised, and reclaim some control over my time.

The Start of Something Small

It began with a simple planner I designed for myself—minimal, structured, and low-pressure. It helped, and the process of creating it became an outlet. Soon, I was making more products, sharing them with friends and family, then selling online and at local markets. La Vida Facil, my small stationery brand, was born.

Learning Outside the Lecture Hall

Running a small business while studying medicine isn’t easy, but it taught me more than I expected. I learned to manage time more efficiently, communicate with suppliers and customers, solve logistical problems, and develop digital marketing skills. These are transferable skills that I know will serve me throughout my medical career, especially in a healthcare system that increasingly values innovation and adaptability.

There’s also a financial upside. The hidden costs of studying medicine—from travel to placements to exam fees—add up. This side hustle helps fill the gaps.

More than anything, it became a form of self-care. Designing products, packing orders, and connecting with customers offered a creative space that helped balance the pressure of clinical life.

The Value of a Plan B

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at medical school so far. But I’ve also learned the importance of having something else—something that reminds me that I’m more than just this degree. While La Vida Facil will likely remain as a passion project, it’s taught me that having a side hustle isn’t necessarily a distraction in the negative sense. And who knows? If the medicine gig doesn’t work out, I might just have a future running a very organised little stationery store.

You can check out La Vida Facil on Etsy or follow along at @lavidafacil_.