In Part 1, I discussed some of the benefits to publishing experimental studies while also being a clinician. In Part 2, I explore some of the cons of publishing as a clinical psychologist, highlighting the impact it can have on time, finances, and overall career satisfaction.
The Cons of Publishing as a Clinical Psychologist
1. Time and Energy Demands
Publishing requires substantial time and effort. Between managing a clinical caseload and personal commitments, finding time to write, revise, and correspond with journals can lead to burnout if not carefully managed.
2. Financial Considerations
While publishing itself does not always come with direct costs, the time you spend writing may reduce your availability for clinical work, which could impact your income. Additionally, some open-access journals charge authors fees for publication.
3. Stress and Rejection
The peer-review process can be rigorous and highly critical. Revisions and rejections are common, which can be discouraging and stressful, particularly for first-time authors.
4. Opportunity Costs
The time spent on publishing could be used for other professional pursuits, such as developing new clinical skills, attending workshops, or expanding your practice. If publishing is not aligned with your long-term goals, it may feel like a misallocation of resources.
5. Limited Immediate Impact on Clinical Practice
While publishing contributes to the field, it may not directly impact your day-to-day clinical work. For psychologists focused primarily on client care, the benefits of publishing may feel abstract or distant compared to the immediate rewards of helping clients.
Conclusion
Publishing as a clinical psychologist is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration of your time, energy, and resources. While it can advance the field and bolster your professional profile, it’s not without its drawbacks, including stress, financial trade-offs, and opportunity costs. For clinicians whose primary passion lies in working with clients, these challenges may outweigh the benefits. Ultimately, deciding whether to prioritize publishing depends on your long-term goals and where you find the most fulfillment in your career. Recognizing these cons allows you to make an informed decision about whether publishing aligns with your vision for success as a clinical psychologist.
In Part 3, I will provide some factors you should consider before pursuing publishing as a clinician along with some tips for those who are interested in this dual career path. Stay tuned!
