job burnout

I was wondering if anyone else has suffered from burnout. After 25 years I finally had enough, patient verbally attacked me and I reacted granted badly, I got terminated because the patient is always right and the tech is always wrong. I knew better just couldnt take it anymore. Any way my question is am I the only one who just couldnt take it any more. I am working but not in the field and the thought of going back to it still makes me ill, dont get me wrong I took pride in my job and carry 3 registries did everything my manager asked of me but was never told I did anything right just what I did wrong.

Has anyone else suffered from burnout after 25 years ? Yes, of course. Have I ever lost control and retaliated when I had to deal with a rear end individual ? No. I've had a few patient complaints; the usual "Tech was rude", that sort of thing. It happens even when there is no intent. Working with the public always entails some risk that you aren't going to please everyone. Fortunately, my Manager has always stood beside me as he has to deal with the same. We've dismissed abusive people and these days folk's in general have lost a lot of civility. Been on an airplane lately ?

It's unfortunate that after such a long career that you got tossed under the bus but perhaps the encounter was serious enough to warrant termination, I don't know. I do know though that one can get sick and tired of poor management and sometimes it's a blessing in disguise to be let go. You sound like an above average RT, i.e. multiple registries to your credit and perhaps you reached a point where you seriously need a time out, a career change, or maybe just a better work environment where you wouldn't have that feeling that your manager only pointed out your negatives. Those people exist unfortunately, small minded people that they are. I've worked for a few toxic managers, you will never, ever, change their management technique. You can either adapt or find a more professional work place. It does sound though to be honest you aren't quite ready to return. If the mere thought of returning "makes you ill" I would encourage you to take a decent amount of time away from being an RT, re-evaluate in 3, 6 months if you still have those feelings and then decide. In the interim, you may find you don't really want to return and contrary to some, there is life after Radiology. I wish you the best. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thankyou for your insight your comments make sense to me. Its hard to make a change even if its for the better and your right I never really thought of my manager as toxic but it is the right description and I know that type of manager will always be there, the one who is out to make themselves look good no matter what. I think I needed someone just to tell me yes there is a life after Radiology, especially someone who knows what the field is like. Thank you