In this fourth episode of the S2N Podcast's Return on Investment series, Richard and Ronnie turn their focus to what happens after the early years in a physical therapy career. You've gotten through PT school, landed your first job, and maybe even joined a mentorship or residency program. Now what?

This episode explores the crucial pivot point many therapists hit between years 3 and 7, where questions about career growth, burnout, and fulfillment start to rise. The conversation includes:

🧭 Career verticality: What opportunities exist beyond treating patients full-time?

📊 How to assess a company's leadership development track—and why it must be intentional, structured, and transparent

🔁 The myth of "just changing scenery" to beat burnout—and what actually creates meaningful change

🏥 Why most clinics (especially small private ones) have limited leadership paths—and how to spot companies that do create space to grow

📚 Real-world examples of structured leadership programs (like the Wings Program) and how they’ve evolved over time

🧱 Why burnout is often boredom, and how to re-engage with your profession through roles in mentoring, committees, programs, or clinic leadership

💸 The realistic earning ceilings in outpatient PT—and what it takes to reach (or exceed) them through leadership or performance-based incentives

💡 What to do if your job no longer fits—even if you’ve "checked all the boxes"—and how to evaluate your next step

This episode is a must-listen for PTs in years 2–10 of their career, or anyone wondering how to evolve their role in the profession while maintaining purpose, financial sustainability, and energy for the long haul.

🎧 Up next: Your Role in ROI—how your mindset, contribution, and intentionality shape the return on your career investment.