How Do Some Doctors Achieve Work-Life Balance
It is possible to achieve work-life balance as a physician. You can enjoy your personal life and have an exemplary, successful career. However, unlike previous generations, today’s work and personal life tend to intertwine significantly.
This should not be seen as a negative, as effective time management strategies can help you get time for yourself.
Today, the concept of work-life balance is drastically different. Earlier, physicians could switch between multiple roles, while today’s physicians have to manage other parts simultaneously.
Earlier, physicians found it easier to control their work hours and shift between work and family. This allowed them to enjoy their personal lives with friends and family without worrying about their work, and vice versa.
However, today’s scenario is drastically different, as it is nearly impossible to distinguish your personal and professional life as a physician.
As healthcare providers become more accessible, thanks to advances in technology and telemedicine, they spend a disproportionate amount of time working.
Consequently, an ‘integrated lifestyle’ seems more feasible than separating personal and professional life. Today, the aim is not to achieve a work-life balance but to better blend the two.
Making Time for Yourself
Doctor Work-Life Balance – Time for Yourself
While some physicians may work long hours, not all physicians work 100-hour weeks. Work hours can vary significantly depending on the specialty, type of practice, and individual workplace policies. According to time management experts, maintaining a work-life balance does not necessarily mean spending equal time on both.
Often, professionals who work long hours cannot spend quality time with their kids and spouses, citing fatigue and stress. However, this should not be an excuse; instead, there is a need to push for quality time, regardless of the situation.
It could be challenging for physicians and their families, but physicians’ moral responsibility lies with the patients who need their help.
Setting Limits
Studies show physicians find it easier to spend maximum hours at the hospital or clinic if they are passionate about helping others.
However, the stress of working long hours at a stretch tends to show its effects sooner or later. While stress and long work hours can contribute to various health issues, stating that many physicians and healthcare workers develop ulcers specifically due to long hours without evidence is misleading. The development of ulcers can be influenced by various factors, including but not limited to Helicobacter pylori infection and NSAID use.
Maintaining a good work-life balance involves more than just limiting work hours; it also includes effective time management, setting boundaries, prioritizing personal time, and seeking support when needed. The remaining time should be solely spent with loved ones.
Setting boundaries, such as working five days a week and taking appropriate breaks during your shift, are the stepping stones to achieving an ideal work-life balance. Achieving work-life balance involves finding a satisfactory distribution of time between one’s professional responsibilities and personal life, which may include family, hobbies, and self-care and varies greatly among individuals.
Shifting Focus
A perfect work-life balance is subjective and means something different to each individual. Most physicians state that work-life balance is about the flexibility to enjoy life outside your chosen field.
Prioritizing your work during the earlier part of your career as a physician is expected. The focus is usually on initially making a solid foundation for a career in medicine.
However, when you have a family, you must slowly shift your priority and divide it equally between your professional and personal life.
You must be creative with scheduling to make more time for yourself. This will also maximize the time you have to spend with your family.
Finding the Right Fit
Ask yourself, what does work-life balance look like for me? What do you want your schedule to look like? What do you want time for? Once you are clear about these things, creating a stable balance between your professional and personal life becomes more accessible.
The best way to do this is to be clear about your motivations, emphasize work-life balance, and set practical and honest expectations.
Conclusion
Although not every position can be adapted to fit a physician’s requirement regarding work-life balance, many can.
While there is a demand for physicians, organizations’ ability to meet specific schedule requests depends on various factors, including the healthcare setting, the specialty, patient needs, and organizational policies. Flexibility may vary widely. The severity of the needs and individual demands determine this aspect.
See Also
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
How to Become a Physician Assistant
Gender Blood Test at Doctors Office
Best Non Clinical Physician Jobs
How Physicians Can Improve Their Patient Experience
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