Ally
How do you keep your career from becoming your entire life?
While I want to be passionate about and focused on my career, I want to be able to balance work and family. I think there is definitely a way to have the best of both worlds, but I would enjoy some input on how to best go about accomplishing that. #doctor #medicine #surgery #surgeon #surgeons
5 answers
Marybeth Morrell
Marybeth’s Answer
Hi Ally!
If you join the medical field it is difficult in that your heart goes into what you do. Working with patients and families is very rewarding and also very stressful as they often face significant illness. I have found it is difficult to leave their stories and the challenges they face behind at the end of the day.
My advice: Give your all each day as a patient advocate, protector, caregiver and educator. When you leave for the day, know that you have done your very best for that patient and their family during the time you spent with them. No one could ask for more. Then take time to enjoy your family and loved ones and be grateful that you are in a profession where you can make a difference each and every day.
I appreciate your support, Marybeth
Sophia
Dumi Presuma
Dumi’s Answer
I agree with Sabyasachi Banerjee Sr, but i would add learn as much as you can about what it is you think you want to do. Try to shadow or internship if you can. This will let you know some of the good and the bad but this will also allow you to set good expectations. After you do that you can see how much life balance you would like. This process takes time but it is worth it in the long run.
Do not to change your mind because of the parts you don't like. Change your mind if what it is you want doesn't match with what you learn.
Thank you for the advice, Dumi.
Sophia
Hwal Lee
Hwal’s Answer
Ally,
I wonder if you've started your college career yet since the question was posted a while ago. To help you with the work like balance question, I'll add that it helps to develop a balance in your everyday life early on. For example, try balancing the academic commitments with social and family commitments so that you don't lose yourself in the busy life as a college student. Make time for family, friends, or hobbies so that your career as a college student doesn't become your entire life, just as you mentioned in your question. I hope this helps.
Good luck!
Hwal
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Sophia
Terence Cheung
Terence’s Answer
Many companies promote a work-life balance culture, typically you see them on the "Best Places to Work" type lists. In your case, if you're going toward surgery or medicine, I think it's even more important to consciously and actively create that separation. It could be as simple as setting daily time to disconnect from things. It could be like meditation/yoga, or anything that simply helps you shut your brain off for a bit - gaming, hiking, working out, reading. Simply put, devote time to other hobbies or activities, unrelated to work.
When it comes to mental health practices, my number one focus has been work/life balance. Sports have been a way for me to disconnect, smile, be competitive, and enjoy some time in the flow state. When I lived in L.A., I used to go daily to a gym or to hit golf balls at the driving range to avoid traffic, it definitely allowed me to decompress and shut my brain off before getting home.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Sophia
Sabyasachi Banerjee
Sabyasachi’s Answer
Well keeping a work life balance this days is very important. There are several information you will find in internet.
Go through https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/235427 this link you will find some guidelines.
But just to keep it short:
Value your relationship.
Give time to yourself.
Chase your dream.
Eat healthy.
Sleep enough.
Do regular exercise.
Hope this will help you.
Thank you, Sabyasachi for the advice.
Sophia