Long hours. Split-second decisions. Caring for the sick. Staying on top of the latest developments in medicine. The pressures of being a doctor are many, and my day isn’t over when I go home – that’s when I focus on my kids. I feel like I have two full-time jobs, both very important to me. I strive to do my best at both and still achieve a balance between work and family. Unfortunately, that is sometimes easier said than done.
Here are the top ten things I’ve learned about the work-life balance:
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Do not lose your sense of humor.
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Every day requires prioritizing and a plan.
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Make peace with your choices.
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Learn to let things go.
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Accept or enlist help where you can.
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Your kids will be happy if you are just there. Every minute with them does not need to be busy.
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There is not one right way to do everything for your kids.
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Do not feel guilty that you are not able to be there for everything. Guilt wastes valuable energy and time.
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Make sure your children understand your job is important, but not more important than your family.
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Take care of yourself so you can better take care of others.
I may be away from my children more than I’d like, but I believe I am a better mother overall because of my work as a doctor. I am more present at home because I work, and I am more present at work because I am a mom. I enjoy interacting with other professionals and learning new things which might prove helpful for my family and I am optimistic that I am a role model to my children. My kids are happy when I’m happy which makes our time together that much better.
How about you? How do you maintain a work-life balance?