Why Are We Afraid to Talk About Work-Life Balance?
An earlier version of this article appeared on Doximity, where I was a 2022-2023 Op-Med Fellow.
For many physicians, work-life balance (WLB) is the elephant in the room. According to CHG Healthcare, in 2018, 63% of physicians finishing residency programs cited WLB as their number one consideration when choosing a job. In 2022, it was 85%.
Dissatisfaction with WLB is strongly correlated with burnout, and is a common reason that many physicians choose to leave their current practice.
Although women physicians tend to rate WLB as somewhat more important than men, among millennials it is a top priority for both genders.
Yet physicians often avoid raising this crucial issue with potential employers and even colleagues for fear of being judged and found lacking.
The Fear is Real
This fear of judgment is based in reality: providing the best and most timely care to patients often requires self-sacrifice. The profession is demanding and the stakes are high; it’s a given that occasionally, or maybe even often, you will have to put personal needs aside to care for patients whose needs can’t wait.
But it’s not uncommon for physicians to fall prey to the notion that consistently putting aside their own, or their family’s, well-being is necessary to answer the “calling” of medicine. Healthcare institutions sometimes perpetuate this with an “always on” culture, idealizing self-sacrifice without adequately compensating for it.
For physicians whose work requires collaboration and partnership with others in the profession, openly wanting more from life may also stir up fears of being perceived as weak, lazy, or not a team player.
These concerns are real, and the demands of the profession are heavy. But when you get past the angst of admitting that you want more out of life and make an effort to seek balance, you will find that your relationships, your sense of fulfillment, and ultimately the care you give your patients can flourish.
Tangible Benefits of Seeking Balance
Research shows that not only do people who make time for family, hobbies, and health feel a greater sense of balance, but they may also become better physicians for it.
A British study found that employees who engaged in creative activities were more likely to discover creative solutions to problems at work.
A study of nearly 300 ICU staff members, including physicians, found that those who engaged in hobbies experienced less post-traumatic stress.
And a Duke study found that higher WLB measures among hospital staff, including physicians, correlated with greater patient safety and improved teamwork.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, not attending to life outside of work can have serious consequences. A study of members of the American College of Surgeons published in 2012 found that those with conflicts between work and home life were more than twice as likely to experience burnout and depression. Experiencing this conflict also meant that the surgeons surveyed were more likely to leave their current practice.
And yet, balancing your life is easier said than done.
A Personal Story
Each doctor has a different story. Here’s mine:
As a cardiologist I was able to find WLB, although it required a substantial degree of focus and dedication. While in practice, I wrote four books (admittedly health related), became a yoga teacher, and competed successfully with my horses. I also made time to travel and hike around the world.
However, these efforts were not without sacrifice: I had to give up significant income in order to take a half day off a week to train with my horses. And I usually chose to take most of my allotted (uncompensated) vacation time.
Although I was fortunate enough to have an organized system of cross-coverage with my partners, the time off nevertheless meant that I was often catching up on EHR responsibilities late into the evening, sometimes even from the other side of the world.
Still, for me the loss of income and long nights catching up on charts was worth it. Not only was my life richer, but my diverse experiences and friendships made me a more compassionate and open-minded physician. My patients were always curious about my adventures, and often felt more connected to me when they realized that I shared some of their own interests. And having the opportunity to “fill my cup” gave me more energy and enthusiasm for my work.
What Does Work-Life Balance Look Like for You?
Work-life balance is deeply personal. It shifts with life’s seasons—whether you’re a new parent, an early-career physician, or a seasoned leader.
Parents of young children might prioritize family time and set hobbies aside for a while.
New physicians may need to focus on building their patient base and refining their skills.
Ambitious professionals seeking leadership roles might accept that these positions come with time demands that require trade-offs.
Whatever your circumstances, achieving balance starts with acknowledging your needs and crafting a plan to meet them.
Discovering Balance
Here are some things to consider as you embark on your new path:
Acknowledge Your Desires: Wanting more from life doesn’t make you less dedicated. You’re allowed to be a doctor and a spouse, parent, or adventurer.
Create a Plan: Start small. Identify what balance looks like for you right now, and map out achievable steps to get there.
Reassess Your Practice: Are there opportunities to cut back hours or take a regular day off? Could changing roles or employers help you reclaim time?
Delegate Wisely: Hire help where needed—whether it’s a scribe, a babysitter, or a housecleaner. Small investments in assistance can free you for the things that matter most.
Reevaluate Your Commute: Use your travel time for audiobooks, meditation, or CME. Or consider moving closer to work to reclaim precious hours.
Say No Strategically: Not every committee or project is worth the sacrifice. Be intentional about the responsibilities you take on.
Embrace Imperfection: You don’t need to dive headfirst into a new hobby. Start small—10 minutes of yoga, a quick walk, or a short meditation can work wonders.
Limit Distractions: Replace mindless scrolling with meaningful activities, whether it’s reading, journaling, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a creative interest.
Try Something New: Join a workshop or pick up a hobby you’ve always been curious about. The joy of learning can be invigorating.
Book a Getaway: Set a date, buy a ticket, and commit to taking time off. The anticipation alone can be rejuvenating.
Taking the First Step
No matter what work-life balance means to you, realize that an ideal balance looks different for each person. It can change over the course of a lifetime.
The most important way to achieve the balance you’re seeking is to put your ideas into action. Your life will be so much richer if you consciously put in the effort, often in ways that you might not anticipate today. And you may find that in the process, you generate more joy, creativity, and resilience in your medical practice.
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