#this is a duplicate post from the blog Standing Alone
Lately, a particular thought has been on my mind—a contemplation about how we should approach our lives.
After spending five years studying for a medical degree, we patiently wait for a year to begin our housemanship. As house officers in a tertiary hospital, we toil like slaves for two years, enduring longer working hours with pay that does not match the efforts.
Eventually, we become medical officers, but in the current landscape, most doctors are treated as contract MOs. Where is the promising future we envisioned as doctors?
Now, we find ourselves standing at a crossroad:
1) Should we persist in fighting for our dreams? Many of us aspire to become great professionals in the medical field—physicians, surgeons, radiologists, and more. However, reality has a way of beating us down, testing our dedication and professionalism.
2) Alternatively, after years of hardship, many choose to settle down as chronic medical officers or doctors in private clinics or hospitals.
3) Some may opt for a secondary career that offers higher income and a lighter workload, allowing for more personal and family time.
Indeed, it is a difficult choice in our lives—a delicate balancing act between ambition, personal life, family, and financial stability. Entering a master's program adds another four years of struggle. Even if you become a specialist, you still find yourself learning like a novice in the presence of experienced consultants. It is an ongoing process of learning that continues until the end of your career. It is not an easy journey.
Ask yourself: Do you truly enjoy your life? Do you prefer traveling or being immersed in work-related stress most of the time? Are you still sacrificing leisure for exam preparation while others enjoy their lives? Is there a significant difference if you hold MRCP or MRCS qualifications? Do you genuinely have personal time to savor? Consider the effort, time, and money invested in obtaining those credentials. Is it truly worth it?
It is only worth it if you genuinely love what you do. If you derive enjoyment and fulfillment, then by all means, pursue your chosen path.
I simply wish to make everyone aware and encourage thoughtful consideration of what you truly want in life. There are countless choices in this world.
Do not envy the life of a doctor. It is never easy; it demands time, energy, and is not always a lucrative career.
Here are a few areas to prioritize in your life:
Financial planning
Investments
Insurance
Nurturing family and romantic relationships
Personal satisfaction
Perhaps we can delve deeper into these topics in the future.
Comments