Is it Bad that I Look More Forward to Vacation than to Work?

Blog Post Focus: Vacation and Work

This blog post focuses on my thoughts regarding resident mindset toward work. Some want to work as little as possible, while others seem to feel guilty about taking time off from work. This post is for the latter half. No matter how much you work or how intensely you eventually need a break.

Introduction: Mindsets Toward Work

Many people looking at this title may think: what a joke!  Yet, some people have a mindset that because medicine is their calling that they have to love it. That any time away from work makes them feel guilty. They may be workaholics too, so while they know they need breaks from work, it feels like they are shying from fulfillment or the way they make a positive change in the world.  Even if this is not you, this is a friendly reminder that it is okay to look forward to vacation and it should be exciting.

vacation and work

Lives Outside Medicine

We all have lives outside of medicine.  It is okay.  Feeling that way—looking forward more to vacation than to work—is fine. It is the normal condition.  No one likes to have to work to afford to do the things they want to.  Just don’t let your work be so draining that even when you have time off you cannot enjoy it.

Enjoy Vacation

Enjoy the time off.  Let it be fulfilling.  Whatever you need to do during your time off, do it.  Get refreshed.  Recover.  Regain motivation so that you are where you need to be in life.

Don’t Let Work Depress You

Don’t let work take over your life.  And don’t get to the point where all that you ever think about is getting ready for vacation.  If that is the case, then vacation will not be rewarding for you. It will be a letdown, and then when you come back to work it will be even less fulfilling and hollow.

Conclusion: Enjoy Vacation. And The Next One. And All Your Days

Enjoy the vacation, reset yourself.  Find ways to enjoy vacation and ALL your days.

This is your friendly reminder that work should not be your whole life and that you can find ways to make all your days filled with purpose and meaning.

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