Struggling with the decision
[This is a guest post]
“Thank you so much for this website. I have been feeling so alone in trying to make the decision to put my medical career on hold to stay home with my family. I am just back from an extended mat leave (my third in 5 years) and feeling burnt out already. I find the work-home balance so tough, even working part-time with help from a wonderful nanny who our kids love. I find I’m always playing catch-up at home and work, feeling guilty about unmet expectations (mostly my own!). Can’t help but wonder if I just need some more time to adjust back at work? Am I disillusioned by our broken medical system? Am I exhausted by the complex patients I see as one of the only subspecialists in our area? In my heart I know I won’t regret more time at home. I feel these years are too precious to waste being on call, feeling stressed/anxious all the time. I want the crazy rushing to stop,but will I be making a HUGE mistake?
I can’t help but fear that if I do leave, the longer I’m away from medicine, the more difficult it will be to return (it certainly has been this time around after 18 months away).
Thankfully my busy MD hubby is supportive of whatever I do. I know his life will be easier with me at home. Will our marriage be better with me at home? Most likely.
I welcome any feedback/comments.”
