179. Why You Work for Free

The Mindful Healers Podcast with Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang

Just because something has always been done that way doesn’t make continuing to do it that way right.

Do you work through lunch?

Do you attend meetings during lunch?

Do you teach for free? Give talks without compensation?

Do you respond to patient emails and address results when you aren’t at work?

We have been indoctrinated into an archaic system with unrealistic expectations of healthcare professionals. It’s key to recognize when we are complicit in this, and that it’s ok and necessary to say NO and to set up boundaries.

This podcast is not to dissuade you from volunteerism or to discourage an altruistic spirit. We are instead inviting you to use mindfulness to check-in and remind yourself to choose if an opportunity is in or out of alignment.

If you are going to do work for free - notice and acknowledge that you are doing it. Intentionally decide it’s of value TO YOU to donate your time. If it isn’t. Stop doing it or ask for compensation.

The culture of medicine is that “good doctors” should do lots of things for free. We teach, do administrative work, speak, offer wellness programs, and even provide patient care outside of work hours regularly. We often cover extra patients for maternity and medical leaves as well as vacations –without any time, money or other compensation.

As leaders, we spend much unpaid time holding space for complaints and grievances and helping to mitigate disagreements. We also spend a lot of time problem solving work issues and ruminating at home.

Just because something has always been done that way doesn’t make continuing to do it that way right.

Mindfulness and coaching help you learn set boundaries and act in alignment from a place of compassion and love for yourself, your families, your patients, and the practice of medicine.

Listen to the episode to learn specific tools and please know that everything we offer is MUCH easier said than done.

Learn what’s holding you back, how to step out of your people pleasing tendencies, and how to set effective boundaries. Coaching and mindfulness practice are the tools that will finally help you change.

Contact us at:

Pause and Presence Coaching and Retreats with Dr. Jessie Mahoney

Awaken Breath with Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang

*Nothing in this episode should be considered medical advice.