Physician - Vocation or Occupation?
I was meeting with a physician client for her final coaching session. We reviewed the progress she had made on her goals, identified insights, and made plans for what comes next. One of her original goals was to find more fulfillment in her work. But her biggest insight surprised us both: the deepest fulfillment in her life actually comes from outside of work—and that’s not only acceptable, it’s liberating.
She told me her work is interesting most of the time, boring some of the time, and a bit frustrating at others. The more she tried to force her job to be the major source of her fulfillment, the more disappointing it felt. Instead, she shifted her attention to the joy she experienced with family, hobbies she loved, and friendships she valued. That shift lightened the burden she placed on her work and made her days easier.
Her story made me reflect on my own path. Growing up as the youngest in a big family, I watched my father go to a job he disliked every day. The stress and frustration eventually contributed to health problems that forced him into early retirement. Yet, he always told us: “I’m doing this, so you won’t have to.” His deepest wish was to send all of his children to college so that we could find careers we truly enjoyed—a privilege he never had. His sacrifice motivated me to pursue medicine, a profession I looked on as my vocation.
As a result, medicine became more than a job—it became my entire identity. Hobbies, interests, friendships, even family life—everything took a back seat to my patients and profession. That’s what I saw in my role models, and it became my badge of honor. The rewards were my patients’ gratitude and my colleagues’ admiration, but also profound loneliness and isolation.
What I had forgotten about my father was this: even though he disliked his job, he lived a full, joyful life outside of work. He cherished family, community, and simple pleasures. I had replaced all of that with my work.
What my client discovered—and what I eventually learned as well—is that medicine doesn’t have to be everything. For some, it’s a deep calling and source of purpose. For others, it’s meaningful work but not the core of their identity. Both are valid. The danger comes when we demand that our job provide all of our fulfillment. That expectation almost always leads to disappointment.
I remain grateful for my father’s sacrifice that allowed me to choose a career I loved. But I am equally grateful for the lesson I finally absorbed: my job, no matter how rewarding, will never be the primary source of joy in my life.
Reflection prompts:
Do you see your role as a physician more as a vocation or an occupation?
Have you had to prioritize work over your personal life and family?
Would you like this balance to shift?
Whether you are facing uncertainty, burnout, seeking direction, or striving for greater fulfillment in your career, know that support is available. If you or someone you know could benefit from coaching, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how to transform challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Just contact me at joe@joeshermanmd.com or schedule a free video consultation.
Be kind to yourself.
Dr. Joe
Pediatrician, Physician Professional Development Coach, Retreat Facilitator