Re: To the Doctor's Wife...just wondering
I know this debate is about doctors/doctors wives but like some people have mentioned there are other demanding careers which have a similar impact.
I come from a family of lawyers, and I have to say it is a lot of hard work and many people suffer. The hours are exhausting and unpredictable. My aunty has two young children but she has a very high profile and demanding job. A job which takes her abroad at the top of a hat and if a client needs her at a specific time she has to be there. The pay is good but it outweighs the time she is missing out on her childrens growing up and even spending time with other family. I know she wishes it was different at times but even if she reduced her hours, the profession is such that she will be still doing the same amount of work on a lower salary.
My dad was an academic/lecturer and I don't remember spending much time with him for the first 16 years of my life. He worked in a different city and was up at 6, out of the house at 7 and home by 8pm, by which time I was doing homework and getting ready for bed. This may sound bad but it felt as if he was some aunthoritarian figure who I should be scared of and not a father. We had everything we could wish for alahmdulilah but he was never there for Sports Days, Parents Evenings etc. I don't blame him. He was the sole breadwinner and since he had to retire he has had much more involvement in mine and my siblings lives; something which would never have happened had he not given up work.
I think most professions these days are demanding. There are few 9-5 jobs and whereas before your work could be left at home there is much more work to do hence why it ends up coming home with you.
I am a law graduate but pursuing a career in law may pay well but when it comes to having a home life, one thing has to give. Which has made me contemplate a career change.