It’s Not Your Job’s Job to Bring You Joy

When we choose a career in medicine, it's often because we’re driven by a deep passion. We have a calling to help others, to be of service, to make a meaningful impact. That passion is what carries us through the grueling years of medical school and residency. It fuels us through sleepless nights, endless studying, and the emotional intensity of caring for human lives.

But something changes as the years go by.

The honeymoon phase fades. The day-to-day frustrations pile up: insurance issues, staffing shortages, relentless documentation. What once felt exciting and purposeful can start to feel like a grind. Apathy and burnout can creep in.  We wonder: Where did the joy go? Why do I feel stuck? Should I still be doing this?

It’s not unlike a long-term relationship. At first, it’s thrilling, new, and all-consuming. But eventually, reality sets in, routines form, and you’re left with the truth: a career (like a relationship) requires ongoing attention and investment. If we expect it to always feel exciting or meaningful without any effort, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment.

Here’s a radical thought: 

What if it’s not your job’s job to bring you joy?

Sometimes, I think we expect too much of our jobs. We want them to give us meaning, identity, and joy all wrapped into one. But what if our job as a physician isn’t our source of joy?  As humans, we are wired to grow and evolve. That growth doesn’t always have to happen on the professional front. Your career might be providing exactly what you need right now, the security that allows you to focus on other areas of life.

If money were no issue, you might quit your job and do something completely new.  But that’s not the reality for most of us. There is no shame in keeping your job as a physician because you like the salary.   But if that’s your choice, why not make the best of it?  Sure, medicine has its warts. The system is messy and flawed, and we’re asked to do more with less. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that there isn’t a lot that needs to be changed in healthcare.  But that doesn’t mean our work is meaningless.  For all its flaws and frustrations, medicine still offers moments of purpose. 

I might be buried under paperwork or managing a packed schedule, but helping a sick child feel better? That’s meaningful. Listening to patients share stories about their struggles reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for. Despite the frustrations,  I can create as much meaning as possible to fuel me through my day.   And when I step outside of the office, I’m reminded of the life this career has afforded me. My salary allows me to plan vacations like this photo taken on a recent trip to Costa Rica. That’s the gift of the stability this career provides. 

Joy and meaning are not something your job can consistently provide for you. That’s your responsibility. Sometimes that meaning will come through your work, and sometimes it won’t. And that’s okay.

So what can you do?

• Appreciate your job for what it is. See the meaning where it exists, even in small moments.

• Use your career as the engine, not the destination. Let it fuel your hobbies, relationships, and personal growth.

• Invest in your work like you would a relationship. Learn something new. Bring fresh energy. Shake up your routines.

• And if it’s time to move on? That’s okay too. Some jobs, like some relationships, are meant to end.

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But before you walk away, ask yourself: Have I stopped investing? Is there a small shift I could make to bring this back to life?

Maybe joy isn’t something your job gives you. Maybe it’s something you bring with you, wherever you go.