Doctor By Day, Bartender By Night
How I Finally Made Time For Everything
I have always wanted to be a respected doctor, to be known for being clever and confident.
Little did I know that being a medical student was a full-time gig.
Medical students need to study for many hours a day to keep up. According to a study published in Med Ed Publish (online medical journal) students that were claimed successful in medical school studied from six to eight hours a day. That is the average amount of time they dedicate to learning new material alone.
A Mere Mortal Can Only Do So Much In A Day
Having additional tasks on my to-do list besides studying has always been an obstacle. I have had to work as a bartender throughout medical school so I could pay for tuition, books, and a few other knick-knacks.
I always hear classmates complain about money issues regarding school. I have had them ask me how I manage to work, study, date, and even take my dog for a walk in the park twice a day.
I do not come from a trust-fund family. I originate from the complete opposite. It has taken some learning and stumbling experiences to get me where I stand in my medical journey today.
Consider adopting these essential tips that helped me out.
1. Embrace The Weekend
Weekends are 48 hours long. How do you spend them?
When I have nothing else to do, I usually watch Netflix and binge drink. The problem is, I always have something on my to-do list.
Use the weekend to ____ in the AM and ____ in the PM. Fill in the blanks with productive activities and/or tasks you enjoy.
Make the most out of those two extra days you are gifted at the end of the week.
— You’ll have time to rest when you’re dead.
2. Personalize Every Single Experience
You can have anything you want. This is true, but you cannot always have it all at the same time.
Every single activity is time-consuming. Time is money. Time is love. Time is knowledge.
If done right, a simple phone call to a friend can replace going out for drinks the night before a big exam or work presentation.
— Figure out your priorities and dedicate the time they deserve.
3. Find A Mentor
When I hear the word mentor, the picture of a bald Chinese monk wearing an orange robe comes to my mind.
You don’t need a genius as someone to look up to. All you need is a guide on your journey towards the road less traveled.
A mentor appears in many shapes and sizes.
— Books, podcasts, and personal stories come in very handy when searching for one.
Anyone who you ever considered successful has 24 hours in their day, just like you. So, if you feel you could be doing more, you probably can.
Hi, I’m John. Junior doctor with a dream of one day having a catchphrase.
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