There is always this expectation that at some point things will turn around. The interns say, ‘When I finish internship and become a second-year resident, things will get better.’ The residents say, ‘When I finish training, I will finally have balance again.’ And doctors in practice may believe that they will find more balance once they have retired.

I imagine that most doctors have thought about this at some point in time in their careers.... perpetual(ly) delayed gratification. Unless of course it is your work that gratifies you???

Personally I find that committing myself to take the time to enjoy my family, hobbies and interests in part of what defines me as a physician...