Sunday, October 8, 2023

Professional Rules for happy life


More than 70 % of my colleagues / juniors from Emergency Medicine are working in UK, and the others too who chose to work in India seem to be making frequent job changes where they're prioritising 'Career Growth over loyalty'. 

Employee attretion has over the years also become an issue in the country, especially in the healthcare sector. This can also to attributed to the fact that there has been a change in the way the current generation wants to lead there life. The generation of our grandparents worked for 'Survival', the generation of our parents worked for 'Standard of Living', and the current generation works for 'Quality of life & work-life balance'.

Over the last few days, I have often wondered if based on my experience in various organisations, if there were any pearls of wisdom I'd like to share with youngsters / freshers / budding doctors of tomorrow / working professionals. 

Today, I decided to jot down my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE on what should be the professional rules for a happy life.

Note: No offence to anyone. You're free to have your own perspective.

1. Work with Honesty – Dedication – Devotion – Discipline - Sincerity. Always do the right thing, even if no one is watching. Remember, there are no shortcuts to success.

2. Avoid gossiping about work or any colleague with anyone – not at work, nor at home. Come – do your Job – Get Paid - Leave. (This includes any informal chats on Whatsapp with colleagues; screenshots are often being used as evidence these days).

3. Be Punctual – Come on time, leave on time. Don't get into the habit of working overtime. It will only increase your work, not your salary package.

4. Do not take work back home. Learn to disengage & disconnect as soon as you step out of your workplace.

5. Do not work to please an individual or for appreciation. Let your results talk for themselves.

6. Do not get involved or affected by workplace politics. It exists, it will always exist. But always stand up for what is right and against your core values & principles.

7. Do not always be a ‘YES’ man. Sometimes, you have to say ‘No’ also to maintain discipline, dignity & self-respect.

8. Never get involved in relationships at workplace. It will always backfire one day.

9. Do not trust everyone at work. Not everyone is your friend, or wants good for you.

10. Do not share personal problems with colleagues at workplace. Half of them will want to know only because they’re curious, rest will be glad you have them.

11. Subordinates / acquaintances should be considered a Team – Not family. Correcting people or taking difficult decisions can often become difficult then.

12. Unless urgent, do not call or message your colleagues for work related queries, out of official working hours.

13. Never stop involvement in training & academics. Pass on your knowledge and skills to youngsters, you’ll grow with them.

14. No matter how busy you get, take out 1 hour of your every day, for your health, hobbies and personal space.

15. Plan and utilise your paid leaves – travel – go on vacations. It is extremely important to unwind and energise yourself.

16. Never be afraid to take the risk - go where you are appreciated and valued. There are brilliantly talented people everywhere who aren’t receiving the recognition and reward they deserve. But once they feel confident, start valuing themselves and leave from an environment that isn’t serving them, they thrive and grow. 

17. Never end on a sour note with your previous organisation / boss / Colleagues. You never know when you might need them for guidance or future references.

In the end, nothing matters except family, friends, home, health, work life balance and peace of mind.

I’ve found my inner peace, are you searching for yours?