September 18, 2024

When you think of someone with household staff, what image comes to mind? A wealthy socialite? A celebrity? It's time to challenge that stereotype and consider a different picture: you, a hardworking Physician mom.

The New Face of Household Help

Let's paint a new picture:

• Someone who spent 10-12 years in school

• Trained for an additional 3-7 years

• Saves lives every day

• Juggles family responsibilities

• Is the go-to person for organizing everything

Sound familiar? That's because it's you, doc. And you absolutely deserve household help.

Breaking Down the Stigma

There's often a hesitation among Physicians to hire help. We worry about appearing elitist or wasteful. But here's the truth: getting support isn't about luxury - it's about survival and thriving in a demanding season of life.

As Physicians, we have more responsibilities than the average parent. We're not just managing household tasks and childcare - we're also dealing with the emotional and mental load of our profession. Getting help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a strategic decision to ensure we can perform at our best in all areas of life.

Affordable Options for Support

Contrary to popular belief, household help doesn't have to break the bank. There are various affordable options:

1. Au Pairs: A cost-effective alternative to nannies

2. Virtual Assistants: Help with administrative tasks at a fraction of the cost of a personal assistant

3. Task-specific services: Consider meal prep services, laundry services, or house cleaning on a schedule that fits your budget

The Real ROI: Peace of Mind

A colleague recently shared her experience with me, which perfectly illustrates the value of having help:

"I'm always thinking about cost when it comes to getting help, but the return on investment is less to do with generating revenue and more to do with being able to function because I'm not stressed."

During an unexpected storm, her support system (au pair, virtual assistant, office staff) allowed her to navigate potential chaos with ease. That peace of mind is priceless.

Reframing Our Self-Image

It's time to reframe how we see ourselves. You're not being extravagant by hiring help - you're making a wise investment in your wellbeing and your family's quality of life.

Next time you look in the mirror, see yourself as the type of Physician mom who:

• Hires help strategically

• Trains her support system well

• Navigates life feeling supported and less stressed

Remember, getting help isn't about inability or laziness. It's about recognizing your value and ensuring you have the support you need to excel in all areas of your life.

Challenge for You

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Identify one area where you could use support

2. Research affordable options for outsourcing that task

3. Take the first step towards getting that help

You've invested years in becoming an excellent Physician. Now it's time to invest in your wellbeing and peace of mind. You deserve it, doc.

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