Are you dating a doctor? Or perhaps you are considering dating a doctor? Doctors are a respected profession and are generally held in high regard by society. They possess the ability to treat illness and help those in need. Furthermore, the job demands them to be hard-working, responsible and to be able to work well under pressure. Dating a doctor may seem like a great choice. After all, this is likely an individual who is trustworthy and takes their responsibilities seriously.
Doctors usually are seen as a stable choice. In many cultures, parents are often delighted if their son or daughter brings home a doctor. However, there are certain things you should keep in mind when dating a doctor.
If you’re dating a doctor, be prepared for them working long hours
Doctors often work very long hours. This is especially true in the early stages of their career when they are still undergoing training in hospital. However, this is often the case even once they are fully qualified. They may need to work weekends, long days, night shifts. This inevitably means that the time you spend with them is limited. If you are dating a doctor, they may have little free time to see you. Furthermore, they may be very tired on their days off.
They need to study for a long time
If you’re dating a doctor who is still undergoing training, it’s likely that they need to dedicate many extra hours towards studying. Until they obtain their final qualifications, they will have exams to pass throughout their training. Even after that, they’ll likely need to dedicate significant time towards research, publications, etc. This may come as a surprise to someone who’s not a doctor. They may be shocked to see that weekends and evenings are spent studying rather than relaxing.
If you’re dating a doctor, their job may take priority over your relationship
Don’t be surprised if you’re dating a doctor and you feel that your relationship takes a back seat to their job. Many doctors need to be on call, meaning that they need to rush in and deal with emergencies, even during evenings and on the weekend. Whatever plans you’d made together may have to be scrapped, unfortunately. This may leave their partner feeling dismayed or even lonely, at times.
Doctors report high levels of job stress
If you’re dating a doctor, you may find that they are often stressed. The demands of the job mean that stress, anxiety and burn out are common among the medical profession. This may impact your relationship if they are not careful. You may find that you need to be very supportive and understanding when they are going through stressful times.
If you were wondering whether dating a doctor is all doom and gloom, no need to despair. There are certainly perks when it comes to dating a doctor.
Doctors have job security that many other jobs don’t
Most doctors can rest assured that they won’t be made redundant (unless for a good reason). Given the strict entry criteria into medicine and the limited capacity to train doctors, many societies have a shortage of doctors. This means that most doctors can enjoy job security that other jobs do not. If you’re dating a doctor, you can rest assured that they have one of the most stable careers in the world.
Doctors need to be responsible and work under pressure
Due to the nature of the job, doctors are used to holding a high level of responsibility. They make important decisions on a daily basis, possibly even involving life and death. Furthermore, they will be accustomed to working in a high-pressure environment. This means that doctors are often responsible and dependable people, which can be highly attractive personality traits in a partner. They may be good at problem solving and dealing with stressful situations, which are also desirable qualities.
Be prepared for intellectual conversations
Students need to excel academically in order to get accepted into medical training. Therefore, if you’re dating a doctor, you’ll likely find that they enjoy holding intellectual conversations with you. They’ve seen the best and worst moments of their patient’s lives and will have developed a depth of character from their experiences working as a doctor. You may find you can learn a lot from them.
Overall, if you’re dating a doctor, you’ll need to be understanding of their career
If you’re dating a doctor, you’ll need to be understanding of their career, what it entails, and how it affects your relationship. Putting it simply, their job is not a regular 9 to 5 job where they can leave the workplace, come home and forget about work. They may have to work odd hours and long shifts. Their demanding career may often take priority over your relationship and this will result in cancelled plans. You will have to accept this.
You’ll need to be independent
Even if you’re dating a doctor who truly loves you, they simply may not have a lot of time for you. Therefore, you will have to be independent and have your own life to keep yourself occupied. They may not be able to answer your messages immediately, let alone spend a lot of time with you. You’ll have to have a good life outside of your relationship, including other supportive relationships that you can turn to in times of need.
Dating a doctor can be hard but also totally worth it
If you’re considering dating a doctor or considering doing so, you’ll need to accept both the good and bad. The reality is that your time spent together may be limited due to the demands of their job. They may be called into deal with emergencies at odd hours and plans may need to be cancelled. You’ll certainly need to be independent and have you’re a fulfilling life outside the relationship.
On the plus side, this is likely a responsible individual with lots of life experience. You will certainly be able to enjoy intellectual, stimulating conversations with them. Doctors are wired to be independent and grounded, not to mention dependable. If you are able to embrace all the aspects of what dating a doctor involves, then it could be a great choice for you.
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