#250 The Burnout Cure: Balancing Your Career, Investments, and Personal Life ft. Peter Kim, MD

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Peter Kim opens the episode by addressing the concept of burnout, acknowledging that while the term may be overused, the experience itself is very real. He describes burnout as a feeling of emptiness and exhaustion, often experienced when trying to juggle multiple responsibilities at once. Many physicians, despite their best efforts to balance work, family, and personal goals, feel stuck and out of control.

Peter highlights the reality of burnout in the medical field, citing studies that show 50-60% of physicians experience major symptoms of burnout every year. The issue is not just about feeling tired—it’s a deeper sense of disconnection and a loss of control over time and decisions. Burnout manifests emotionally, mentally, and physically, leaving professionals drained and unable to recover properly.

He explains that burnout is not merely the result of hard work. Many people work hard at hobbies or physical activities and feel energized rather than depleted. The difference is that burnout happens when the work being done does not provide fulfillment. Instead, it leaves people feeling powerless and detached, unable to recharge even after time away from work.

Peter emphasizes that burnout is not just for those deep into their careers. Even residents and newly practicing physicians experience these struggles. The key question is: what’s actually causing this feeling? He identifies two primary factors—lack of control and moral injury—as major contributors to burnout in physicians.

The Root Causes of Burnout

The causes of burnout go beyond long hours or stress. Peter highlights the two major contributors: lack of control and moral injury. Lack of control stems from the inability to make decisions about one’s own time and work. Many physicians enter their careers expecting autonomy, only to find themselves bound by administrative rules, hospital policies, and insurance mandates that dictate patient care.

Moral injury, on the other hand, is when physicians are put in situations where their work conflicts with their core values. They may feel pressured to make decisions that prioritize efficiency or cost-cutting over patient well-being. Over time, these compromises wear down their sense of purpose, making them feel disconnected from the very profession they once loved.

This combination of lack of control and moral injury creates a cycle of frustration. Doctors show up to work, but they don’t feel invested in it anymore. They simply go through the motions, feeling drained and uninspired. This is why burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s about feeling powerless in a career that was once their passion.

Peter acknowledges that burnout is widespread, affecting doctors at all career stages. However, he reassures listeners that they are not alone in this struggle. While every situation is unique, there are practical ways to regain control and break free from burnout.

Regaining Control Over Your Life

One of the key solutions to burnout is regaining a sense of control. Peter emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries—learning when to say no and prioritizing personal time. Many doctors find themselves taking on extra responsibilities, like committee roles or administrative tasks, out of obligation rather than true interest. Over time, these added responsibilities contribute to burnout.

A simple yet effective strategy is scheduling personal time just as one would schedule work commitments. Peter shares that he began blocking off time for family, exercise, and even simple activities like walking around the neighborhood. By treating these activities as non-negotiable appointments, he was able to take back control of his time.

Peter also highlights the power of mindset shifts. Many physicians believe they have no choice but to keep up their current workload, but in reality, they often have more leverage than they think. Negotiating work schedules, delegating tasks, or even shifting to part-time work can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.

Regaining control doesn’t necessarily mean making drastic changes. It’s about making intentional decisions that align with one’s values and goals. Physicians must recognize that they have the ability to create a work-life balance that suits them.

Building Resilience Through Diversification

Peter introduces the concept of diversification as a resilience-building tool. He explains that just as investors diversify their portfolios to minimize risk, physicians should diversify their income and identity to reduce burnout. Financial diversification provides freedom, allowing physicians to make career decisions based on their well-being rather than financial necessity.

Many doctors feel trapped because all of their income comes from their job, making them reliant on a single source. By creating multiple income streams—such as real estate investments, side businesses, or dividend stocks—they gain the ability to reduce their workload without financial stress.

Beyond income, Peter urges listeners to diversify their identities. Many physicians tie their entire self-worth to their careers, which makes professional struggles feel even more personal. Instead, he encourages them to embrace other aspects of their lives—whether as parents, entrepreneurs, athletes, or creatives.

By shifting their identity beyond just “doctor,” physicians can build a more balanced and fulfilling life. When career stress arises, it doesn’t feel like an existential crisis because they have other aspects of life that bring them joy and purpose.

Aligning Your Actions With Your Values

Peter shifts the conversation to values, explaining that burnout often occurs when daily actions don’t align with personal beliefs. When people make decisions purely based on obligation rather than personal fulfillment, they eventually feel drained and disconnected.

He suggests that physicians regularly reflect on their core values and assess whether their work and lifestyle align with them. When values and actions are mismatched, frustration builds. However, making small adjustments—such as shifting job roles or setting new goals—can help realign life with personal values.

Peter also compares this process to a car’s alignment. Over time, things naturally drift off course, and periodic check-ins are necessary to keep things running smoothly. He encourages listeners to ask themselves if their current lifestyle is in harmony with their long-term vision.

Practical Steps to Overcome Burnout

Peter concludes with actionable steps to regain control and prevent burnout. He suggests doing a time audit, setting non-negotiable personal commitments, and diversifying income or interests. He challenges listeners to take one small step toward change.

He reinforces that burnout doesn’t have to be permanent. With small, intentional actions, physicians can create a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Peter challenges listeners to pick one practical step today—whether it’s reassessing their schedule, diversifying their income, or setting boundaries. Burnout isn’t inevitable; it’s something that can be managed with conscious effort.