When the System is Broken: Evaluating Your Employer and Reclaiming Your Worth

As physicians, many of us carry an internalized belief that if we just worked a little harder, a little faster, or a little smarter, everything would fall into place. We tell ourselves the long hours, overwhelming inboxes, and mounting expectations are simply part of the job. But what if they’re not?

What if the problem isn’t you but the system you’re working in?

The Disconnect Between Vision and Reality

Before medical school, many of us had an idealistic vision of what life as a physician would look like. We imagined focusing on patient care, collaborating with supportive teams, and making a difference in people’s lives. Fast-forward to today, and the reality is often far different.

Instead of meaningful interactions with patients, we find ourselves drowning in administrative tasks. Instead of feeling supported by the organizations we work for, we’re stretched to the brink by systems that prioritize profits over people.

There’s a critical disconnect here, and it’s not one we should blame ourselves for.

Flipping the Script: Evaluating Your Employer

When we feel burned out or unfulfilled, we’re quick to turn the blame inward. But what if we took a moment to assess the employer-employee relationship as a whole? What if we asked:

• Does my employer align with my values?
• Do they provide the tools, resources, and support I need to succeed?
• Are they living up to the promises they made when I joined?

Too often, the answer is “no.” Yet, we stay, believing we have no other options, or fearing what might happen if we left.

Trust and Alignment: The Foundation of a Healthy Relationship

A key component of any workplace relationship is trust. Without it, the cracks in the system become harder to ignore. If you feel your trust in your employer has been eroded—whether through lack of support, overwhelming demands, or a mismatch of values—it’s important to pause and ask whether this is a situation you can or should stay in.

This isn’t an easy question, and the answer might not be immediate. For some of us, life circumstances or personal priorities mean staying put for now. But even in those situations, it’s vital to acknowledge your worth and make changes—no matter how small—that prioritize your well-being.

You Have Choices

The idea of leaving a broken system can feel daunting. Fear of financial instability, professional judgment, or failure can hold us back. But here’s the truth: You are a highly skilled professional with immense value, and there are other paths forward.

Whether that means renegotiating your role, seeking a different employer, or exploring entirely new ways to practice medicine, the first step is recognizing that you are not broken.

The system may be flawed, but you don’t have to sacrifice your health, well-being, or values to keep up with its demands.

Final Thoughts

Reclaiming your worth starts with asking tough questions: Is your current employer truly a good match for you? Do their values align with yours? And if the answer is no, what small steps can you take today to move toward a future that feels more aligned and fulfilling?

It’s not easy work, but it’s essential. And you’re not alone in this journey.

As always, take care, take heart, and know that you have options. You are not broken—you are a human being navigating a system that needs fixing. Start with compassion for yourself and move forward one thoughtful step at a time.