Why I Like Being An Anesthesiologist

Posted by Clark Venable on 1/21/2005

I've tried to explain to people why I like being an anesthesiologist so much--with difficulty (unfettered access to narcotics, starting my work day at 07:30, having patients ask me if I'm a real doctor, oodels of respect from surgeons and nurses alike are the reasons that usually come to mind). I just ran across something on the web that really helps me understand why. Getting Back To Work: A Personal Productivity Toolkit at kuro5hin.org is an article about procrastination. Now, my favorite motto is 'hard work pays off after a time, but laziness pays off now,' so I was naturally drawn to this article.

The article describes the ideal work experience as being in a state of 'flow' and goes on to outline the kinds of tasks that make it more likely you'll be able to attain it:

"
  • Variety
  • Appropriate and flexible challenges
  • Clear goals
  • Immediate feedback
  • A sense that one's skills are adequate to cope with the challenges at hand.
  • A rule-bound action system
This is what the ideal job looks like. This job will resemble play, and will be addictive. As much as you can create work like this, you will be a happy person. As much as you can make your work like this, you will want to do it. "

Bingo! That's why I like being an anesthesiologist in private practice!

That's also why I like using Conversant to build web sites. When I'm working on a Conversant site, I often reach a state of 'flow.'

[Via 43 Folders]

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