“Pa I wonder whether it was worth all the effort I put in becoming a Doctor?” asked my Son. This came out of the blue and after I saw him pondering with a prolonged silence.
I knew something was hurting and wanted to know what made him say this after over 5 years of hardwork; burning the midnight oil studying medicine; and high levels of stress which go with the profession.
It started with the sight of some of his colleagues being evicted from their rented accommodation and some being asked to vacate the hostels due to fear that as Doctors they may be the carriers of the dreaded Corona Virus. All of a sudden, the very medical health professionals for whom apparently the whole nation ‘clapped’ were being ‘ostracized’ and it seemed all so ‘hypocritical’ of the society. He was angry. “Do you think they really care? These guys just want a piece of glory by posting their acts of gratitude on social media; that’s it” he said in anger. How else would you explain such a behavior from property owners.
The news that people were roaming the streets without self-quarantining; those who had a travel history not willing to reveal themselves and get tested; health care professionals being beaten up for traveling to their place of work; hospital informing them that they have to make their own arrangements of ‘safety gear’ like masks, gloves, sanitizers etc. have all been so depressing for him.
A general apathy right around makes him feel that it was not worth all the effort. The fact that he has to face such idiots who are not willing to follow established protocols makes him angry; and why not? He should be angry.
What’s the point in blaming the government and the officials who have been pleading with the people to observe social distancing, self-quarantining and safe living practices when such idiots abound. Coupled with that people who have been hoarding as if there is no tomorrow. So much so that people have ended up buying all the masks and tissues etc. which would have been of help to the health care professionals who are risking so much for the people.
I feel sad and do not have answers of motivation. What with evidence pointing to the contrary!
WAS IT REALLY WORTH IT? I WONDER MYSELF!
What do you think should be my answer? How do I keep him motivated?
HOW WOULD YOU DEAL WITH “OSTRACISATION” ?
