As a doctor, my life often revolved around providing care for others – a fulfilling yet demanding responsibility. It’s no secret that our careers can often lead to high-stress situations and burnout. That’s why today, I want to share my personal journey of why I started a ‘Fun Fund’ and why I believe every doctor needs one!
Picture this: A budget dedicated solely to fun, play, and relaxation – guilt-free! Whether it’s a day at the spa, a weekend getaway, a dance class, or that lavish gadget you’ve been eyeing – it’s all within your reach. This is what a ‘Fun Fund’ represents.
Early in my career, after a very stressful start where I felt like I was not only giving up all my time, energy and even financial resources to caring for others, I learnt and started a practice that played a big part in helping me enjoy my work while having something to look forward to. I decided to set aside a fixed percentage of my income for ‘guilt free’, ‘whatever I want’, ‘bucket list’ fun. This could be for a vacation, a fun experience or just to try new things. Setting the fund aside meant that I could spend it without feeling guilty, and deciding and planning what to spend it on each time is half the fun!
Now, I want to emphasize that this doesn’t negate the importance of having an emergency fund or having a clear and consistent investment plan for your future; that should always come first. But after you’ve saved 3-6 months of expenses, and allocated a suitable percentage of your income to your long term investments, consider adding a ‘Fun Fund’ to your financial plan. Yes, I know we’ve got bills and all but it is often surprising to see that if you allocate resources to a ‘fun fund’, for things you really want to do, you will find it easier to spend less or nothing on things and activities that you don’t find that thrilling!
Why is this important? It’s simple. Having dedicated time for fun and relaxation isn’t just about having a good time, it’s essential for stress management and mental well-being. The benefits spill over into our professional lives, helping us stay energized, focused, and motivated.
So, let’s change our perception of saving. It isn’t just about being ready for emergencies or long-term financial goals. It’s also about investing in our happiness, right here and now. So start a ‘Fun Fund’ today and give yourself permission to play.
Because, as doctors, we don’t just deserve a break – we need it. 
