Nearly half of physicians report they would take a lower salary for a better work-life balance, according to the Medscape Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2021.
Among the 12,339 physicians surveyed for the report, 47 percent said they would take reduced pay for a better work-life balance. Women were more likely to accept the trade-off, with 50 percent agreeing to lower pay for a more balanced lifestyle.
Most of the physicians willing to give up salary for a better work-life balance realize the value of their time and would be willing to take more than a $10,000 reduction in pay. Here is the breakdown of how much of a pay cut physicians would be willing to take:
- $10,000 or less: 20 percent
- $10,001 to $20,000: 32 percent
- $20,001 to $50,000: 31 percent
- $50,001 to $75,000: 10 percent
- More than $75,000: 7 percent