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9 healthcare jobs that offer work-life balance

Strike the right balance in your career and life with these rewarding jobs in healthcare.



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Finding balance between pursuing your career in healthcare, enjoying your personal life and not burning out in the process can be a tall order for some health professionals. However, achieving a good work-life balance is just as important for you as your patients. Many traditional healthcare jobs require you to go above and beyond to complete a day’s work, leaving little time for your personal life, family and other interests. The good news is that some healthcare jobs allow for more balance, giving you back time and energy for other pursuits.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a good work-life balance looks like for healthcare workers, the benefits for you and your patients and explore the healthcare jobs that offer great work-life balance. We’ll also give some tips on achieving optimal work-life balance in your current role. You’ll gain valuable insights and perhaps be inspired to follow a new career path that strikes the perfect balance for you between work and life.

What is considered a good work-life balance in the healthcare industry?

If this is something that you lack in your current role, you may be wondering what is work-life balance? Work-life balance refers to the time you spend doing your job compared to the time spent outside of work and doing things you enjoy. When the demands of your job impact work performance or interfere with other aspects of your personal or family life, it might be time to reassess your situation to determine if you need to improve your overall work-life balance.

The long-term impact of poor work-life balance can have rippling consequences for you, your workplace and your patients. Poor work-life balance can manifest as chronic stress, exhaustion and eventually burnout.

Common symptoms of burnout may include:

  • fatigue
  • overwhelm
  • negative emotions
  • headaches and stomach pains
  • decreased job satisfaction
  • disengagement from work
  • lapses in judgement or impaired work performance
  • lack of enjoyment from normal activities

A 2024 survey from the Department of Health and Aged Care showed that 70 per cent of frontline health workers reported moderate or severe symptoms of burnout due to their demanding roles. This figure is slightly lower than the Annual Healthcare Professionals Survey in 2022, where 84 per cent of workers complained of burnout due to job pressures. The impact of burnout on the Australian economy is estimated to cost $14 billion annually, so addressing this issue and improving work-life balance for healthcare workers is crucial.

Some sectors of healthcare, such as emergency medicine, surgery or nursing still require professionals to work long hours, overtime and shift work. While there may not be scope for major reform in these roles, research demonstrates that some basic things are needed to promote the overall wellbeing of healthcare workers in all areas. Flexibility of work hours, opportunities to pursue leisure activities and measures to support the overall maintenance of employee health are key aspects of achieving a good work-life balance for healthcare professionals.

Benefits of having work-life balance as a healthcare professional

There are several benefits of work-life balance for healthcare professionals:

  • Improved mental health: A harmonious work and life schedule keeps stress levels low, reduces the risk of burnout and reduces the likelihood of experiencing depression or anxiety due to your role.
  • Better physical health: Working in a flexible healthcare job with a good work-life balance means you’ll have time to eat well, get plenty of rest, get sunlight exposure and exercise.
  • Enhanced patient and client care: If you’re well-rested and enjoying life outside of your workplace, you’ll have more focus, energy and compassion for your patients or clients while at work, ensuring you continue to provide a high level of care.
  • Increased job satisfaction: A positive outcome of a healthy work-life balance is a sense of fulfilment from your work. Feeling happy to come to work helps reduce staff turnover and boosts team morale in your greater work community.
  • More time for personal or professional growth: You’ll find personal and professional development opportunities, which can advance your education or promote wellbeing while enhancing the potential for career growth over time.

It’s important to remember that providing a high standard of care for patients should not come at the cost of your wellbeing. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is something all healthcare professionals deserve and making any necessary changes to accomplish this is worthwhile in the long run.

Jobs that offer work-life balance for healthcare workers

There are roles in healthcare that offer flexibility, predictability and have clearer boundaries between your work and personal time. Here are nine healthcare jobs with work-life balance that are rewarding, stimulating and give you time in your schedule to achieve your personal goals:

1. Sonographer

What does a sonographer do?

Sonographers use ultrasound technology to capture images of organs, soft tissue and other internal physical structures used for medical diagnosis and monitoring. An ultrasound examination can help doctors identify medical conditions and is commonly used in foetal monitoring during pregnancy.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Sonographers have the option to work in medical centres and dedicated imaging centres, either in a full-time or part-time capacity. Their work hours typically reflect a regular work day, with some sonographers holding positions across multiple locations. This offers a predictable schedule that allows for work-life balance.

Average salary for a sonographer

In Australia, the average salary for a sonographer is $128,000 per year, with a 14.7 per cent job growth expected over the next five years.

If a career in sonography sounds like an interesting career move, consider the University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies course to get you started.

Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies
Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies
Study a Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies at UC and you will: Be able to apply the physical principles of ultrasound to effective and safe use of medical ultrasound equipment. Apply and demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound scanning techniques, image recognition and acquisition of ultrasound examinations in a simulated environment. Be able to integrate your understanding of anatomy, standard variants, and pathology as depicted in medical ultrasound. Learn to communicate and engage with prospective patients and other health professionals in a professional, safe and ethical manner. Acquire the necessary skills to help you to secure an industry placement, supporting your enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Medication Ultrasound.  This course is suited to graduates with any bachelor's degree, inclusive of human anatomy and physiology units, and is designed to develop practical skills and principal knowledge in sonography. UC's smaller, more personal study environments offer students the chance to get a more tailored training experience. Dedicated to hands-on learning, you’ll join their industry experts and engage with extensive practical learning in UC's state-of-the-art training facilities, right on campus. Career outcomes The graduate certificate is a pathway for a career as a medical sonographer, allowing you to work in various areas in Australia and overseas after completion of the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. These include but are not limited to: Public and private hospitals Private radiology practices Applications specialist Research, teaching and education
Graduate Certificate 12 months 4 Units
Units
  • Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
  • Introduction to Ultrasound
  • Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Paediatric and Superficial Parts Ultrasound
CSP
More Info
Commonwealth Supported Place is available.

2. Pathologist

What does a pathologist do?

Pathologists are medical doctors who study disease physiology by examining tissues, cells and body fluids. They are vitally important to the medical profession as they assist doctors in their diagnosis of medical conditions.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

While the journey to becoming a pathologist may be lengthy, the role is rewarding, intellectually stimulating and offers excellent work-life balance. Depending on the area of specialisation, pathologists can work standard business hours, nights or weekends. Pathologists are not usually involved with patient care and the work itself is mostly predictable and stable. This means there’s less likelihood for burnout, which may commonly occur in more primary care roles. Pathologists also have the opportunity for career advancement into research or supervisory roles, which offer differing work hours, increased flexibility and a greater potential for good work-life balance with more experience.

Average salary for a pathologist

In Australia, the average salary for a pathologist is $210,000 per year. The industry needs more talented and skilled doctors who are interested in specialising as a pathologist.

3. Radiologist

What does a radiologist do?

Radiologists are doctors who specialise in assisting with diagnosing diseases and injuries through medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds and MRI scans. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to help them diagnose certain conditions accurately.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Radiologists can have a diverse career in clinical medicine, locum roles, teaching and research. They are among the top earners in healthcare. Radiologists can offer telehealth services working remotely as teleradiologists, using their expertise to help with reporting needs of small or rural hospitals or urgent reporting needs in other healthcare settings. Aside from the flexibility of telehealth roles, radiology positions in dedicated radiology centres typically consist of regular weekly business hours, leaving weekends free for leisure pursuits and fun with loved ones.

Average salary for a radiologist

According to SEEK, radiologists in Australia can earn an average of $495,000 per annum and with a steady forecast of seven per cent job growth until 2029, demand is high in this medical sector.

4. Nurse educator

What does a nurse educator do?

A nurse educator develops, plans and delivers education to future and current nurses. Nurse educators may also be known as academic nurse educators, clinical nurse educators and staff development educators. The work environments for nurse educators can be clinical, such as hospitals or community health centres and non-clinical, such as universities.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

A nurse educator’s role has more consistent work hours with no requirement of shift work, which differs to traditional clinical nursing positions. Half of all nurse educators in Australia are currently employed part-time, working less than 35 hours per week. This leaves time in your schedule to take on further study, pursue hobbies or spend time with loved ones. Being a nurse educator means you can work in a stable, non-patient-facing role that celebrates your strengths, skills and experience while offering a work-life balance that suits you best.

Average salary for a nurse educator

The average annual salary for a nurse educator in Australia is $120,000. Job growth for nurses remains consistent and is expected to rise by 13.9 per cent over the next five years.

If you want to pursue a role as a nurse educator, consider completing a Master of Nursing Majoring in Education which can set you up for success on this career path.

Explore GlobalHealth Educations’ range of postgraduate nursing courses to advance your skills and expertise in leadership, acute care nursing, mental health nursing and more.

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
#1 in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing (QS World University Rankings, 2022) Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery (QS Stars Rating, 2018-2021) Australia's #1 performing university under 50 (QS Top 50 Under 50, 2020) UTS Online's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is for nurses that want to build their expertise in interdisciplinary education, collaboration and leadership to influence workplace outcomes in healthcare settings. Students will develop the skills to lead and manage change while implementing effective approaches for building evidence-based teaching and learning capacity in their workplace. This course is delivered 100% online in a collaborative learning environment where students engage in interactive activities that address real-world challenges relevant to their practice. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, you will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following courses: Master of Advanced Nursing (available to registered nurses only) Master of Education (Learning and Leadership)
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Creating a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Healthcare
  • Designing Innovative Learning
  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Plus Electives
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Education major, with its eight specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Education major, with its four specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education

5. Optometrist

What does an optometrist do?

Optometrists examine the eyes and provide prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. They also diagnose and treat eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, prescribe exercises for vision improvement and educate patients on maintaining eye health across their lifespan.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Optometrists can choose their work hours in private practice which may include weekends if desired. Optometrists located in shopping centres typically have set hours that align with the trading hours of the main retail space, which may include evenings and weekends. In retail settings, optometrists are entitled to time-off-in-lieu if any overtime has been worked, which can be mutually agreed upon between the optometrist and employer. Around half the optometry workforce undertake part-time work, which is less than 35 hours per week. Optometry is also a predominantly female-based workforce and many employers cater to working mothers who want to work school hours and need adaptability in their schedule. The optometry field is one that offers great work-life balance by affording optometrists time away from work to engage in family activities and socialising.

Average salary for an optometrist

The average salary for an optometrist in Australia is around $110,000 annually and a five-year forecasted growth of 15.1 per cent.

6. Pharmacist

What does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists ensure the safe use of medicines by contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of prescription medicines for patients. Delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical care, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses and may work in a range of healthcare settings, including hospital or retail pharmacies, aged care facilities or as an industrial pharmacist in product development.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Depending on the work setting, pharmacists can enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Community and retail pharmacists located in retail settings may have work hours that coincide with their trading hours. These hours may include the occasional weekend or late evening. Similar to optometrists, pharmacists in these workplace settings are entitled to the same compensations or time-off-in-lieu that apply to the retail industry award if any overtime work is needed. Establishing your own pharmacy business means you can set your work hours, employ staff and other pharmacists to create a work-life balance that supports your lifestyle and personal needs. Telepharmacy is also a burgeoning field for pharmacists, which offers remote or flexible work hours, providing more work-life balance opportunities.

Average salary for a pharmacist

The average salary in Australia for pharmacists is $85,000 annually, with an upcoming five-year growth prediction of nine per cent in this sector.

7. Physiotherapist

What does a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists help patients manage and recover from physical injuries and conditions through exercises, manual therapy and other treatment techniques. They help promote optimal function in muscles, joints and soft tissue and help prevent future injuries.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Physiotherapists typically have regular working hours in outpatient clinics or private practices, allowing for a more balanced schedule than other healthcare roles. Physiotherapists working in private practice have autonomy over their client volume, allowing them to work weekends or have a mixed schedule that works within their personal lives. This field has rewarding career potential, as many physiotherapists work with professional sports teams, in surgery rehabilitation or women’s health. Plus, physiotherapists can move into research and education, making this healthcare job a worthwhile option to consider for great work-life balance.

Average salary for a physiotherapist

In Australia, the average salary for a physiotherapist is around $95,000 per year, with a job growth projection of 28.7 per cent over the next five years.

8. Occupational therapist

What does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working independently. They assist in the rehabilitation of physical, sensory or cognitive problems. They can advise family members, carers, employers and teachers of their patients to help facilitate safe return to work, home or school plans.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Occupational therapists often have more regular hours compared to other healthcare roles, with the average work hours being 40 hours per week. They usually work in outpatient clinics or hospitals and evening or weekend work is optional depending on the specific role. Many occupational therapists work in community settings, travelling to patients, which offers flexibility and autonomy in the role, affording a good work-life balance.

Average salary for an occupational therapist

In Australia, the average salary for an occupational therapist is approximately $95,000 per year, with a projected job growth of 7.4 per cent due over the next five years.

9. Dietitian

What does a dietitian do?

Dietitians assess patients’ nutritional needs, develop meal plans and help empower them to establish healthy eating habits. A dietitian can work in specific demographics or niche areas such as sports nutrition or weight management.

How does this role offer work-life balance?

Private practice gives dietitians plenty of control and flexibility over their day and how busy it is. Choosing to work weekends or evenings and taking other days off allows for a greater work-life balance in this role. Furthermore, dietitians can also offer telehealth services to patients, which makes the role adaptable with the capacity to work remotely in some cases.

Dietitians can advance or transition into new fields, such as hospital or community work to progress their careers. Overall, dietetics is a profession that can allow for a good work-life balance for practitioners.

Average salary for a dietitian

The average annual salary for a dietitian in Australia is $95,000. Dietitians are among one of the most in-demand healthcare jobs in Australia, with a projected job growth of 7.2 per cent over the next five years.

Tips for having work-life balance in healthcare

  • Consider postgraduate study: Consider furthering your education with postgraduate study to prepare for a new role that offers a better work-life balance. Depending on your existing qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for course credits so you can get started sooner than you think. Learn about study options for mature-age students and ways to fit study into your busy work and life.
  • Talk to your boss: Have an honest discussion with your manager to identify and resolve any concerns that impact your work and life balance. Depending on your role, you could discuss a flexible work arrangement or ways to manage your patient load better. These conversations help you collaborate on solutions that alleviate stress, avoid burnout and promote wellbeing.
  • Set healthy boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life to ensure a healthy work-life balance. This means knowing your limitations, delegating if possible and saying ‘no’ when necessary to taking on non-essential tasks.
  • Switch off after work: Make a point to transition out of ‘work mode’ before you get home. Disconnect from technology related to work and give yourself a chance to be fully present with your personal life. Playing music on the drive home, going for a brisk walk or making a phone call to a loved one can help the transition between the two.
  • Prioritise self-care: Ensure you allocate time outside of work for self-care activities. These may include exercise, adequate sleep, meditation, eating nutritious food, engaging in personal interests and spending quality time with friends and family. These activities help restore your energy, reduce stress and enhance your overall happiness.

As a healthcare worker, having practical ways to establish a healthy work-life balance is vital to your professional and personal life. Setting clear boundaries, reviewing your work arrangements and having time to engage in activities outside of work can help promote better mental health, improve job satisfaction and in turn, benefit your patients.

How a postgraduate healthcare course can lead to better work-life balance

If you feel stuck in your current role and recognise you don’t have an ideal work-life balance, a career change might be a worthwhile consideration. The good news is that many courses for healthcare workers are available online, which means you can undertake study around your work commitments and personal life. Enrolling in a postgraduate healthcare course can enhance your job prospects and provide you with a more fulfilling, balanced and sustainable career in healthcare.

For example, if you’re a registered nurse looking for the next challenge in your career, you might consider a role as a nurse practitioner. You could advance your skills by completing a Master of Advanced Nursing or Master of Nursing Majoring in Advance Practice. Many postgraduate courses, such as Master of Health Services Management and Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management provide necessary skills to move into non-clinical roles in nurse leadership or management.

Build a better work-life balance in your healthcare career

As a healthcare professional, a healthy work-life balance can ensure you enjoy long-term success without compromising your personal aspirations and interests. Now that you recognise the benefits of striving for harmony at work and home, you can consider different healthcare jobs with better work-life balance and find the best career for you.

If you have questions about postgraduate study, speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor for guidance on choosing the right study path. Explore courses from GlobalHealth Education's university partners across social work, public health, counselling, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health.

Work-life balance resources for healthcare workers:

Check Up - Support for Healthcare Workers

Hand-n-Hand - Peer Support for Australian and New Zealand Healthcare Workers

Black Dog Institute - The Essential Network For Healthcare Professionals

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