The Importance of Work-Life Balance

The following article was submitted to the Vicarious Trauma Committee from Anita Roman, BS, Member of the AAFS General Section

In 2008, during a visit to a Medical Examiner's Office as part of a college tour, I expressed my desire to work there, and within two weeks I received a job offer. On my very first day, an autopsy was performed on a body that was in the moderate stages of decomposition. It later came to light that bets had been placed on whether I would make it through the day. Fast forward over 15 years, and I am still immersed in this field. 

Each of us carries "those cases" that linger in our minds, even if we wish to convince ourselves that we have an ordinary memory. One learns to leave the work behind, both physically and emotionally, but as humans, it's our processing of daily experiences that truly matters. It wasn't until 2019 that I sought out therapeutic support for the first time. I accessed services through the employee assistance program, and do you know what the therapist advised me during my initial session? "I think you should consider a different career." However, when you are aware of your true "calling," nothing should deter you from pursuing it. As you may have guessed, I chose not to return and instead joined a support group for first responders. I'm pleased to share that after three years, I graduated at the start of this 2025! It was transformative. 

You might assume you know yourself well, but I discovered so much about who I am. I can confidently say that I am happier now than I have been in a long time, both in my personal life and my professional endeavors. For a long time, I prioritized my work above my family. It wasn't until about a year ago that I achieved a work-life balance. I challenge YOU to explore a hobby that is unrelated to your profession, whether that involves taking your children to the park, engaging in exercise, or enjoying lunch with a friend. Choose activities that don't induce stress and that bring you joy. As I write this, I find myself contemplating what I might do for leisure, as I tend to fill my free time with case narratives, constant email checking, carrying my work phone, delving into true crime literature, and watching true crime documentaries. Thus, I must also take my own advice. 

Reflecting on this, when you consume true crime media, you run the risk of re-traumatizing yourself with experiences you've witnessed or learned about. It's impossible to avoid passing by the neighborhood where a family tragedy occurred, the motel where you've retrieved numerous deceased individuals, a Waffle House where an employee was shot, the railroad tracks where you collected various body parts, or a bridge frequently associated with jumpers. Unless you are retired or have stepped away from the profession for other reasons, you must consistently perform at or above expectations and keep moving forward. You must continue to LIVE and radiate positivity! Cherish the memory of those victims in your heart, but do not allow their final moments on this earth, regardless of how tragic they were, to taint your view of LIFE!