Are We Only Born to Pay Bills and Die? A Physical Therapist Financial Perspective

Background: Financial insecurity and limited institutional support contribute significantly to professional dissatisfaction and burnout among physical therapists in low-resource settings. Despite increasing global recognition of therapist well-being, little empirical data exists within the Pakistani context. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived financial stress, burnout, perceived career opportunities, work-life balance, and job satisfaction among physical therapists in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among licensed physical therapists (n = 420) aged 24–45, with at least one year of professional experience. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling across hospitals, clinics, and academic institutions. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and Work-Life Balance Scale. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant Institutional Review Board, adhering to the Helsinki Declaration. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v27 and SMARTPLS 4.1, with path analysis and regression models employed to evaluate direct and indirect relationships. Results: Higher perceived stress significantly predicted increased burnout (β = -0.56, p = 0.033) and decreased job satisfaction (β = -0.08, p = 0.026). Career opportunity perceptions were negatively associated with satisfaction (β = -0.65, p = 0.049). Burnout unexpectedly showed a positive link to satisfaction (β = 0.57, p = 0.039), suggesting adaptive coping. Conclusion: Financial stress and perceived career stagnation are critical predictors of dissatisfaction and burnout in Pakistani physical therapists. Interventions focusing on compensation, structured advancement, and stress management may improve therapist well-being and clinical care delivery.