14 answers
Melissa
Student
1
Question
Updated
598 views
What should I do? Medicine or art/literature?
I'm currently a 12th grader and have always been inclined towards art. I love to write (have been published), read novels, draw and paint, photography and a number of other things.
I also love biology. It has always fascinated me and I therefore decided to become a doctor. The decision, frankly, was not really well-thought. It was just driven by my love for this subject. Now that things are getting more real (we have an entrance exam here in my country after 12th grade for getting into med school), I really don't know what to do. You pretty much lose your 20s to actually earn while being a doctor. And I've heard it can take reaching your 40s to earn very well - after a life sacrificed to constant stress.
It might sound silly or stupid - but I've always wanted to accomplish something big while being young. I want to write, I want to publish, I want to share what I have with the world. But then again, being solely a writer/poet gets you close to nothing and I won't be able to sustain myself, much less a future family.
What do I do? Will I actually be able to manage this alongside med school? It seems like such a long shot to be honest, I'm so scared med school will suck all my ambitions from me and I'll turn into some stressed doctor, live a stressful life, and then wither away and die - and live like everybody else, with nothing save for being a doctor to my name.
So in short, I'd love to be a doctor but I'm unsure if I'm willing to sacrifice my youth over it. I also want to pursue a career in writing, but it is not feasible and if I don't make it big, it'll be worse than just 'wasting my 20s'.
PS. I'm not from the US. I selected my country (India) while registering but I'm not sure why it says that below my post.
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14 answers
Jarien Skywall
Technical Art Manager
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jarien’s Answer
Medical illustration is a field that may combine your love of biology and art. I don't know a whole lot about that field, but my understanding is that it's a small field, meaning there aren't a high quantity of jobs in it available. But also there aren't many people who do it, so maybe if you know how to do it, the chance of getting a job in it isn't too bad. My exposure to this field is I'm a 3D computer graphics artist and I've worked at companies that made 3D educational software in the fields of anatomy, biology, and science. They hired some medical illustrators, though most of them had to learn 3D computer graphics in order to work at those specific companies. This website has some information about medical illustration, but it looks like it's mostly for the USA and Europe:
https://www.ami.org/medical-illustration/enter-the-profession
There are also many jobs in biology besides being a doctor, that may not require as much training. It depends on the type of biology that you're interested in and what you want to do. I don't know much about scientific fields but I believe microbiologists do a lot of study under microscopes, and includes the study of bacteria and viruses. In the USA I believe that requires at least a Master's degree (4-year degree plus another 2 years), but that's still less than being a doctor who sees human patients. There are roles in medical clinics and laboratories that may be involved with biology but may not require as much study. Think about the different people you may have had to see when you've been to a doctor - some people analyze blood samples, some people take blood samples, some people handle equipment like X-rays, etc. Some of those are jobs that pay much less that require much less training; for example, based on a very quick internet search, in the USA, becoming a phlebotomist (the person who takes blood samples) only takes a year and pays far less than being a doctor.
One last note regarding writing. In general, I think it's very hard to writing or art as a hobby while going through medical school. But it can be done! Check out Shirlene Obuobi! She wrote several books and kept up a webcomic all while going to medical school and becoming a cardiologist. She's pretty active on social media - she posts her comics on Instagram and maybe elsewhere. However, I don't know of anyone else who's made a creative career for themself while also going through medical school and becoming a doctor, and a common topic in her comics is that she's very busy and stressed! Even if you don't follow that same path you could maybe learn from her comics and the fans on her social media.
https://www.shirleneobuobi.com/
https://www.ami.org/medical-illustration/enter-the-profession
There are also many jobs in biology besides being a doctor, that may not require as much training. It depends on the type of biology that you're interested in and what you want to do. I don't know much about scientific fields but I believe microbiologists do a lot of study under microscopes, and includes the study of bacteria and viruses. In the USA I believe that requires at least a Master's degree (4-year degree plus another 2 years), but that's still less than being a doctor who sees human patients. There are roles in medical clinics and laboratories that may be involved with biology but may not require as much study. Think about the different people you may have had to see when you've been to a doctor - some people analyze blood samples, some people take blood samples, some people handle equipment like X-rays, etc. Some of those are jobs that pay much less that require much less training; for example, based on a very quick internet search, in the USA, becoming a phlebotomist (the person who takes blood samples) only takes a year and pays far less than being a doctor.
One last note regarding writing. In general, I think it's very hard to writing or art as a hobby while going through medical school. But it can be done! Check out Shirlene Obuobi! She wrote several books and kept up a webcomic all while going to medical school and becoming a cardiologist. She's pretty active on social media - she posts her comics on Instagram and maybe elsewhere. However, I don't know of anyone else who's made a creative career for themself while also going through medical school and becoming a doctor, and a common topic in her comics is that she's very busy and stressed! Even if you don't follow that same path you could maybe learn from her comics and the fans on her social media.
https://www.shirleneobuobi.com/
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
324
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
I can see how conflicted you feel, Melissa, and commend you for asking for advice at this early stage.
When you use the word "stressful" many times to describe medicine and include the phrases "nothing save for being a doctor to my name" and "wither away and die", it makes me think that maybe being a doctor is not for you. People I know who are doctors love the work, are excited to talk about it, and are proud to call themselves doctors. I am not seeing any of that in your comments.
Maybe there is something else you could do that uses biology and your other talents, such as being a teacher or professor or being an illustrator for textbooks or science magazines. These would give you more of the stability you were looking for in medicine but more flexibility to use your creative side. I put two links below that address careers that combine the two.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
West Virginia Univ - https://blog.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/the-summit-ahead/6-dynamic-careers-that-combine-art-and-science
Chron - https://work.chron.com/careers-combine-science-art-14260.html
When you use the word "stressful" many times to describe medicine and include the phrases "nothing save for being a doctor to my name" and "wither away and die", it makes me think that maybe being a doctor is not for you. People I know who are doctors love the work, are excited to talk about it, and are proud to call themselves doctors. I am not seeing any of that in your comments.
Maybe there is something else you could do that uses biology and your other talents, such as being a teacher or professor or being an illustrator for textbooks or science magazines. These would give you more of the stability you were looking for in medicine but more flexibility to use your creative side. I put two links below that address careers that combine the two.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Martha, thanks for the answer! I re-read my question and I was honestly having a breakdown four hours ago so I wasn't at the best mental state. Anyway, I really do genuinely love this profession. I've been in a pre-med course for 1.5 years now and have never once had second thoughts about my decision. Only recently I've started to become a little sceptical, perhaps I didn't think much? I definitely wouldn't want to live a life full of regrets. This was mostly a rant, but again, thanks for these resources! I'll check them out.
Melissa
You're welcome and thank you for the additional context.
Martha Kramer
Linda Mire
Interior Design
131
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
I don't think spending your youth gathering the wealth of knowledge it takes to possibly save lives is time wasted,what could beat that as a big thing to have a name for. Wow seems you really want to be an MD. I don't think you could regret the attempt if you don't a least investigate the possibility you will always wonder. Writing is a wonderful stress reliever and again you may write the something that resonates with the masses or just the person that really needed your message and changes a life. I think you could do both in the rare moments in your busy schedule studying to become a DR. relax and write. The human spirit is unstoppable and if you put your mind to it you can do whatever your heart desires.
Rita Chuang
Physician
185
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
This is a touch question. Honestly, the medical field is EXTREMELY hard. Two of my fellow doctor friends are depressed and on antidepressants. It's not easy. You need to ask yourself if you really love medicine and until you are in the field, you really don't know. I retired early from medicine because I was so tired and honestly, I think I was also a bit depressed. If you love it though, you will be energized by it.
I don't think how the job market is for arts whereas if you are a doctor, you will always have a job.
I think it is possible to combine the two fields. If you think of medical TV programs like ER, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, you could write. If you think of the lawyer John Grishman, he wrote several books. I believe these people are special but if you have the drive and will power, you can do anything.
Honestly, all we have is time on this Earth. Use it wisely.
I don't think how the job market is for arts whereas if you are a doctor, you will always have a job.
I think it is possible to combine the two fields. If you think of medical TV programs like ER, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, you could write. If you think of the lawyer John Grishman, he wrote several books. I believe these people are special but if you have the drive and will power, you can do anything.
Honestly, all we have is time on this Earth. Use it wisely.
Zoya Naeem
freelancer
22
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
Choosing between medicine and art/literature is a deeply personal decision, and the right path depends on your interests, values, and long-term goals. Medicine offers a structured career path with opportunities to make a significant impact on people's lives, ensure job security, and challenge yourself intellectually. It's demanding but rewarding, particularly if you have a passion for science, problem-solving, and helping others.
On the other hand, art and literature are fields driven by creativity, self-expression, and exploration of the human experience. They allow for more freedom in terms of career direction but often come with more uncertainty and a need for resilience, especially in competitive industries like writing, journalism, or visual arts. However, these fields can offer deep personal fulfillment and a chance to influence culture and thought.
To decide, reflect on your strengths and passions. Do you thrive in creative environments, or do you enjoy structure and analytical thinking? Consider trying internships, shadowing professionals, or taking courses in both areas to gain insight. Ultimately, the best choice will be the one that aligns with your values, interests, and vision for your future.
On the other hand, art and literature are fields driven by creativity, self-expression, and exploration of the human experience. They allow for more freedom in terms of career direction but often come with more uncertainty and a need for resilience, especially in competitive industries like writing, journalism, or visual arts. However, these fields can offer deep personal fulfillment and a chance to influence culture and thought.
To decide, reflect on your strengths and passions. Do you thrive in creative environments, or do you enjoy structure and analytical thinking? Consider trying internships, shadowing professionals, or taking courses in both areas to gain insight. Ultimately, the best choice will be the one that aligns with your values, interests, and vision for your future.
Mary Patrice Layaoen
Character Modeler/ 3D Artist
43
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hello, Melissa! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns about your career path. It is totally understandable to feel conflicted given the demands and rewards of each career. I recommend doing some small-scale work in both areas to help you explore them further before making your final decision. You can try volunteer work or internships in medicine to gain a clear perspective on whether it’s a long-term commitment you’re ready to make. Similarly, you can learn about the potential of a writing career by attending workshops, writing events, accepting commission work, or working on freelancing projects.
It’s worth noting that many people have successfully balanced multiple interests throughout their careers. While medicine is indeed demanding, some people manage to keep their artistic pursuits alive alongside their medical careers. This might involve dedicating time to writing during your off-hours or weekends. Everyone’s journey is different. So, take your time to understand your options and consider what will bring you in both the short and long term. I hope this helps!
It’s worth noting that many people have successfully balanced multiple interests throughout their careers. While medicine is indeed demanding, some people manage to keep their artistic pursuits alive alongside their medical careers. This might involve dedicating time to writing during your off-hours or weekends. Everyone’s journey is different. So, take your time to understand your options and consider what will bring you in both the short and long term. I hope this helps!
Ryan Zhu
1
Answer
Monterey Park, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
It's evident you're standing at a significant juncture, and it's completely normal to feel divided between two loves that appear to diverge. However, here's an inspiring suggestion: have you ever thought about medical illustration? This unique field seamlessly merges the worlds of medicine and art, enabling you to channel both your fascination for biology and your artistic prowess in a way that benefits both scientific exploration and storytelling.
Medical illustration is all about crafting visual aids that demystify intricate medical concepts. It demands a profound comprehension of biology and a knack for visual communication, which seem to dovetail wonderfully with your passions. By embarking on this route, you could harmonize your affection for science and art, while still finding time to engage in writing and other creative pursuits.
Indeed, the path to becoming a doctor is strenuous, and your worries about the stress and time commitment are absolutely legitimate. However, medicine isn't the sole avenue to leave a meaningful mark in the realm of biology. Medical illustrators hold a pivotal role in education, research, and even patient care, all the while nurturing their creative spirit.
If this concept strikes a chord with you, you might want to delve into programs that fuse science with art, like a degree in medical illustration or biomedical visualization. This could be a route to keep both your passions burning bright without feeling like you're compromising one for the other.
Ultimately, the decision is intensely personal, and it's crucial to weigh what will bring you long-term satisfaction. Whether you opt for medicine, art, or discover a way to marry the two, have faith that your distinctive blend of interests can pave the way to a rewarding and influential career.
Medical illustration is all about crafting visual aids that demystify intricate medical concepts. It demands a profound comprehension of biology and a knack for visual communication, which seem to dovetail wonderfully with your passions. By embarking on this route, you could harmonize your affection for science and art, while still finding time to engage in writing and other creative pursuits.
Indeed, the path to becoming a doctor is strenuous, and your worries about the stress and time commitment are absolutely legitimate. However, medicine isn't the sole avenue to leave a meaningful mark in the realm of biology. Medical illustrators hold a pivotal role in education, research, and even patient care, all the while nurturing their creative spirit.
If this concept strikes a chord with you, you might want to delve into programs that fuse science with art, like a degree in medical illustration or biomedical visualization. This could be a route to keep both your passions burning bright without feeling like you're compromising one for the other.
Ultimately, the decision is intensely personal, and it's crucial to weigh what will bring you long-term satisfaction. Whether you opt for medicine, art, or discover a way to marry the two, have faith that your distinctive blend of interests can pave the way to a rewarding and influential career.
Pedrochi Ekoh
Artist Painter/interior Designer
1
Answer
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Pedrochi’s Answer
Often time alot of people have this chanllenge when going to school, the truth is this, when you don't follow your passion fulfillment will be out of reach, first thing first, sit back, relax, look at your strength and weaknesses, then draw a balance
Remember you can not decieve other people, you can only decieve yourself. Follow your passion, what you love doing, and do it to the best of your abilities
What ever is your passion always know this, people are waiting for you, the world is waiting for you, medicine, art, literature what ever, if it is good for man it is good for God... Lol, just enjoy your passion, and create room for upgrades. Inspire, create start and scale (ICSS)
Hope we all get the gist follow your passion, passion brings fulfillment
Thanks
Remember you can not decieve other people, you can only decieve yourself. Follow your passion, what you love doing, and do it to the best of your abilities
What ever is your passion always know this, people are waiting for you, the world is waiting for you, medicine, art, literature what ever, if it is good for man it is good for God... Lol, just enjoy your passion, and create room for upgrades. Inspire, create start and scale (ICSS)
Hope we all get the gist follow your passion, passion brings fulfillment
Thanks
Curtz W. Jackson
Content and Script Writer
11
Answers
Bay Shore, New York
Updated
Curtz W.’s Answer
Hello, Melissa,
You should be commended for thinking about your plans for the future. That is important for a young student because with those thoughts you can organize how to reach your goals, step-by-step with continual achievements, small and large.
Please do not build too much worry about your career indecision, it isn't too healthy. Instead, an aspirating individual could use the energy that anxiety absorbs to study your occupational choices. Good decisions arrived with accurate, up-to-date knowledge.
As for your choices, no one else should make the selection for you. It is yours. The advantage is you have years ahead to prepare. During that time with physical and mental changes, as teenagers approach adulthood, their attitudes and outlook might adjust. Those changes might be the career selections. It is a normal process.
I can make a recommendation with your interest in art, biology, and medicine. You may consider becoming a medical illustrator; the contributions benefit physicians, the medical sector, and the public. The occupation is necessary. The human body is an extraordinary creation that would not be fully discovered or known by the time you reach the age of twenty. The career branches into other fields including sculpture and 3-D animation.
You, too, may take note of biological illustration. Please ponder how essential it is to maintain communication with your parents, and other loyal and supportive adults. While you are seeking knowledge and developing your abilities, consider aspects of a successful career. These include building character traits such as honesty, reliability, trustworthiness, integrity, and others. I believe you will do well, and wish you the best possible life.
You should be commended for thinking about your plans for the future. That is important for a young student because with those thoughts you can organize how to reach your goals, step-by-step with continual achievements, small and large.
Please do not build too much worry about your career indecision, it isn't too healthy. Instead, an aspirating individual could use the energy that anxiety absorbs to study your occupational choices. Good decisions arrived with accurate, up-to-date knowledge.
As for your choices, no one else should make the selection for you. It is yours. The advantage is you have years ahead to prepare. During that time with physical and mental changes, as teenagers approach adulthood, their attitudes and outlook might adjust. Those changes might be the career selections. It is a normal process.
I can make a recommendation with your interest in art, biology, and medicine. You may consider becoming a medical illustrator; the contributions benefit physicians, the medical sector, and the public. The occupation is necessary. The human body is an extraordinary creation that would not be fully discovered or known by the time you reach the age of twenty. The career branches into other fields including sculpture and 3-D animation.
You, too, may take note of biological illustration. Please ponder how essential it is to maintain communication with your parents, and other loyal and supportive adults. While you are seeking knowledge and developing your abilities, consider aspects of a successful career. These include building character traits such as honesty, reliability, trustworthiness, integrity, and others. I believe you will do well, and wish you the best possible life.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
535
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Melissa,
It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and it's completely understandable to feel conflicted. Here’s a way to think about your decision:
1. Passions and Practicality: Both medicine and art/literature are rewarding but in different ways. Medicine offers stability and the chance to make a significant impact on people's lives, but it comes with a demanding and often stressful lifestyle. On the other hand, a career in art and literature might not offer financial stability right away but can be deeply fulfilling and allow you to express yourself creatively.
2. Combining Interests: It’s worth considering if there’s a way to blend your passions. For example, you could explore medical writing, which combines a medical background with writing skills. Another possibility is pursuing medicine and using your free time to continue your art and writing. Many people manage to balance a demanding career with personal projects, though it requires excellent time management.
3. Trial and Reflection: Before committing to one path, you could try out both areas in a smaller capacity. For instance, take on a part-time job or internship in a medical field and simultaneously work on personal art and writing projects. This might give you a clearer sense of what each career path might be like.
4. Long-Term Goals: Think about where you see yourself in 10 or 20 years. What kind of lifestyle do you envision? What are your long-term goals? Sometimes it helps to imagine your future self and think about which path aligns more closely with your vision.
5. Seek Advice: Talk to professionals in both fields. Doctors can provide insights into the realities of the medical profession, and established writers or artists can share their experiences and how they balance their careers with their passions.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between your passions and practical considerations. Whatever you choose, it’s important that it aligns with your personal values and long-term happiness.
Best wishes!
It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and it's completely understandable to feel conflicted. Here’s a way to think about your decision:
1. Passions and Practicality: Both medicine and art/literature are rewarding but in different ways. Medicine offers stability and the chance to make a significant impact on people's lives, but it comes with a demanding and often stressful lifestyle. On the other hand, a career in art and literature might not offer financial stability right away but can be deeply fulfilling and allow you to express yourself creatively.
2. Combining Interests: It’s worth considering if there’s a way to blend your passions. For example, you could explore medical writing, which combines a medical background with writing skills. Another possibility is pursuing medicine and using your free time to continue your art and writing. Many people manage to balance a demanding career with personal projects, though it requires excellent time management.
3. Trial and Reflection: Before committing to one path, you could try out both areas in a smaller capacity. For instance, take on a part-time job or internship in a medical field and simultaneously work on personal art and writing projects. This might give you a clearer sense of what each career path might be like.
4. Long-Term Goals: Think about where you see yourself in 10 or 20 years. What kind of lifestyle do you envision? What are your long-term goals? Sometimes it helps to imagine your future self and think about which path aligns more closely with your vision.
5. Seek Advice: Talk to professionals in both fields. Doctors can provide insights into the realities of the medical profession, and established writers or artists can share their experiences and how they balance their careers with their passions.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between your passions and practical considerations. Whatever you choose, it’s important that it aligns with your personal values and long-term happiness.
Best wishes!
bill Bill Latter
chiropractor
57
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
bill’s Answer
Money is indeed an important factor, but it's not everything! If financial concerns aren't your priority, then why not pursue a career in art, literature, or writing? You can also consider teaching in these fields. By advancing your education to a Master's degree or even a Ph.D., you can secure a teaching position in a university. This will not only provide a higher income, but also expose you to an enriching environment filled with opportunities in your chosen field. It seems like your true passion lies in these areas, not in medicine, which could drain your energy and limit your ability to do other things.
If money is your main motivation, then a career in medicine could be more lucrative, but it's also more challenging. The workload can be intense, and it might limit your time and energy for other activities. However, when you're passionate about something, it fuels you to keep going, even if you're just getting by. Who knows, you might even strike it big with a prestigious position, a successful book, or a breakthrough in your field!
Remember, you have a long journey ahead in the next four years. Take a variety of courses, including those required for medical school. Then, after these four years, make an informed decision about where you want to go and what you want to do for the rest of your life or career.
If money is your main motivation, then a career in medicine could be more lucrative, but it's also more challenging. The workload can be intense, and it might limit your time and energy for other activities. However, when you're passionate about something, it fuels you to keep going, even if you're just getting by. Who knows, you might even strike it big with a prestigious position, a successful book, or a breakthrough in your field!
Remember, you have a long journey ahead in the next four years. Take a variety of courses, including those required for medical school. Then, after these four years, make an informed decision about where you want to go and what you want to do for the rest of your life or career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Melissa,
I totally get where you're coming from. It's a tough call when you're torn between a secure job and following your heart. Let's take a moment to dissect your choices and weigh the good and the bad of each:
**Choice 1: Medicine**
* **Good Points:**
* Reliable earnings and job certainty
* Chance to lend a hand and make a real difference in people's lives
* Constant mental challenge and ongoing learning
* **Bad Points:**
* Long working hours, heavy workload, and high-stress environment
* Risk of feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained
* Long-term payoff and financial stability
**Choice 2: Art/Literature**
* **Good Points:**
* Freedom to be creative and express yourself
* Potential for personal satisfaction and recognition
* Flexibility and independence
* **Bad Points:**
* Uncertain earnings and job instability
* Difficulty in establishing a lasting career
* Balancing creativity with financial responsibilities can be challenging
**Choice 3: Merging Medicine and Art/Literature**
* **Good Points:**
* Chance to use your artistic talents in the medical field (like medical illustration, health communication)
* Potential for a unique and satisfying career
* Ability to juggle professional and creative interests
* **Bad Points:**
* Requires a lot of time and effort to master both areas
* Finding the right job or niche may be tough
* The pressures and stresses of a medical career still apply
In the end, the path you choose should align with your personal values, aspirations, and priorities. Here are some things to think about:
* What matters most to you in life?
* What kind of life do you see for yourself?
* Are you ready to give up certain parts of your life for a secure job?
* Do you think you can balance your creative interests while also building a successful medical career?
Chatting with a career advisor or mentor might be useful. They can offer more advice and support. You might also want to look into different career paths within medicine or related to art and literature.
Just remember, there's no perfect answer. The key is to pick a path that feels right for you and brings you joy.
Take care!
JC.
I totally get where you're coming from. It's a tough call when you're torn between a secure job and following your heart. Let's take a moment to dissect your choices and weigh the good and the bad of each:
**Choice 1: Medicine**
* **Good Points:**
* Reliable earnings and job certainty
* Chance to lend a hand and make a real difference in people's lives
* Constant mental challenge and ongoing learning
* **Bad Points:**
* Long working hours, heavy workload, and high-stress environment
* Risk of feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained
* Long-term payoff and financial stability
**Choice 2: Art/Literature**
* **Good Points:**
* Freedom to be creative and express yourself
* Potential for personal satisfaction and recognition
* Flexibility and independence
* **Bad Points:**
* Uncertain earnings and job instability
* Difficulty in establishing a lasting career
* Balancing creativity with financial responsibilities can be challenging
**Choice 3: Merging Medicine and Art/Literature**
* **Good Points:**
* Chance to use your artistic talents in the medical field (like medical illustration, health communication)
* Potential for a unique and satisfying career
* Ability to juggle professional and creative interests
* **Bad Points:**
* Requires a lot of time and effort to master both areas
* Finding the right job or niche may be tough
* The pressures and stresses of a medical career still apply
In the end, the path you choose should align with your personal values, aspirations, and priorities. Here are some things to think about:
* What matters most to you in life?
* What kind of life do you see for yourself?
* Are you ready to give up certain parts of your life for a secure job?
* Do you think you can balance your creative interests while also building a successful medical career?
Chatting with a career advisor or mentor might be useful. They can offer more advice and support. You might also want to look into different career paths within medicine or related to art and literature.
Just remember, there's no perfect answer. The key is to pick a path that feels right for you and brings you joy.
Take care!
JC.
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Okay here’s my 2-bits based on what you have shared/asked:
1) Stop projecting negativity onto your future “career” or life. You see the outcome of both of your decisions as being miserable. I’m not sure why you are doing that to yourself. You might consider doing some meditation and putting a positive spin on your life.
2) What’s wrong with just being a biologist? Being a doctor isn't the only way to use biology. You love the subject and there is a lot of potential for finding a good salary and making great contributions to the field. Just because a biologist’s name isn’t in the news every day, doesn’t mean they are living an ordinary life. They are known within their area of expertise. If you pursue a master’s and a PhD, you will be publishing papers all the time. And even in your work you will want to publish findings and research.
3) Most of us have to have a job or career that will support our lives and pay the bills while we do what we love. No, you may not become a famous, best-selling author right away, but you can always write and get published no matter what you do. It takes time to develop artistically. Or you may find that you actually LOVE the life of a full time writer/artist, no matter if you have struggles.
4) Don’t knock an ordinary life. Until you’ve lived one. I didn’t, my path has been varied and I’m happy. And I’m still writing even though I haven’t been published yet. Sometimes, I long for an ordinary life (which can actually turn out to be an extraordinary life) and wish I never pursued my art – acting. But it only adds to my story.
5) Get more information – talk to the people who are actually doing what you think you want to do; that is, biologists, doctors, writers.
6) Any decision you make now, can be changed. You are not physically tied to any of these choices. You can always choose again.
7) Volunteer - either in one of your fields or just in general. Thinking about helping others will move you out of obsessing about your decision.
Good luck, don't fear the future, you have lots of time, and you can always choose something else.
1) Stop projecting negativity onto your future “career” or life. You see the outcome of both of your decisions as being miserable. I’m not sure why you are doing that to yourself. You might consider doing some meditation and putting a positive spin on your life.
2) What’s wrong with just being a biologist? Being a doctor isn't the only way to use biology. You love the subject and there is a lot of potential for finding a good salary and making great contributions to the field. Just because a biologist’s name isn’t in the news every day, doesn’t mean they are living an ordinary life. They are known within their area of expertise. If you pursue a master’s and a PhD, you will be publishing papers all the time. And even in your work you will want to publish findings and research.
3) Most of us have to have a job or career that will support our lives and pay the bills while we do what we love. No, you may not become a famous, best-selling author right away, but you can always write and get published no matter what you do. It takes time to develop artistically. Or you may find that you actually LOVE the life of a full time writer/artist, no matter if you have struggles.
4) Don’t knock an ordinary life. Until you’ve lived one. I didn’t, my path has been varied and I’m happy. And I’m still writing even though I haven’t been published yet. Sometimes, I long for an ordinary life (which can actually turn out to be an extraordinary life) and wish I never pursued my art – acting. But it only adds to my story.
5) Get more information – talk to the people who are actually doing what you think you want to do; that is, biologists, doctors, writers.
6) Any decision you make now, can be changed. You are not physically tied to any of these choices. You can always choose again.
7) Volunteer - either in one of your fields or just in general. Thinking about helping others will move you out of obsessing about your decision.
Good luck, don't fear the future, you have lots of time, and you can always choose something else.
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Okay here’s my 2-bits based on what you have shared/asked:
1) Stop projecting negativity onto your future “career” or life. You see the outcome of both of your decisions as being miserable. I’m not sure why you are doing that to yourself. You might consider doing some meditation and putting a positive spin on your life.
2) What’s wrong with just being a biologist? You love the subject and there is a lot of potential for finding a good salary and making great contributions to the field. Just because a biologist’s name isn’t in the news every day, doesn’t mean they are living an ordinary life. They are known within their area of expertise. If you pursue a master’s and a PhD, you will be publishing papers all the time. And even in your work you will want to publish findings and research.
3) Most of us have to have a job or career that will support our lives and pay the bills while we do what we love. No, you may not become a famous, best-selling author right away, but you can always write and get published no matter what you do. It takes time to develop artistically. You may actually LOVE the life of a fulltime writer/artist.
4) Don’t knock an ordinary life. Until you’ve lived one. I didn’t, my path has been varied and I’m happy. And I’m still writing even though I haven’t been published yet. (I’m 63.) Sometimes, I long for an ordinary life (which can actually turn out to be extraordinary) and wish I never pursued my art – acting. But it only adds to my story.
5) Get more information – talk to the people who are actually doing what you think you want to do; that is, biologists, doctors, writers.
6) Any decision you make now, can be changed. You are not physically tied to any of these choices. You can always choose again.
Good luck, don't fear the future, you have lots of time, and you can always choose something else.
1) Stop projecting negativity onto your future “career” or life. You see the outcome of both of your decisions as being miserable. I’m not sure why you are doing that to yourself. You might consider doing some meditation and putting a positive spin on your life.
2) What’s wrong with just being a biologist? You love the subject and there is a lot of potential for finding a good salary and making great contributions to the field. Just because a biologist’s name isn’t in the news every day, doesn’t mean they are living an ordinary life. They are known within their area of expertise. If you pursue a master’s and a PhD, you will be publishing papers all the time. And even in your work you will want to publish findings and research.
3) Most of us have to have a job or career that will support our lives and pay the bills while we do what we love. No, you may not become a famous, best-selling author right away, but you can always write and get published no matter what you do. It takes time to develop artistically. You may actually LOVE the life of a fulltime writer/artist.
4) Don’t knock an ordinary life. Until you’ve lived one. I didn’t, my path has been varied and I’m happy. And I’m still writing even though I haven’t been published yet. (I’m 63.) Sometimes, I long for an ordinary life (which can actually turn out to be extraordinary) and wish I never pursued my art – acting. But it only adds to my story.
5) Get more information – talk to the people who are actually doing what you think you want to do; that is, biologists, doctors, writers.
6) Any decision you make now, can be changed. You are not physically tied to any of these choices. You can always choose again.
Good luck, don't fear the future, you have lots of time, and you can always choose something else.