Being a doctor is no longer the road to riches that it used to be. As Obamacare rolls out, doctors will be forced to take substantial pay cuts and lucrative private practice will be all but eliminated.
I have many relatives who are physicians that are well into their career and live a damn good life. And sure, life as a doctor will always be stable and relatively good paying. But is it worth the 10+ years of residency, fellowship, board exams, etc. that steal crucial time away from one's 20's while one gets paid minimum wage and likely takes on debt?
Probably only worth it if someone is dead set on becoming a physician for a reason other than the money and lifestyle it affords once they jump through all the hoops. Hopefully an MD reading this can chime in.
In other news, if you're good at math, the actuarial profession is one with a high barrier of entry (namely, the ability to pass somewhat difficult math and finance tests). No grad school needed. Great job security. Chill hours.
I have many relatives who are physicians that are well into their career and live a damn good life. And sure, life as a doctor will always be stable and relatively good paying. But is it worth the 10+ years of residency, fellowship, board exams, etc. that steal crucial time away from one's 20's while one gets paid minimum wage and likely takes on debt?
Probably only worth it if someone is dead set on becoming a physician for a reason other than the money and lifestyle it affords once they jump through all the hoops. Hopefully an MD reading this can chime in.
In other news, if you're good at math, the actuarial profession is one with a high barrier of entry (namely, the ability to pass somewhat difficult math and finance tests). No grad school needed. Great job security. Chill hours.
Quote: (06-27-2014 02:38 AM)iknowexactly Wrote:
Good points in these posts, but there is a secondary distinction I think is important: In some of these fields, luck and innate talent make more difference than others.
For instance, if yo want to be a professional singer, your physical appearance and your genetic hearing accuracy are important but not really adjustable.
As long as you are smart enough and not TOTALLY unbearable to deal with face to face, getting an MD is guaranteed millionaire status in the USA. It's the WORK and determination that make it. Especially if you are wiling to go to a foreign medical school if you have to.