3 answers
Anita
Student
North Haven, Connecticut
21
Questions
Asked
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PLEASE HELP: If I plan to get married and have children as well as have a job ASAP, which of the following occupations could be beneficial?
I am at such a loss at the moment. I'm not exactly sure what I want to pursue. My top two options at the moment are nurse anesthetist and pediatrician. I understand that there is a huge gap between the two, but I really want to look into whats the most practical. Commit to Med school?- or earn a job that will take less time but still satisfy me. I just don't want to have any regrets.
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3 answers
Elaine Cumbie MA, RDN, CD, CDCES
Registered Dietitian
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Elaine’s Answer
I like both Sheila's and Priya's answers. There are many factors to consider, for example, what are you interested in doing? If medical field it sounds like you have narrowed it down to either becoming a doctor or a nurse. If your priorities are more refined towards having a family, probably the nursing/nurse anesthetist route would be best. You will make excellent money. Also you will be studying for the nurse anesthetist role while you are working as a nurse.
There are also more options. For example, you can become a LPN and start working. Many times your employer will pay all or part of your tuition as you work towards a RN then BSN. After that, you could start on the nurse anesthetist study and training. With the cost of tuition (the amount of loan) and the length of time it takes to be a doctor, it may not be worth your while. With inflation, doctors are no longer making that stellar salary as before. Plus, you are spending more years working and paying off your student loans.
I did the aforementioned pay as you go plan, as mentioned above, as I paid off my school loans within a year of graduating with the BS degree. I worked and completed my Master's degree, and paid for that as I worked. I didn't have a new car, or the latest clothing items, however, I had no debt at all which set me up for saving money, purchasing a house which has really helped financially in the long run.
Ultimately, it's about what you really want to do. I also recommend volunteering at a Children's hospital so that you may see what the day-to-day is really like. Also, watching what a nurse does day to day, including talking to a RN who is a nurse anesthetist. I hope this helps.
There are also more options. For example, you can become a LPN and start working. Many times your employer will pay all or part of your tuition as you work towards a RN then BSN. After that, you could start on the nurse anesthetist study and training. With the cost of tuition (the amount of loan) and the length of time it takes to be a doctor, it may not be worth your while. With inflation, doctors are no longer making that stellar salary as before. Plus, you are spending more years working and paying off your student loans.
I did the aforementioned pay as you go plan, as mentioned above, as I paid off my school loans within a year of graduating with the BS degree. I worked and completed my Master's degree, and paid for that as I worked. I didn't have a new car, or the latest clothing items, however, I had no debt at all which set me up for saving money, purchasing a house which has really helped financially in the long run.
Ultimately, it's about what you really want to do. I also recommend volunteering at a Children's hospital so that you may see what the day-to-day is really like. Also, watching what a nurse does day to day, including talking to a RN who is a nurse anesthetist. I hope this helps.
Elaine, thank you!
Anita
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
716
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Anita:
Thank you for your question. My son is a Pediatrician and in his first year in a fellowship program. Going down the path to becoming a Pediatrician is a LONG and EXPENSIVE journey. There are no shortcuts. You want to go down the path in the sequence of order (ie, college (4 yrs), medical school (4 yrs), residency (3 yrs), or a fellowship program (3 yrs)). When he was in Med school he had several classmates starting families. Starting a family didn't stop them from achieving their goals. He once shared that some of his classmates would take turns babysitting.
Priya makes a good point about it depending on your priorities. I advise you to follow your passion and what you want to do in life. Committing is also key to your success in becoming an Anesthetist or a Pediatrician. It may take a "ton of sacrifice" along the way but, it would be worth it in the end. I hope this was helpful to you in getting started on your research. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Thank you for your question. My son is a Pediatrician and in his first year in a fellowship program. Going down the path to becoming a Pediatrician is a LONG and EXPENSIVE journey. There are no shortcuts. You want to go down the path in the sequence of order (ie, college (4 yrs), medical school (4 yrs), residency (3 yrs), or a fellowship program (3 yrs)). When he was in Med school he had several classmates starting families. Starting a family didn't stop them from achieving their goals. He once shared that some of his classmates would take turns babysitting.
Priya makes a good point about it depending on your priorities. I advise you to follow your passion and what you want to do in life. Committing is also key to your success in becoming an Anesthetist or a Pediatrician. It may take a "ton of sacrifice" along the way but, it would be worth it in the end. I hope this was helpful to you in getting started on your research. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Thank you so much! I really needed to hear this :)
Anita
Priya Gourishetty
Advisory Associate
15
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Anita,
I believe it really depends on your priorities. Both jobs are valuable and fulfilling, however as a pediatrician you would probably be earning more if that matters to you. But med school is also a huge commitment in terms of time and money. Also the work you will be doing is completely different. However, if you really want to go to med school then I'd say do it even if it you want to start a family because you will be able to make time for it if you really want it. It may be tough but don't settle for something else for the sake of starting a family. That's what I believe, anyways.
Good luck!
I believe it really depends on your priorities. Both jobs are valuable and fulfilling, however as a pediatrician you would probably be earning more if that matters to you. But med school is also a huge commitment in terms of time and money. Also the work you will be doing is completely different. However, if you really want to go to med school then I'd say do it even if it you want to start a family because you will be able to make time for it if you really want it. It may be tough but don't settle for something else for the sake of starting a family. That's what I believe, anyways.
Good luck!
Thank you for this advice, it's definitely reassuring! :)
Anita