5 answers
Corrina
Student
Newport News, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
899 views
What factor should determine whether or not you want to pursue a career path; passion for that area or finances you’d make with that career?
I’m requesting this question because I’m stuck between deciding on two different career paths: a pediatrician or an art therapist. The main thing between the two careers holding me back from choosing the other is the financial differences in them.
Login to comment
5 answers
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
431
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great you are thinking ahead and what wonderful career choices you are considering. Keep in mind, you're not limited to one career in your lifetime, so you might think about what you want to do first based on your priorities. If earning a higher income will give you the opportunity to do something else in the future, that might be worth considering. Whatever path you choose, stay open to changing course when the time is right.
With every good wish.
With every good wish.
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I get where you're coming from. Deciding between passion and finances is tough. For me, it's been a balance. While I didn't follow the college path, I found passion in supporting my wife's business. But everyone's journey is different. It's worth considering how much you value doing what you love versus the financial stability you'd get. Think about where your heart truly lies and how you can make it work, just like I did with my role.
ShaRon Bynum
Program Manager
31
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
ShaRon’s Answer
Corrina,
As a Woman of Color you have more than just the two options to consider. I understand the prestige of being a DR and what that would mean to your family. I also see your desire to use art, compassion and counseling to help others. You also have to weigh the cost of education and the earning potential of each role. That is a lot on your young shoulders. The most important thing is WHAT DOES CORRINA WANT, who do you want to be when you grow up. What would you choose if your family was not pushing for the MD? This is going to require some soul searching, but the bottom line is you have to do the work and its better to do what you love than to be in a career you hate.
I would encourage you to find a Pediatrician and an Art Therapist that you can establish a mentor relationship. If you don't personally know anyone in the roles ask family; friends; church members; your doctors and classmates for referrals. Most professionals are more than willing to pour into young people and will be delighted you asked. BE PROACTIVE in these relationships, set time commitments, have a list of questions, be genuine and honest. This is going to require work on your part. I had a friend in High School who wanted to be a Dentist until she did an internship and fainted at the sight of blood, she is now a Kindergarten teacher. Any chance to shadow the mentor you find will help you determine IF you are really made for the options you have in front of you.
Go to your School Counselor and Librarian and ask about doing some test that will help you determine which career suits your interest and personality. Take the assessments and be honest when you answer the questions to get the best results. People of your generation tend to change careers multiple times in their lives so you are not bound by a choice you make as a teenager!
Take the time to get to know who you are and what you want out of your life. That will also help you chart the path you need to take to get there. Pray never hurts either. In the end, its what is BEST for Corrina that should guide your decision. Wishing you the best on your journey!
ShaRon
As a Woman of Color you have more than just the two options to consider. I understand the prestige of being a DR and what that would mean to your family. I also see your desire to use art, compassion and counseling to help others. You also have to weigh the cost of education and the earning potential of each role. That is a lot on your young shoulders. The most important thing is WHAT DOES CORRINA WANT, who do you want to be when you grow up. What would you choose if your family was not pushing for the MD? This is going to require some soul searching, but the bottom line is you have to do the work and its better to do what you love than to be in a career you hate.
I would encourage you to find a Pediatrician and an Art Therapist that you can establish a mentor relationship. If you don't personally know anyone in the roles ask family; friends; church members; your doctors and classmates for referrals. Most professionals are more than willing to pour into young people and will be delighted you asked. BE PROACTIVE in these relationships, set time commitments, have a list of questions, be genuine and honest. This is going to require work on your part. I had a friend in High School who wanted to be a Dentist until she did an internship and fainted at the sight of blood, she is now a Kindergarten teacher. Any chance to shadow the mentor you find will help you determine IF you are really made for the options you have in front of you.
Go to your School Counselor and Librarian and ask about doing some test that will help you determine which career suits your interest and personality. Take the assessments and be honest when you answer the questions to get the best results. People of your generation tend to change careers multiple times in their lives so you are not bound by a choice you make as a teenager!
Take the time to get to know who you are and what you want out of your life. That will also help you chart the path you need to take to get there. Pray never hurts either. In the end, its what is BEST for Corrina that should guide your decision. Wishing you the best on your journey!
ShaRon
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Corrina
steven kulchawick
Building inspector
6
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
steven’s Answer
PEDIATRICIAN.
Hi Steven! Thanks for responding to Corrina's question. Can you share more information on why you think becoming a pediatrician is a good occupational choice? It would help her be better equipped to come to a decision. Thanks so much in advance!
yoonji KIM
Alisha Gandbhir
Consulting in Managed Services
5
Answers
Natick, Massachusetts
Updated
Alisha’s Answer
Hello Corrina!
It's absolutely fantastic to see you considering your future career while still in school - that's a brilliant step in the right direction! An effective strategy to help you navigate your career path could be connecting with local pediatric care clinics and schools or hospitals that provide medical psychology courses, including art therapy programs. Try to arrange meetings with the staff to discuss their professional experiences. Getting a firsthand glimpse into these career paths can assist you in refining your options. Always bear in mind that your first career choice doesn't have to be your final one - there's always room for change and growth on your journey.
It's absolutely fantastic to see you considering your future career while still in school - that's a brilliant step in the right direction! An effective strategy to help you navigate your career path could be connecting with local pediatric care clinics and schools or hospitals that provide medical psychology courses, including art therapy programs. Try to arrange meetings with the staff to discuss their professional experiences. Getting a firsthand glimpse into these career paths can assist you in refining your options. Always bear in mind that your first career choice doesn't have to be your final one - there's always room for change and growth on your journey.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Corrina