6 answers
Su
Student
1
Question
Asked
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Is being a Psychiatrist worth the 12 year wait?
In the future, I am hoping to become a psychiatrist, however I was wondering If it is worth studying around 12 years for. I am highly interested in the psychology and medical field, and know that it pays pretty well. But I've also heard that it is a pretty stressful job and the education is costly. So is it worth it?
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6 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Becoming a psychiatrist is a significant commitment in terms of time, education, and finances. Whether it's worth it depends on your personal interests, values, and career goals. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
**1. Passion for the Field:** It's crucial to have a genuine passion for psychology and the medical field, as well as a deep interest in helping others with their mental health. If you are genuinely enthusiastic about this career path, it can make the long journey more fulfilling.
**2. Education and Training:** Psychiatry does require extensive education, typically including four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and at least four years of residency training in psychiatry. This commitment is substantial and should align with your long-term career goals.
**3. Financial Investment:** Medical school and residency can be expensive, leading to significant student loan debt. Consider your financial situation and whether you're comfortable managing potential debt in exchange for the future earning potential as a psychiatrist.
**4. Stress and Challenges:** Psychiatry can be a demanding and emotionally taxing profession. You'll work with patients dealing with complex mental health issues, which can be stressful. Assess your ability to handle such challenges and whether it aligns with your temperament.
**5. Career Opportunities:** Psychiatrists are in demand, and the field offers job stability. The earning potential is generally favorable, but it varies by location and specialization. Research potential career opportunities and salary expectations in your region.
**6. Work-Life Balance:** Evaluate your desire for work-life balance. Some psychiatrists have flexible schedules, while others may have demanding hours, especially during residency. Consider how this aligns with your lifestyle goals.
**7. Personal Fulfillment:** Helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being can be incredibly rewarding. If you find satisfaction in making a positive impact on people's lives, psychiatry can offer a sense of fulfillment.
In conclusion, the decision to become a psychiatrist is a deeply personal one. It requires dedication, passion, and a willingness to invest significant time and resources. If your interest in the field, desire to help others, and potential financial rewards align with your values and long-term goals, then pursuing a career as a psychiatrist could be worth the 12-year journey. However, it's essential to thoroughly research the profession, speak with practicing psychiatrists, and weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
**1. Passion for the Field:** It's crucial to have a genuine passion for psychology and the medical field, as well as a deep interest in helping others with their mental health. If you are genuinely enthusiastic about this career path, it can make the long journey more fulfilling.
**2. Education and Training:** Psychiatry does require extensive education, typically including four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and at least four years of residency training in psychiatry. This commitment is substantial and should align with your long-term career goals.
**3. Financial Investment:** Medical school and residency can be expensive, leading to significant student loan debt. Consider your financial situation and whether you're comfortable managing potential debt in exchange for the future earning potential as a psychiatrist.
**4. Stress and Challenges:** Psychiatry can be a demanding and emotionally taxing profession. You'll work with patients dealing with complex mental health issues, which can be stressful. Assess your ability to handle such challenges and whether it aligns with your temperament.
**5. Career Opportunities:** Psychiatrists are in demand, and the field offers job stability. The earning potential is generally favorable, but it varies by location and specialization. Research potential career opportunities and salary expectations in your region.
**6. Work-Life Balance:** Evaluate your desire for work-life balance. Some psychiatrists have flexible schedules, while others may have demanding hours, especially during residency. Consider how this aligns with your lifestyle goals.
**7. Personal Fulfillment:** Helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being can be incredibly rewarding. If you find satisfaction in making a positive impact on people's lives, psychiatry can offer a sense of fulfillment.
In conclusion, the decision to become a psychiatrist is a deeply personal one. It requires dedication, passion, and a willingness to invest significant time and resources. If your interest in the field, desire to help others, and potential financial rewards align with your values and long-term goals, then pursuing a career as a psychiatrist could be worth the 12-year journey. However, it's essential to thoroughly research the profession, speak with practicing psychiatrists, and weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
Michele Buchner
Director of Recruiting
16
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Hello there! Are you considering a career as a medical doctor? Or perhaps therapy is more your calling? Remember, a Psychiatrist not only attends medical school but also undertakes additional years of specialized training. This unique journey enables Psychiatrists to prescribe medication, among other responsibilities. If therapy aligns more with your passion, there are alternative routes you can explore, such as Psychology or Social Work. Although pursuing a PhD in Psychology doesn't necessarily shorten your academic years, it might be the perfect fit for you. Take some time to research various therapeutic professions - you might find that Psychiatry is indeed your true calling and every bit worth the effort. Alternatively, you might discover another path to becoming a therapist that excites you more. Remember, you have a world of options at your disposal!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hi, Su. It, like anything else, is "worth it" if you're passionate about it and can afford it. It can be a noble profession. Much of the benefit of psychiatry as a career, as opposed to becoming a psychologist or psychiatric social worker, is the ability to dispense medication. So if that's what appeals to you, you should go for it. If, however, therapeutic sessions with patients are more of what's drawing you to the field, you might want to consider becoming a psychologist or social worker.
Michelle Selko, MS, OTR/L
occupational therapist
22
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Su!
I have worked with many psychiatrists who love their career. I do hear about significant student loan debt. If you are unsure due to the amount of schooling and cost of education, consider other professions in mental health like psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, occupational therapist.
explore other careers in mental health
I have worked with many psychiatrists who love their career. I do hear about significant student loan debt. If you are unsure due to the amount of schooling and cost of education, consider other professions in mental health like psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, occupational therapist.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Su,
To follow a certain career path, you should be more than sure of it. It's worth reconsidering your academic preferences.
I think psychiatry is really a stressful job, and it's not for everyone. The pay is only the one aspect of one's job. If you have other interests as well, think about them. Maybe you can find a career path in another field, and again a high-paying job!
Wish you good luck and all the best.
To follow a certain career path, you should be more than sure of it. It's worth reconsidering your academic preferences.
I think psychiatry is really a stressful job, and it's not for everyone. The pay is only the one aspect of one's job. If you have other interests as well, think about them. Maybe you can find a career path in another field, and again a high-paying job!
Wish you good luck and all the best.
Thank you, I will definitely take that into consideration!
Su
Caroline DeFreitas
Human Resource Director for SohoMD
7
Answers
Harrison, New Jersey
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
If it’s worth it to you and your goal, then the wait or the money won’t matter. The real question is, why do you want to become a psychiatrist? The truth is, if you find your passion, you won’t need to worry about pay; it comes with the effort you put forth. Every career has stressors. I would look into psychiatry psychiatric np and search for why you want to do this. What part of you does this career fulfill? It's only worth it if you want it that bad.