i am 1st year resident in patholgy in a mid tier university based program. I chose pathology because I like pathology (although not crave for), and I appreciate the lifestyle. However, with more and more negative sign and information about the future pathology's job market, and recent change of my spouse's work (not in medical field), he is restricted to big city areas, I am thinking if I should switch to other specialty. I like IM. I didn't choose it last year mainly because I more like the lifestyle of pathology. However, if I end up no job after say 4 years training +1 year fellowship, or a job in some rural areas without my family around, I would go suffer the years in IM residency.
It is not because I don't like pathology or the current program. Actually, it is a solid program. However, as long as I am thinking about the future career and family issue, I become worried and am not able to focus on my studies these days. Should I change my specialty?
I sincerely appciate your opinions

The lifestyle in internal medicine can rival pathology if you select the right path for your career. If you think you'll enjoy more direct patient care, then go with IM. Weigh all the considerations, esp since you have a family. Make sure you never look back with any regrets.

i was just talking to a resident where i am a medical student the other day about this. i heard the same comments regarding the job market. you can certainly obtain a good lifestyle out of IM in allergy, rheum, endo, even hemeonc can be lifestyle-friendly, certainly GI...or the hospitalist gigs if the 7on-7off appeals to you although it is tough, grueling work while you are there. certainly you are so early in your path residency it would be worthwhile to switch if you decided that way.

If you're willing to work part-time or work as a salaried employee (even as a subspecialist), then you can often arrange schedules that are very lifestyle-friendly.