Burning out

[Neutropix]

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I am only a sophomore, but I think I am getting burned out.

Through the terrifying idea of rejection my neuroticism has propelled me to achieve things I never thought possible.

Ironically, I thought I was this smart kid studying all day everyday smoking tests. I convinced myself that everyone around me were lazy primitives indulging in their sex and alcohol (probably why people don't call me to hang out).

But after having a near panic attack from going out on my twenty first and not studying I'm starting to realize that this career is largely about sacrifice. Am I wrong? Also, after having been in the hospital for so long I lost my liking for the place. Where I used to see Doctors as super heroes I now see erectile dysfunctional old guys sleeping in their cars and moping like zombies; I started seeing all the fat nurses instead of just the pretty ones. Reality is starting to set in the more I assimilate myself into the hospital subculture the more I see it as, well, just a job. Sigh.

I feel alone, I need consolation like a baby. Someone here plz coddle me and tell me this is a phase. Is this a sign that I might want to consider something else? I love my life, outside of studying. I miss it so damn much. I also miss glorious sleep.

#firstworld problems

#ishouldhavebeenstudyinginsteadofwritingthis

 

[ridethecliche]

There's no reason for you to be on SDN as much as you are as a sophomore. Go live life a bit!

Also, while some doctors might be like that, many are not.

PS: You sound like you need to stop being holier than though and going out and actually having fun. People probably don't want to hang out with you because you're judgey and no-fun at parties. Go live a little.

 

[tortelliniboy]

Undergrad is not that hard. You should be able to balance grades/ECs while going out/hanging with friends. The only time it should be remotely hard is when you had to do all of the above + MCAT prep.

 

[resiroth]

I would say that you are correct that medicine is in fact a job like any other. If you are struggling to keep your head above water in undergrad, and don't go to MIT or Caltech, I would seriously ask yourself if you can handle medical school. The answer may be yes, or not, but think about it carefully since the last thing you want to do is get halfway through medical school and (try to) bail with 100k+ in debt and no job prospects.

 

[Holmwood]

I am only a sophomore, but I think I am getting burned out.

Through the terrifying idea of rejection my neuroticism has propelled me to achieve things I never thought possible.

Ironically, I thought I was this smart kid studying all day everyday smoking tests. I convinced myself that everyone around me were lazy primitives indulging in their sex and alcohol (probably why people don't call me to hang out).

But after having a near panic attack from going out on my twenty first and not studying I'm starting to realize that this career is largely about sacrifice. Am I wrong? Also, after having been in the hospital for so long I lost my liking for the place. Where I used to see Doctors as super heroes I now see erectile dysfunctional old guys sleeping in their cars and moping like zombies; I started seeing all the fat nurses instead of just the pretty ones. Reality is starting to set in the more I assimilate myself into the hospital subculture the more I see it as, well, just a job. Sigh.

I feel alone, I need consolation like a baby. Someone here plz coddle me and tell me this is a phase. Is this a sign that I might want to consider something else? I love my life, outside of studying. I miss it so damn much. I also miss glorious sleep.

#firstworld problems

#ishouldhavebeenstudyinginsteadofwritingthis

That is why people despise premeds.

If you can't find inspiration to become a doctor, then don't bother with this route. Find a job that you like. It's not unusual for pre-meds to quit midway either, as with anyone preparing for the health professions. Although, you could try to volunteer at a different department in the hospital before you ultimately decide.

 

[Hospitalized]

I started seeing all the fat nurses instead of just the pretty ones.

There's a lot of nurses, so there's bound to be some that are less attractive. Generally speaking, I think they are one of the better looking professions.

 

[NickNaylor]

Agree that something isn't right if you find that you have no free time during undergrad. I, too, was busy during undergrad, but a lot of that time was in organizations, groups, etc. that I genuinely enjoyed being in, so that time served a dual function. I wasn't going to keggers every weekend, but I was still working hard and having fun. If you aren't able to balance that in college, I'd suggest looking into how you're actually spending your time and just how efficient you think you're being.

 

[Neutropix]

There's no reason for you to be on SDN as much as you are as a sophomore. Go live life a bit!

Also, while some doctors might be like that, many are not.

PS: You sound like you need to stop being holier than though and going out and actually having fun. People probably don't want to hang out with you because you're judgey and no-fun at parties. Go live a little.

concur

That is why people despise premeds.

If you can't find inspiration to become a doctor, then don't bother with this route. Find a job that you like. It's not unusual for pre-meds to quit midway either, as with anyone preparing for the health professions. Although, you could try to volunteer at a different department in the hospital before you ultimately decide.

concur

Agree that something isn't right if you find that you have no free time during undergrad. I, too, was busy during undergrad, but a lot of that time was in organizations, groups, etc. that I genuinely enjoyed being in, so that time served a dual function. I wasn't going to keggers every weekend, but I was still working hard and having fun. If you aren't able to balance that in college, I'd suggest looking into how you're actually spending your time and just how efficient you think you're being.

I think my problem of late is cooking, which takes up to an hour a day. There's also driving. I spend at least an hour to two driving everyday, and I typically get eight hours of sleep. I also go to the gym (where I need to start showering at).

 

[mcatjelly]

I convinced myself that everyone around me were lazy primitives indulging in their sex and alcohol (probably why people don't call me to hang out)

This made me snort. Alcohol and sex were crucial ingredients in my recipe for a successful time in undergrad.

Pretty much echoing what everyone else has said: if you need to study all day every day, you're doing it wrong. I studied way less than many of my peers who claimed to be studying "all day, every day," and yet managed to perform better on exams. It's a matter of studying smarter, not harder--and if you need to study all day for prereqs, how will you survive in medical school?

Find yourself a social hobby/organization or two so that you gain perspective on time management and an outlet for stress. Like others have said above, the clubs I joined in college were both a means of socializing as well as time spent doing something I was passionate about, to add to my application.

 

[ridethecliche]

This made me snort. Alcohol and sex were crucial ingredients in my recipe for a successful time in undergrad.

Pretty much echoing what everyone else has said: if you need to study all day every day, you're doing it wrong. I studied way less than many of my peers who claimed to be studying "all day, every day," and yet managed to perform better on exams. It's a matter of studying smarter, not harder--and if you need to study all day for prereqs, how will you survive in medical school?

Find yourself a social hobby/organization or two so that you gain perspective on time management and an outlet for stress. Like others have said above, the clubs I joined in college were both a means of socializing as well as time spent doing something I was passionate about, to add to my application.

You forgot to mention time spent trying to find alcohol and time spent trying to impress girls (or whatever your persuasion might be!).

 

[mcatjelly]

You forgot to mention time spent trying to find alcohol and time spent trying to impress girls (or whatever your persuasion might be!).

First part: so true. Second part: I'm a straight lady, but I'm fortunate enough to be with a dude who's on my sex level.

 

[Neutropix]

This made me snort. Alcohol and sex were crucial ingredients in my recipe for a successful time in undergrad.

Pretty much echoing what everyone else has said: if you need to study all day every day, you're doing it wrong. I studied way less than many of my peers who claimed to be studying "all day, every day," and yet managed to perform better on exams. It's a matter of studying smarter, not harder--and if you need to study all day for prereqs, how will you survive in medical school?

Find yourself a social hobby/organization or two so that you gain perspective on time management and an outlet for stress. Like others have said above, the clubs I joined in college were both a means of socializing as well as time spent doing something I was passionate about, to add to my application.

I skateboard (10+ years), rock climb, and lift weights. I also love to cook and I plan on starting Jiu-Jitsu classes tomorrow. What I do need to do is modify my study methods.

 

[Neutropix]

First part: so true. Second part: I'm a straight lady, but I'm fortunate enough to be with a dude who's on my sex level.

On your level? Due tell more.

Seriously though, I need a freak.

But that's neither here nor there..

 

[mcatjelly]

I skateboard (10+ years), rock climb, and lift weights. I also love to cook and I plan on starting Jiu-Jitsu classes tomorrow. What I do need to do is modify my study methods.

That, and get involved in more social organizations if possible. Those are all great hobbies, but depending on how you do them, are also kinda solitary.

 

[amazing tekkers]

Hey not all nurses are fat!

On your level? Due tell more.

Seriously though, I need a freak.

But that's neither here nor there..

Your don't need a freak, you need a partner. In any case, a SO changes your entire view on the world. Try finding a girlfriend. Talk to your classmates, get a sense of what they like to do--hang out with them, get their numbers and ask them to let you know when anything fun is going on. Spring semester, the weather is great -- take the day off. Go explore your city or just sleep.

 

[MrLogan13]

Undergrad isn't really that time consuming. Get out and have some fun. You'll feel better.

 

[NeuResurgens]

Yes, sometimes there are phases like this. It's how you react to them that matters. I came to realize I still love the hospital, warts and all. As others have said, it sounds like you're working yourself too hard. Just relax a little bit.