Crossroads

[newjd]

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I am currently a new attorney in the US and am reconsidering my career choice. As you may or may not know, the legal field is severely oversaturated with lawyers. Add to this that law school doesn't prepare you at all for the actual practice of law and the economic downturn hitting this industry very hard, the job prospects are not very good. Even if I could obtain a reasonably compensated entry level position as an attorney ($40k), the chances that it would ever become lucrative ($100k+) by paying my dues are very low in comparison with that of some other fields. The hours will be long and I also have concerns about job stability as well.

I do have the option of going into dentistry, typically a more lucrative and secure field. The compensation and lifestyle of a dentist look very attractive, and since my undergraduate degree is in biology, there are not as many obstacles to me becoming a dentist as someone starting from scratch. While I am not in love with the idea of more schooling at the age of 33, I would be able to graduate debt free with qualifications that give me a better chance at living the lifestyle I would like to live.

As far as the jobs themselves, I don't hate the legal field, only the fact that it is undercompensated for the amount of work put in. Also, I wouldn't say that I have this undying love to become a dentist, only that it seems like a career that would give me what I am looking for in more areas. I must state in advance that I am not of the belief that you have to feel like you are meant to be a dentist/doctor in order to practice in these areas. No career would ever be more than a means of compensation for me. I do believe that any career I choose will provide the intellectual stimulation necessary to keep my interest.

Would it make sense to make the switch financially?

 

[MedDevil]

Unfortunately, assuming you take the DAT, do well, and get into Dental school, you'll still have to deal the major debt from 4 years of very high tuition and living costs. I'm not saying it's a bad option if you're sincerely interested in changing fields, but it's something to consider.

 

[newjd]

I will be having the degree paid for so debt will not be a problem. Only the cost of 4 years of not working and 4 years of studying instead (residency not included).

 

[Bereno]

I will be having the degree paid for so debt will not be a problem. Only the cost of 4 years of not working and 4 years of studying instead (residency not included).

Tuition paid for?!?! If you dont like your current job, then I say go for it since you already have the degree haha

BTW, dont do it for the money or you might be disappointed... maybe

 

[MrAvicii]

I am currently a new attorney in the US and am reconsidering my career choice. As you may or may not know, the legal field is severely oversaturated with lawyers. Add to this that law school doesn't prepare you at all for the actual practice of law and the economic downturn hitting this industry very hard, the job prospects are not very good. Even if I could obtain a reasonably compensated entry level position as an attorney ($40k), the chances that it would ever become lucrative ($100k+) by paying my dues are very low in comparison with that of some other fields. The hours will be long and I also have concerns about job stability as well.

I do have the option of going into dentistry, typically a more lucrative and secure field. The compensation and lifestyle of a dentist look very attractive, and since my undergraduate degree is in biology, there are not as many obstacles to me becoming a dentist as someone starting from scratch. While I am not in love with the idea of more schooling at the age of 33, I would be able to graduate debt free with qualifications that give me a better chance at living the lifestyle I would like to live.

As far as the jobs themselves, I don't hate the legal field, only the fact that it is undercompensated for the amount of work put in. Also, I wouldn't say that I have this undying love to become a dentist, only that it seems like a career that would give me what I am looking for in more areas. I must state in advance that I am not of the belief that you have to feel like you are meant to be a dentist/doctor in order to practice in these areas. No career would ever be more than a means of compensation for me. I do believe that any career I choose will provide the intellectual stimulation necessary to keep my interest.

Would it make sense to make the switch financially?

yes it would, lawyers dont make anything in america, half of my friends are lawyers and everyone is struggling. medicine is less saturdated and pays more, BUT you should do it only if you're interested. dont do it just for the money, that might make you more miserable. think about it and read all the info on here and then decide if your really interested in dentistry as a career rather than a job.