Dissatisfaction with current career choice

[jonnyDRAMA]

---

Members don't see this ad.

The disillusionment is there because they are firmly convinced it's better on the other side. And this belief is due to a lack of research on their part. It is their responsibility to research other fields before making assumptions. Regardless if I failed to go the traditional route, I would take the time to research avenues of business and speak to those who are involved in business related careers before I assume it's so much better. It's easy to assume the grass is greener on the other side and pity yourself without making any effort to truly research the facts.

Medicine is truly a priviledge and an honor. Psychiatry is an amazing field and we would be lucky to be able to serve as psychiatrists. Physicians work incredibly hard and deserve their success; I'm not arguing otherwise. But there is a reason why admissions to medical school have gotten more competitive over the years. Even Caribbean schools like Ross have gotten more competitive to the point that they are requiring the MCAT now which they didn't take just a few years ago. It's truly an honor to be able to serve patients and help them improve their lives.

I apologize for my tough love approach but I hope my story would inspire others to appreciate psychiatry and medicine in general. I know people who are applying to medical school for their 3rd time.

I love it (sarcaastic) when a first or second year medical student tells a resident what he or she is feeling is baseless. or even better(sarcastic)when a medical student does it.

 

[pdz]

I can't believe some of you are even comparing what a psychiatrist (and for this matter, in fact, any physician) makes with what someone in the business or finance world is making. Keep in mind that we are comparing people with similar educational achievements. Most of the people I know who came from decent schools and started as analysts in any of the big firms, quickly climbed the ladder to associates. As an associate, these guys are making more than 500k a year, without even counting the numerous benefits (e.g. always traveling first class, etc...). And I'm talking about guys who are in their late 20s. Not to mention the ones who are more senior than that, who for sure are making more than a million bucks. And yes, if you are really successful in the finance world, you'll be among those who are getting in the tens of millions a year in bonuses (of course, these are the most successful and lucky ones). The CEO of Goldman was given more than 60 millions this year as a bonus (mostly stocks).

With that said, I agree, it is very competitive to make into one of the big firms. But isn't it competitive to make it into a top residency program too? Think about how hard physicians work to make it all the way to residency!

So back to my point, there's no point to compare physicians with the finance people. Physicians make a ridiculously small amount of money when you compare it with what bankers make.

And I'm not even going into those working in VC, private equity, hedge funds, etc...

 

[whopper]

My advice-
If you hate psychiatry-don't go into it.

If you don't mind psychiatry but would rather do business, since you're at this point in your education and have spent quite a sum of money in your medical education, perhaps do some psychiatry, save up some money and gradually shift it to business.

Or just make a switch now.

You might be able to find some work doing business & psychiatry. That may appeal to you. E.g. look to see if any of the pharmaceutical companies or health care businesses need someone with medical experience to work on the business end. Psychiatric Solutions (stock symbol: PSYS) could probably use some people like this.

Psychiatrists (or anyone for that matter) who doesn't enjoy their work will not do a good job. This and any type of medical field is the type of thing where people should be doing the best job they can.

I love business & I love psychiatry. I plan to do a lot of both. If I were to win the Mega Millions or Powerball Lottery--I'd still do both, but then I'd be doing it more for fun than the money, and I'd work on cases that I found stimulating--(take on cases I'd be more interested in, maybe do some cases where people need the help but can't afford it).

Had a guy in my program who kept mentioning how he hated psychiatry (though as a medstudent, he kept mentioning how much he loved it-go figure). He got kicked out of the program middle of the 2nd year. He was ticked off at an attending. Instead of handling it in a more mature manner (going to the program director, talking to GME) he had a hissyfit and decided to not go to work anymore-which is a violation of coverage & considered negligence. The guy thought he could just not show up to work as if it would not cause any problems.

The guy's reapplying into psychiatry this year-and even back into the program I'm at (hey if you hated Psyche & us so much why want to get back in?).

Sun Tzu-know yourself and know your enemy & you will win 1000 battles before you lose 1. Think this one through. Maybe psyche's not the right field, but make sure you're assessing the situation correctly.

 

[michaelrack]

With that said, I agree, it is very competitive to make into one of the big firms. But isn't it competitive to make it into a top residency program too? Think about how hard physicians work to make it all the way to residency!

Psychiatry isn't a very competitive residency. A US citizen who graduates from a US medical school without any major black marks on his record can get into most psychiatry residency programs.

Of course, not everyone who starts medical school makes it to licensed physician. Some develop disabilities (often mental) or addiction issues that prevent them from becoming licensed physicians.

 

[Rudra]

Psychiatry may not earn as much as the other specialties
but don't psychiatrists have less working hours then other doctors? So in the end doesn't it sort of equal out?

 

[michaelrack]

Psychiatry may not earn as much as the other specialties
but don't psychiatrists have less working hours then other doctors? So in the end doesn't it sort of equal out?

The # of working hours is variable, anywhere from 20-80 hrs a week. A psychiatrist who works 60 hrs a week can expect to make approx $185,000.
One thing different about psych is that it is more flexible- it's easy to work part time as a psychiatrist, but hard to do this as a primary care doctor or surgeon

 

[TheWowEffect]

A psychiatrist who works 60 hrs a week can expect to make approx $185,000.

I am assuming, based on anecdotal reports, that it is possible to make more than that i.e. 225-250 K range.

 

[Atilla]

The satisfaction ultimately has to come from the inside, not from a career or from big bucks.

MUST READ-

Stumbling on Happiness

AND


How to Happiness

 

[michaelrack]

I am assuming, based on anecdotal reports, that it is possible to make more than that i.e. 225-250 K range.

That's quite possible. I was just giving my impression of a typical psych income.

 

[TheWowEffect]

That's quite possible. I was just giving my impression of a typical psych income.

I agree👍

 

[Chimed]

The # of working hours is variable, anywhere from 20-80 hrs a week. A psychiatrist who works 60 hrs a week can expect to make approx $185,000.
One thing different about psych is that it is more flexible- it's easy to work part time as a psychiatrist, but hard to do this as a primary care doctor or surgeon

Income will also be variable based on location/region and whether one takes private pay or insurance.