For nontrads who are career changers, what motivated you to walk away from your past careers?

[SparklyRainbows]

See title, I may also do a career change so I'm curious.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[lanzhou_lamian]

I was sitting in a cubicle behind a computer, doing work that's ultimate purpose was making rich people richer, and wanted something more. If I have to work every day, I wanted to do something that A) felt like it mattered/helped people and B) was stable and lucrative enough that I wouldn't have to worry about finding a job or having money. Medicine fulfilled those things. Sure, medicine has a lot of drawbacks, but medicine calmed many of the existential and financial concerns I had prior to go to medical school.

 

[lanzhou_lamian]

Regarding your financial concerns, medicine is a very safe investment. You invest ~$250k, and your return is a stable job of a minimum $250k/year for the rest of your career. Salaries can be much higher depending on which specialty you go into ($300k-$600k.) The graduation rate and match rate is high for USMD students, so I wouldn't let concerns about the financial ramifications of not graduating/matching affect your decision too much since both are rare occurrences and generally avoidable.

Regarding debt, unless you have family support, are independently wealthy, or are a super impressive applicant that can get a merit scholarship, loans are a reality of this path. That said, there are several loan deferral/forgiveness programs available, and you can structure your repayment in many ways, so your loans don't have to be a burden on your life.

 

[Angler]

Regarding your financial concerns, medicine is a very safe investment. You invest ~$250k, and your return is a stable job of a minimum $250k/year for the rest of your career. Salaries can be much higher depending on which specialty you go into ($300k-$600k.) The graduation rate and match rate is high for USMD students, so I wouldn't let concerns about the financial ramifications of not graduating/matching affect your decision too much since both are rare occurrences and generally avoidable.

I generally agree with this. But to play devil's advocate, you should also consider opportunity cost. You'll have 7+ years of significantly lower income. Depending on where you come from, income-wise, this may not be a good economic decision.