How did I get so lost??

[am24]

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Graduating from high school 2 years ago, I could have never envisioned myself not doing 4 years of undergrad and then heading straight to medical school. I took the standard biology/chemistry prerequisites for 3 semesters -- the best grade I got was a B+; the worst was a C; W in OChem I. I became a psychology major and actually like the class material (crazy thought!). Here's my problem: I know that psychologists struggle financially, and I am quite worried that I'd be setting myself up for a lifetime of regret and unhappiness due to the money situation I'd be in. Would I be an idiot to try the MD route again? I never really gave up wanting to be a physician, but I just felt like such a failure. I'm at a giant school with no one to talk to, so I was hoping some of you on here wouldn't mind sharing some advice.
Thank you for any help you can offer me!

 

[AdmiralChz]

Big school or not, you should talk with someone face to face about this stuff. Talk to your friends and get their input.

 

[Druggernaut]

$70,000 a year with your graduate education paid for (plus a stipend) is struggling financially?

 

[dr zaius]

Graduating from high school 2 years ago, I could have never envisioned myself not doing 4 years of undergrad and then heading straight to medical school. I took the standard biology/chemistry prerequisites for 3 semesters -- the best grade I got was a B+; the worst was a C; W in OChem I. I became a psychology major and actually like the class material (crazy thought!). Here's my problem: I know that psychologists struggle financially, and I am quite worried that I'd be setting myself up for a lifetime of regret and unhappiness due to the money situation I'd be in. Would I be an idiot to try the MD route again? I never really gave up wanting to be a physician, but I just felt like such a failure. I'm at a giant school with no one to talk to, so I was hoping some of you on here wouldn't mind sharing some advice.
Thank you for any help you can offer me!

This isn't necessarily true. Clinical psychologists do pretty well financially. The government especially loves them. For instance, check out the CIA listing: https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/view-all-jobs/clinical-psychologist.html

If it's what you will enjoy, go for it!

 

[AdmiralChz]

$70,000 a year with your graduate education paid for (plus a stipend) is struggling financially?

👍👍👍 Seriously, it's not like you'll be out on the street!!

 

[Thama]

If money is the only thing separating MD and clinical psychology in your mind, then it clearly isn't worth it. You'll have no debt, a quality income, and a far better lifestyle (unless you're a workaholic) as a clinical psych.

 

[236116]

1. your status says post-doc.
2. you need to go to talk to someone who knows you and figure out if you're actually changing your mind or if you're just scared.
3. plz remember to breathe.

 

[mezmerized7]

If money is the reason you are rethinking medicine, trust us, stick to clinical psych.

 

[unsung]

Graduating from high school 2 years ago, I could have never envisioned myself not doing 4 years of undergrad and then heading straight to medical school. I took the standard biology/chemistry prerequisites for 3 semesters -- the best grade I got was a B+; the worst was a C; W in OChem I. I became a psychology major and actually like the class material (crazy thought!). Here's my problem: I know that psychologists struggle financially, and I am quite worried that I'd be setting myself up for a lifetime of regret and unhappiness due to the money situation I'd be in. Would I be an idiot to try the MD route again? I never really gave up wanting to be a physician, but I just felt like such a failure. I'm at a giant school with no one to talk to, so I was hoping some of you on here wouldn't mind sharing some advice.
Thank you for any help you can offer me!

Psych PhD programs are no easier to get in than medical schools... I should know 😉 Don't underestimate them. If you do want to go for the psych PhD, I would make sure you have the requisite psych research experience as well as all your other ducks lined up before you apply.

 

[ngkats]

Psych PhD programs are no easier to get in than medical schools... I should know 😉 Don't underestimate them. If you do want to go for the psych PhD, I would make sure you have the requisite psych research experience as well as all your other ducks lined up before you apply.

Very true. My significant other is applying to clinical psych PhD programs next year and their numbers are really no easier that medical school (smaller number of applicants but much fewer spots per program).