Scared of taking risks.....

[Ranniks]

I'm scared that I won't have a job later because of my drive and passion to study medicine. I'm worried medical school is too hard for me, even though I know I will give it my all. I am afraid it will be too late to transfer to another branch of work in society. I'm afraid I'll end up as a shelve filler at the grocery store.

I know someone has to take risks for medical school, and I absolutely do want to take the risks, I'm just scared.

Can anyone relate to this? And if so/no, advice?

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[DeDO]

There is a healthy dose of fear that can help you get through medical school. Being overly anxious though will affect your psyche to study well. It won't be much of a risk if you can do well in your pre-reqs and the MCAT and give it your all in med school. The people who have dropped out or failed out seemed to think this is a continuation of college - and it's far from it. Forget the social part of your life for a couple of years and you'll do fine. For me, that includes gym, partying, and whatever else I used to do. For others, they can balance and manage all of this, but I'm like you and worried. You'll be fine if you give it your honest all.

 

[dbizzy]

Assuming you're reasonably intelligent, have good study and work habits, and have really thought it through, medicine in general is one of the least "riskiest" careers out there. Chances are, you'll get into a school in the states, pass your classes and boards, match some residency somewhere, and land some job somewhere.

As a non-trad, however, I can see where the feeling of risk comes from. It comes with age because you are more likely to have a solid career and a hectic family life, the path is long, and your mind isn't quite as sharp as it once was.

How old are you and when was the last time you took classes? Do you have any background in science? What prompted you to decide on medicine and have you thought about other options (PA, etc)?

 

[sagain]

I'm scared that I won't have a job later because of my drive and passion to study medicine. I'm worried medical school is too hard for me, even though I know I will give it my all. I am afraid it will be too late to transfer to another branch of work in society. I'm afraid I'll end up as a shelve filler at the grocery store.

I know someone has to take risks for medical school, and I absolutely do want to take the risks, I'm just scared.

Can anyone relate to this? And if so/no, advice?

There is something called FUD which stands for fear,doubt and uncertainty that frequently happens to nontrads.I first saw it in oldpremeds.com and I guess it is from gonnif who also is in this forum...He goes over this subject in detail and it's one of the best advice I got....I personally add REGRET to that list too ..you need to learn how to improve your self confidence to fight FUD ...it will get better as you get more prepared.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I'm scared that I won't have a job later because of my drive and passion to study medicine. I'm worried medical school is too hard for me, even though I know I will give it my all. I am afraid it will be too late to transfer to another branch of work in society. I'm afraid I'll end up as a shelve filler at the grocery store.

I know someone has to take risks for medical school, and I absolutely do want to take the risks, I'm just scared.

Can anyone relate to this? And if so/no, advice?

If you did not have these fears now, you will have them later. They are real.

However, they are also under your control. The people who don't succeed in medical school are not those who are not intelligent enough. Medical school is not about intelligence. It is about hard work and a method of study. If you can start medical school knowing how to go home each night with 150 simple powerpoint slides to memorize and be ready to absorb a new simple 150 slides the next day, then you can pass the first 2 years of medical school with high honors.

Anybody CAN do this. Very few people are WILLING to do it.

 

[Ranniks]

Thx so much everyone!

I am a non-trad, but a different kind of non-trad. I live in Holland and the system is very different here. But I'm on a spot where it comes to getting into the right program, but getting into the right program requires pre-reqs etc etc.

I'm 20 years old, but I still am a non-trad because the way I'm planning it is still very different from others in my country. I'll be 22 if I'm lucky and start medical school. Medical training takes 6 years here, 4 years school, 2 years at hospital and then specialisation. If I take the long route I'll be either 23/24 when I start. Or the longer route 25 when I start.

I honestly believe in hard work rather than intelligence, but I'm just scared of the risks.

Had a talk with a teacher today and I have some more confidence now.

 

[Ranniks]

For the record...

You are NOT a nontraditional student.

Totally hangout here if it gives you more confidence, but don't do the freak-out thing until you find yourself starting medical school when you're 30 or older.

You are so far from the freak-out stage, it's only a little insulting that you're posting in this forum.

Being 20 years old, even if the pursuit of medicine turns out to not be for you, you still have plenty of time to do an amazing "something else."

Maybe, but the path I'm taking isn't really the ordinary path. I'll be taking the back alley path which people don't really like, but would be amazed if you survived it.

I lack confidence and when I read succes stories here from people who started at a later age or whatever, I get motivated so so much!

 

[Lots2offer]

I'm scared that I won't have a job later because of my drive and passion to study medicine. I'm worried medical school is too hard for me, even though I know I will give it my all. I am afraid it will be too late to transfer to another branch of work in society. I'm afraid I'll end up as a shelve filler at the grocery store.

I know someone has to take risks for medical school, and I absolutely do want to take the risks, I'm just scared.

Can anyone relate to this? And if so/no, advice?

I know exactly what you talking about. I am turning 35 in August.Im planning to start a 6year programme next year. I have been working in the automotive and steel making industries since 1999. When I first decided to go back to school, I was even sacred to tell my family. Those I told, thought I was crazy. I thought I was crazy too, until I found this site.

All I can say, don't let fear hinder you from achieving your dreams. I'm still anxious,nervous and afraid. But nothing will stop me. This is what I want.

All I can say is, good luck. These forums are here for that we can support each other.

Sent from my Vodafone 858 using SDN Mobile

 

[MT Headed]

I'm scared that I won't have a job later because of my drive and passion to study medicine. I'm worried medical school is too hard for me, even though I know I will give it my all. I am afraid it will be too late to transfer to another branch of work in society. I'm afraid I'll end up as a shelve filler at the grocery store.

I know someone has to take risks for medical school, and I absolutely do want to take the risks, I'm just scared.

Can anyone relate to this? And if so/no, advice?

Well, when I was 39 years old I was a shelve filler at a grocery store, and my biggest fear was remaining stuck in that job, so I decided to risk it all and pursue medical school instead.

 

[galaxyx]

Well, when I was 39 years old I was a shelve filler at a grocery store, and my biggest fear was remaining stuck in that job, so I decided to risk it all and pursue medical school instead.

stocking shelves with over $999,999 in personal assets?

 

[MT Headed]

You never know who might be bagging your groceries. We were a pretty interesting crew. I was coming off of a divorce and needed to get out of the house and interact with my small community. Grocery deliveries helped me learn the layouts of the streets and hotel hallways, which made me invalable to the fire department as well.

One time we were really busy and running behind and I delivered a gift basket to a honeymoon suite 15 miles away up a twisty mountain road. Round trip time 22 minutes, personally delivered in my porsche. Good times.