i work for a pharmaceutical company 40+ hours a week, take a graduate class (clinical biochemistry, just to help in med school) every wednesday night, and shadow a DO every thursday night.
i try not to complain, but it's tough sometimes when i want to work out 3-4 nights a week (not weekends), relax with my friends, boyfriend, etc. i just often wish there were about 3 more hours in each day. but...if i can't do everything now, how will i ever make it through med school??? that's what i tell myself. i have significantly cut back on sleep, which is fine when i'm busy (i just didn't sit and relax at all when i was completing 12 secondaries and trying to get them all out within 2-3 weeks). WOW, finally done.
as for interviews, i was worried about having enough time off, but luckily i was able to carry over 4 vacation days from last year, and only use those days and my personal days for my vacation so far this year. i still have 10 vacation days, but i'm VERY worried that won't be enough if i get even a few more interviews. so far, i have planned most of my travel time at the end of the week and over the weekends (which means no partying for me in sept at all, whine whine blah!)
i mentioned my concern to my boss a while back and he was VERY understanding and said we could maybe work something out when the time comes (if need be). i must say, i was nervous to tell anyone at my company b/c i am the newest lab analyst and the youngest (only been there 1year) and already planning to leave for med school. but...it seems as though my honesty will pay off (the DO i am shadowing said he would back me up if i used too many sick days and they question me, but that shouldn't be necessary now i think).
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! don't get in trouble for taking time off to interview, and try not to skip interviews b/c you can't get off work. remember, being a doctor is what you REALLY want to do right,,,not work at a pharmaceutical company like me. i figure any of us can get another job if need be to pay the bills in the meantime if we can't keep up with our current job. it might be rough, but we aren't exactly choosing the smoothest trail to travel. WE'RE GONNA BE DOCTORS! YAY!