<p>I have recently been highly conflicted when thinking about my future career. For me its either becoming a video game designer or a doctor. I would like to become a video game designer because I have always loved video games as well as art, but at the same time i lack so much experience and do not believe i am devoted enough towards this career. I want to become a doctor because of the usefulness it brings and the money it brings in. But it requires so many years of school, and i don't know whether i should just go with my first thought or not, becoming a video game designer. All i want to know is whether its better to make an impulsive decision based on passion or a practical decision based on logic. Im really just seeking some advice to help me towards my decision. Thanks.</p>
<p>I would trust your mind over your heart, seeing no reason to become a video game designer should it negatively impact your life socially or economically. Keep in mind though that the road to a MD is no walk in the park. If-and that's a big if- you get in med school, you may still be paying back student loans years after graduation.</p>
<p>No one can decide for you. As trite as this may sound, follow you heart. What do you want more in life? Hard to reach sucess or easier sucess? Art or money? A few years of college or 12 years of college?</p>
<p>If worst somes to worst, flip a coin. If you land on heads, video game guy, if tail, doctor. If it lands on one or the other, and you seem restitant at all, just pick the other, because that is probably the one that will work best for you.</p>
<p>A good piece of advice is to NEVER pursue medicine if you're only interested in money. Go with business instead. :)</p>
<p>Really though, most of the collegebound have nary a clue as to what they want to do with their lives. Once you take some classes on your desired subjects of choice, and see what actual work goes into each respective profession, you will be far better informed to make this decision.</p>
<p>Moodret, everytime I see your name, I think "rodents."</p>
<p>It's an anagram for doomster</p>
<p>^ Really? I though it was something Russian, or was he BSing everyone in a thread I saw?</p>
<p>OP: I always said that I would become something that would be able to help others (but thats only me). I would become a doctor, except the sight of blood makes me pass out, which I'm really sad about. So I'm glad you have the guts to do it. </p>
<p>You could always design a video game about becoming a doctor.</p>
<p>That's a toughy. As someone who is going to <em>try</em> to follow her passion (writing), I would say go with video gaming. I guess I might also be biased because my cousin makes video games and whatnot and is fairly successful and living in Japan (as opposed to Chinatown, New York which is where he used to live).</p>
<p>However, only go for being a video game designer if it's what you TRULY want to do. </p>
<p>Try to picture yourself in both careers. If you can picture yourself in only one of them, choose that. If you can picture yourself doing both, well, that's a bit of a pickle, but you'll work it out. If you can't picture yourself in either, maybe you should explore other career choices.</p>
<p>I vote practical desicion made on logic</p>
<p>However, I'm not sure that becoming a doctor is the most logical desicion. I agree with Moodrets, you should go into business (like me, WHEEE!) if you are only interested in money (like me! again!). Becoming a doctor is something that must be done only if it feels that you will gain something from the job greater than money (personal satisfaction). I know this is hard (I find it impossible): but think beyond prestige, money, etc., into something that you feel will be a fulfilling in the long term. </p>
<p>Don't become a video game designer though.</p>
<p>be logical in a few years from now...unless you've got to pick a major..i say dream big right now, that way you feel inspired to do whatever in the coming years..</p>
<p>but i have to say, i agree with ilikefood and moodrets. It's not a good idea to invest so much time, debt and effort into medicine if your only doing it for the wallet. it's a hard proffesion. I see my aunts and uncles who are doctors go through so much pressure and stress.</p>
<p>
[quote]
As trite as this may sound, follow you heart.
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rmadden15, you're a pretentious snob! :]</p>
<p>A lot of people say they want to become video game designers because they like to play video games. BAD IDEA. You have no idea what you're in for when it comes down to 3D modeling and game programming. It's a ton of work that's barely every similar to the experience of just playing video games. You may like it, but if your just going on the principle the you like games and art, it might not be the best choice. If you already have doubts, I would try to consider something else. Perhaps you can take a modeling or programming course geared towards gaming later on (or even now if the opportunities are available) to see if you're interested enough to take it on as a career.</p>
<p>Thanks, after all ive decided to design video games. Even tho i don't have much experience, I have been known to be an intelligent kid, am willing to learn anything new, and truly believe i can become a master at it. And i suppose the only REAL reason i want to become a doctor is for the money and how cool it sounds lol. So again, thx for your advice.</p>
<p>i actually disagree with that statement techno. I have heard of plenty of game designers who got started on their career solely on a love for video games. As long as someone is willing to learn, I don't think there are any limitations.</p>
<p>Don't worry about not having a clear picture of your future career just yet. Follow your interests in school and see where you end up (I mean, obviously think about it and stuff, but don't stress about it) interest-wise. It's okay if you want to enter a profession just for the money. Not everyone has a passion that translates to a career, and if your interests in life require money, make it. But medicine is a very difficult field to make loads of money in. Now, most doctors will make above what, say, a teacher makes, but don't expect to be reeling it in. With two doctor parents who had to work to put one another through med school, I can tell you to expect to be eating off canned beans for a while (and this was attending state med schools, not prestigious aka expensive privates like Harvard). My parents have made most of their money in investments outside of medicine, and because my father co-owns his own practice, most of his paycheck goes back into the business. It also requires a LOT of time between being on call and having people call you even though it's the weekend/Christmas/Thanksgiving/etc. My parents love their career, but medicine doesn't sleep!</p>
<p>Video games may or may not be right for you. Just take some programming classes in college to get a feel of whether or not it's for you and go from there. Not your thing? One profession down, no biggie.</p>