<p>hello there.
I am a college freshman wondering what should I do for my life.
I would like to know the hidden pros and cons (especially on quality of life) of each profession.
Money is of course an important consideration for choosing a job, but by no means it is the only reason why I would like to consider either profession.</p>
<p>I know there is not much of a life for both a lawyer fresh out of law school and a doctor in his or her 1st year residency, but how much does it get better as time goes by (for both professions)?</p>
<p>hazmat: I don't have the resource and desire to pursue both.
I would like to choose one path and be happy with it.
anyone has an honest evaluation of life as a lawyer or a doctor?</p>
<p>specifically about lawyers, but some doctors chime in as well. when you read this, dont just look at how many were or weren't happy as lawyers, but look at the WHYS and see what you feel would have meaning for you.</p>
<p>It sounds like its still about the money and if it is I suggest you take a step back. Most people think they will be doctors or lawyers because it will pay a lot but it in reality doesn't. Doctors and lawyers earn their money just the same as someone who takes a 40k a year job and gets promoted into the 6 figure bracket. </p>
<p>It really doesn't sound like you really care about any of those professions for other than the money and as such you should take a step back and really look at what you really want. Asking questions about quality of life don't mitigate that at all; you're basically asking "Which job pays the most while sacrificing the least in terms of quality of life?" which is not the question you should be asking. All 6 figure jobs require a lot of hard work and dedication and you should be asking more of whether law or medicine is a right fit for your natural abilities and interests.</p>
<p>If its not you shoud do something else. There's often the case that parents pressure you to do something to make a lot of money, but you will reach the point of enlightenment when you do something you lov or at least like and put in those 20 hour days without even thinking about. That being said there is no substitute for work experience. Go out and work for a lawyer or do some internships and you will get a decent idea of all the niggling details of the professions that interest you.</p>
<p>I could give you the short answer or the long answer, but I'll give you both.</p>
<p>Short: LAWYER.</p>
<p>Long: Doctors get sued all the time. Doctors have to be on call occasionally, and sometimes go for days without sleep. Doctors have to spend 4-8 years in training and start their careers at age 30-32, as opposed to a lawyer's 25-27. Doctors have to study science for 8 years...(I hate science). Lawyers are in pretty high demand in business. Lawyers have more opportunities in fields other than law. Lawyers' mistakes don't cost people's lives.
The verdict is in: LAWYER. </p>
<p>But that's just my opinion. In both professions you'll make a pretty good living, be able to live in a nice house, drive a nice car, and wear nice clothes and go to Europe once in a while.</p>
<p>iHateCA, I don't know why you're ragging on the hours for doctors. Do you understand that in big law you have to work based upon billable hours?</p>
<p>Not only that but if you want to make partner you have to put in even more hours. One kid at Wachtell reported that he billed 3,500 hours as a first year associate. That number alone is insane. Then, when you make partner there's even more pressure to work harder so you can bring in business.</p>
<p>In the end, it's going to come down to fit. If you don't have a passion for medicine, something you should know by time you're a senior in high school or at least a freshmen in college, I don't think you'll make it. The path to and through med school is a very hard one. Those science courses are NOT easy. The fact of the matter is that med school admissions are a extremely dependent on your academic performance and MCAT scores.</p>
<p>My brothers are Chiropractors; they started their practice right after they graduated. They make around 300k-400k a year and own their building/practice.</p>