<p>I've always had the idea of going to med school because generally statistics show that they make money and enjoy their jobs. Particularly I want to become a psychiatrist, because I enjoy working with people and helping them to improve their lives.</p>
<p>With that I would like to know - is med school worth it?? and the 4 years of residency afterwards? Sacrificing most of your 20's for studying and hard work...and for some the extreme debts owed afterwards.</p>
<p>I just want the opinions of those who have gone through it all...I know that I would love being a psychiatrist after all the hard work...but between the stress, hard work, work schedule..once again - is it worth it?</p>
<p>Just had this discussion with D1 (MS2) tonight.</p>
<p>Her BF (fireman/paramedic) earned over $70K this year and will be able retire with a full pension (a minimum of $75K/year guaranteed) after 20 years of service. (He’ll be 48.) D1 will still be paying off her med school loans 15 years from now when he’s already retired. </p>
<p>It’s a toss up who will have the higher lifetime earnings. </p>
<p>She’s happy with her choice; he’s happy with his. (Well, right now she’s not especially happy. She’s horribly stressed out because she’s taking her Step 1 exam in 10 days.)</p>
<p>There is no simple answer to the question. It’s something you will have to determine for yourself using your own values and goals. As with any career, there are trade-offs. You will need to decide which you can live with.</p>
<p>I think you need a better reason, to be honest. :S</p>
<p>I don’t know if you’ll find the willpower to make it through if all you’re working toward is “a nice job.”</p>
<p>Food for thought: [JAMA</a> Network | JAMA Internal Medicine | Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Balance Among US Physicians Relative to the General US PopulationBurnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Balance](<a href=“http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1351351]JAMA”>http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1351351)</p>