You think there is something wrong with the choices i made?

Question

i took up medicine for 10 years,I enrolled on and off, failed in some subjects, now i have one year to go but i had to stop because i don't like being on call. I must admit, i went to medical school because my parents paid for it, i have no concrete career plans,and i like the fact that i'm given allowance everyday, its for the convenience really, but i don't want it as a career. Now, im in my 30s, i wanted to strike on my own, but i find it hard to look for a job, because they are looking for a job exoerience, and i really have none because i was in school for most of the time. How could i convince employers i'm qualified for the job? i'm just starting on a career in my 30s.

By the way, my pre med course was pharmacy. im a licensed pharmacist. but i wasn't able to practice it since i went into medical school. In my age, when i apply as a pharmacist, they usually expect me to have lots of work experience in the field, and that is a problem for me now.

Answer 1

No, there is nothing wrong with the choices you made, they will eventually lead you to happiness. I would finish medical school if I were you though, you do not have to take a job that will force you to be on call. You don't even have to see patients, there are a ton of choices in the medical field. What about administration?

How can you say you have "no experience" when you've been working on call. That counts for job history! You already have an undergraduate degree, that counts! Also count your GPA towards the asset column, if it's at least a 3.0 you're doing better than most. Have you volunteered? Have you walked dogs or babysat when you were younger? Sometimes you have to take a "starter job" in retail or fast food or something while you look for a position that suits you. If you're not going to go back and finish medical school then start working in any field. Learn how to have a good work ethic. Waiting tables is a great way to learn how to do that, your income is based on your attitude and you will learn how to suck it up and take some humiliating experiences and it will make you a better and stronger person for doing it. I feel that waiting tables has taught me a LOT about life and a lot more about work ethic. I realized calling in sick is not an alternative when I wasn't going to be getting sick pay.

Your college probably has a career services office where you can get help with your resume. I'd look to experts like that to help you out.

I tell everyone to try everything they are interested in until they find their passion. I am probably 10 years older than you and I just finished my B.A. in May. Fortunately for me I have a butt-load of experience in all sorts of businesses, so they take me seriously when I send out a resume even though some would consider me a "job hopper." It took a long time to know what my passion was but I never stopped trying.

No decision is stupid in your life path (others may disagree but ultimately it's you who has to live with yourself). You will get to where you need to be sooner or later. Trust that and take your first steps. Being over 30 and getting an allowance can't feel good to you. Strike out on your own, reject the easy money and give the world a real try.

When you find yourself washing your own clothes, cooking something other than ramen noodles and mending socks to make ends meet you'll know what it is to develop self-worth. I would not trade my crazy, impoverished (at times) life for yours at all. I have learned so much and I have persevered and I am on the precipice of my own riches being realized without a scrap of help from another person, and I can truly be proud of that. My life is compromised and exciting and my friends like me because of who I am and because I offer them valuable friendship. Money often gets in the way of truth.

I wish you the opportunity to learn about life the way I have and the strength to make the choices that will lead you on a more interesting, less "safe" path.

Peace.

Answer 2

You have a few options... all of these will impress future employers, or at least, they should.

1.) You could finish school... which will show responsibility and perseverance. While doing the work needed, you can save up to go into another career field you enjoy, buy some more time to think about what you might want to do and you'll have valuable job experience to take along with you.

2.) You could start at entry level jobs like most do when they first start out in careers. And if they turn you down, keep looking for something... anything... and work your way up like anyone else.

3.) You could try gaining some experience, while either going to school or getting a job by volunteering or doing an internship or something along those lines.

4.) Another option is to get certified in another career choice through more schooling or training programs. Sometimes there are shortcuts for people with college backgrounds... For instance, if you wanted to become a teacher or a nurse (I know you said you didn't like being on call but this is strictly as an example ;)), instead of having to go the traditional educational route where you'd go to college for 4+ years all over again, you would qualify for a fast track degree program. In some instances you can get a degree or certification in a matter of months, sometimes just a year or two... but in most cases you'd at least need a bachelors or associates degree in something... anything most of the time.

Whatever you choose, it won't be easy. There will be hard work involved in every path... but if you find something you feel called to do, something that you really enjoy doing, it will be so worth all the blood, sweat and tears.

Answer 3

Since you have enrolled in medical school, you must have an undergraduate degree. What was your major?

For the last 10 years, "off and on", during your medical school days you have been exposed to a variety of subjects, from Biology to Chemistry, from Psychology to Zoology, such exposure could be translated into experience.

The question facing you is: What do you want to do?
If you have an interest in a particular endeavor, go for it.

There are many careers/jobs where "no experience is necessary". Look on sites such as Yahoo Hot Jobs, Monster.com, and the like. As an alternative, go to the nearest State Employment Service Office and talk to a career counsellor. Finally, look in the Help Wanted section of the newspaper, especially the Sunday edition.

Keep in mind that although you may not get rich in the field that you choose, or that you may have dirty hands at the end of the day, so long as you look forward to going to work and doing your best, you will get satisfaction from what you do; and that's the important part.

Good luck.

Answer 4

The answer 'yes' to the question on whether you made some bad choices. I, too, did some bad choices 5 years back, when I went to a university for a program that I liked yet didn't do much of research on, ended up hating it, and got suspended for really low grades, with over 20,000 in debt. The problem was that I never really believed that I like the program anymore after my first semester, I just thought quitting it would be a loser's way out. However, it seems that by staying in I actually lost more than I had to. And now I gotta start all over again, with nobody to help me. So, the only advice I can give you is go and do what you want to do, not what someone else wants you to do. If your parents want you to be a doctor, most likely you'll either work your behind off when you graduate and hate your job and your life, or you'll start all over again from scratch. This time, with your own family, job, and nobody to pay for the education. If your parents are understanding people, they'll probably understand your situation and help you out (one thing they probably won't understand is why it took you so long to tell them). Anyway, chinese people have a saying, "If you love your job, you'll never work a day in your life". Getting back to my advice - before you go in a new direction, make sure it's what YOU WANT. Key words -1) 'YOU' as in "not your parents or boyfriend/husband or what's popular" and 2) "WANT" as in "really really liked all your life and not just seems to be interesting at the moment". I've been in your shoes, so I take my hat off for you if you make the right choice now.

Answer 5

"Qualified for the job"? What job? Can you become a PA? You just don't like being on call like a 40k/year fireman, but like a free $200,000 education and allowance.

I'll let you in on a little secret, most people don't really like their jobs , esp when they first start out, finish what you started, it will give you a sense of accomplishment that you can carry on to other parts of your life.

Apply your degree and work in a PCP office as a lackey for a while just to apply your trade ,not in a hospital. Jesus man, look around you and think about how fortunate you are to have been given this opportunity, don't piss it away.

Answer 6

No!!! Find something that makes you happy. I have a degree in computer Engineering and own a Janitorial Company. Ok got stuck with that but am looking at buying a business I really want. Show the potential employeer you have the desire to do what you want and be excited about it. Sell you

Answer 7

HI there...

Its never too late for anythin...

Since employers look for experiance & Qualification, u could enroll urself in some certification courses...this will help u to have the qualification as well as on job experience.

Don't waste ur time more...go to some consultancy and check out there...they could help u better... only thing is give ur heart & soul to whatever u plan to do...

....Better Late than Never...

All the Best..

Answer 8

Be willing to start at the bottom. Find a passion and get your foot in the door to that kind of organization or company. Finally at 44 I am interested in a certain career field-dealing with energy. be patient, you will find your path... just listen to your soul.

Answer 9

With all that medical training it should be no problem to get a job in a nursing home, retirement home or a hospital where you wouldn't have to be on call. Why would you want to waste 10years of medical training?

Answer 10

Finish your degree first then look at your options. If that means being on call during your internship year, then bite on the bullet and just do it. Then, you can show a potential employer that you have staying power, at least.