Is it possible to have kids and go to medical school?

Question

Okay, I KNOW what I want. I want to have my first kid at a pretty early age......like early 20's.
And I really want to go to medical school too!
EVERYONE says that it is almost impossible to go through residency with having a child, but my husband works a regular eight hour day in the military and he would most likely be around for the child....plus I have parents!!
SO......what should I do.
I know for a fact that I can not wait another eight years to have kids when I am finished with medical school, so that is just out of the question!
I would also appreciate any other suggestions for different careers that pay relatively high. I am also interested in creative sort of work....or even real estate!
Thanks!

Answer 1

It won't be easy. Medical school is LONG hours and LOTS of work, so when you'd be home with your child, you'd either be studying or too exhausted to function. Residency is even worse - you're often on shift for 24 to 36 hours at a time.

Real estate is a good career with small children - you can pretty much set your hours to suit your needs. Meaning, if your husband works 9-5, you can work 6-9 and on weekends, or if your child is out of school at 3:30, you can be pretty much done by then, and off on school hoidays, etc. I know someone with three small kids (oldest is now 11) who does that.

Answer 2

medical school is brutal for the payout if you ask me.... there are lots of jobs that pay as good and don't have YEARS of school/internships. I would HATE to have a small child and be in medical school. You might be able to do it... but you won't be able to savor your childs first years... you would be in survival mode. That said - with a supportive family you could do it.

You could wait to have your kids... most women do who focus on high level jobs... you just have to be willling to get on the mommy tract for a while while your kids are small - or again - let someone else raise them for most of the time.

Advertising sales makes great money - 6 figures if you are good at it. Real Estate can also be ver lucrative and is a family friendly job.

I always thought my career would be my world- and that I would work after my kids - and the truth is - the money isn't so important any more. I don't miss it and found a job where I could do what I am good at (sales) and work two days a week. I feel like I have the best of both worlds.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

I tried to do my computer science graduation when my daughter was small (My parents were not here to help) & ended up in hospital because of excessive stress. Kids grow anyway but now I feel guilty for not giving enougth time to my daughter & some development milestones she was lagging. and yet after 7 years I haven't finished with my degree either.

Answer 4

You have been getting sound advice. You might be able to manage medical school with a small child, but a year of internship will be a killer. Once past that, it is probably doable.

Answer 5

honey don't you let anyone tell you you can't do something!!!
You can but i know it will be hard.. nothing like being forced into time managment!
i say do both it is possible hard tho!
a friend of mine just got her degree she had a baby in her 3rd year!!! parents do help and will all the time at least most willl.
if this is your dream go for it!!!
You can do it!

Answer 6

human beings have incredibly completed it, yet think of approximately it, how ought to you do the two properly? the two med college/residency and being the mother of an toddler require mind-blowing committment.