Choice of healthcare jobs - what would you do?

[clemetteattlee]

I have two DCs, five and two and have a choice for a future career. I have been a teacher a long time and have done a year of graduate medical school. I have just passed my first year exams but have an opportunity to shift and become a paramedic.
So, WWYD? Paramedic or doctor.
Doctor - in ten years I will be very well paid, doing a job that would fulfil me. But the next ten years would be incredibly stressful, long hours and very little family time. I have not enjoyed my first year of studying.
Paramedic - this is my dream job. It is interesting, fulfilling and every day would be different. But the fact is it pays pretty poorly, and maybe I would get frustrated not being able to get to know patients and see them through their treatment.

So, if you had this choice now (and healthcare appeals to you!) what would you do?

Anyone?

No advice sorry, but I was on your other thread and wanted to say well done on passing.

Thank you

You don't sound very positive about the doctoring and call being a paramedic a dream job. I think you've answered it already. Ten yrs of hard slog and then reap the rewards or poorer pay doing something you want to do? Money isn't everything and whose to say the money in doctoring will make you happy? You passed your exams which is excellent and you are obviously very able. I'm a nurse and had thought about training to be a doc but now I'm too old! I think a paramedic is a very worthwhile vocation. Goodluck!

Paramedic - this is my dream job......says it all really!

Do not judge doctoring on one year of medical school. I hate every single year of medical school - hated the workload, hated the people, hated the arselicking. The job, however, is amazing, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. My job is utterly fascinating, endlessly intellectually stimulating and so flexible now that I am qualified. Be careful about giving it up.

Why didn't you go for paramedic training initially? That might help you decide.

Thanks for your replies - if I get the paramedic role I will take a year out of the medical dgree to make sure it is the right decision before committing myself firmly.
I think I'm too young for this midlife crisis

Could you do nursing instead? Interesting and good pay rates if you rise high, quicker training (I think) and maybe work in a private hospital to get good conditions and good hours?