I have wanted to be a doctor ever since I was about 5 years old. It was definitely not an obvious choice since nobody in my immediate family is a physician, and I really didn't know anyone in the healthcare industry.
As far as I remember, I just knew that I wanted to wear a long white coat and cure people. It was as simple as that, and I certainly was a tenacious little kid. I am not sure where this compulsion came from, but it never left me, even as I was majoring in French literature in college.
It's certainly lucky for me that I've found something I enjoy and in which I seem to be proficient, because at this point, I don't think I'm good at anything else. I have spent over 11 years training to be one very specific type of doctor, neglecting any other "life survival" skills I may have possessed before entering medical school. At this point, I know how to be a urologist, and that's about it. I have a a strong foundation in French literature (though I'm not entirely sure how I could make a living off that), and a passing knowledge of fashion (again, only helpful is you want to spend money and not earn it).
The few times when I've felt really burned out, I've tried to think of alternative career choices, and I was always at a loss. Whatever would I do if I weren't a physician? I mean, it would be one thing if I were independently wealthy, in which case I would probably just travel around the world with my husband, but the facts are clearly laid out in front of me: I have to work for a living.
But I've thought this over, and I've finally reached my dream alternative career choice: restaurant critic. I mean, I love food, I have an adventuresome yet discriminating palate, I like to write, and I eat out a lot. If I could get paid to do this, it would indeed be my ideal job.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
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Even when I (frequently) asked myself why in hell am I doing this, I'd think there was really nothing else I could imagine doing. Restaurant critic: well, yeah. That. My wife and I love to eat out, and in fact she'd been pushing an idea for a book.... I can say no more.
I often wonder what drives young adults to make the decision to pursue medicine. With all the problems with health care, insurance, malpractice, I would think everyone would run in the opposite direction. I applaud those of you that have the conviction it takes to make it through and be successful.
Restaurant critic... how wonderful...
Better get sponsorship from fitness center before your tummy (and others body parts) gets big though.
Yes, I would have to agree with you. Restaurant critic. The ideal alternative career choice for physicians. I'll join you!
Why don't you start a Restaurant Critic blog? You can get sponsorship and get paid for blogging about fancy restaurants.
Strangely I have been contemplating this very topic. A 2-3 week break is almost at hand and I need money, but what can I actually get paid *well* to do? Right now, nothing. I can't work in the hospital because, even though I'm 1.5 years away from being a "doctor", I'm not qualified for any position (lack a degree in anything required). Hey, I could always fall back on...oh wait. Can't do that either.
I hope this medicine thing works out as well as it has for you or I'm screwed.
Cheers,
MSG
But what if it were like wine tasting? You know, having to spit out every bite after you tasted it...
Just wonderin'
A
Back in the 90's when all ya had to do was throw a dart at the NASDAQ and it goes up 20 folds, I really thought I had the makings for a day trader, investment broker. Then came the bursting of the bubble and 9/11. I'm not so sure any more. I've done well overall but it has been one scary ride! Restaurant critic sounds like a very good idea.
French is a beautiful language. I just melt when I hear that language. My little 5 yr old granddaughter is learning french in her kindergarten class. We were singing french songs earlier and I was teaching her some additional words. I am amazed how well she pronounces the words and hope she sticks with it. I love her middle name "Cosette" named after the little girl in "Les Miserables".
Woah O_O .. I well, am not feeling in the best of uh.. moods... Feeling rather hopeless actually. So I googled, 'not good at anything'. And this blog url, particularly this post, came up in the front page.
Your post.. struck me.. because I've wanted to be a doctor since I was six. Never wavered.
And now.. the time.. to go to college has come. And I fear now that I haven;t done enough to get me into a Pre-U course, or more than that, that I'm not good enough (because I honestly dont think I am) and you know.. this isn't a job where one data gone wrong means a few more hours of work.. This job means someone dies, or is messed up or something. A life.
And I haven't the vaguest idea why I am purging out insecurities to a complete stranger... But there is a strong feeling of helplessness ravaging me, and I don't know how to quell it.
Uh.. not exactly sure what I'm asking you for, or if I'm asking for anything at all. I just needed to say this.
*blinks* Uh.. if I've freaked you out or something, you can always yell at me via james_padfoot@htomail.com.
Thanks.
*blinks* Uh heh... Really sorry about the ridicilouslessness of my previous post. I'd delete it if I could remember my password (andusername XD). Anyway, I shall just quietly observe your blog, quite amusing.
Didn't mean to bother ^_^
Thanks and sorry once again.
the keywork being "anything else".
being a urologist is a very useful job. you are actually helping people. now if you don't like it, that's another story.
i actually have no skills.
and at least you can practise medicine! i am nearing 30, am smart, probably more talented than a lot of other people out there, and currently unemployed.
i have a BA in architecture, but no masters, which basically means it's a useless degree that allows me to have semi-informed conversations about current state of architecture at cocktail parties. i was working as a producer until i actually realized that not only am i not naturally good at it (i basically have to completely change my personality every day when i come into work!), but i also just really really really don't like telling people what to do while i myself just sit and answer emails (it's kind of a mindless yet stressful job).
i don't want to sound mean, but in my eyes you are lucky!
Are you kidding me? You are all so young! I'm 46!!!@$ and I am blogging "I'm not goog at anything" I just realized how pathetic I am. I wish I could be a restaurant/food critic, but I am a very picky eater and would probably not want to try many of the items on the menu. I know I would definitely NOT want to be a urologist, eueueueu ... Thanks for the cheering up.
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