Hello, question asker! My name is Evan, and I'm thrilled to be here to help.
From your description, it's clear you're at a crossroads in your career. You're not sure what to do next, but that's okay! When facing the future, it's natural to feel uncertain. But remember, you have the power to shape your own life. You don't need to wait for someone else to give you a detailed answer. You can find your path and seize it with confidence.
I'm here to give the OP a big pat on the shoulder and some much-needed strength. It's totally normal not to have a plan for your future career. We're all still learning about ourselves and figuring out if the path we're on is right for us. But here's the good news: by finding a path that suits us, we can go further and further!
I see a reflection of myself in the questioner. I also didn't start studying medicine until I was in my thirties. When I first started, it wasn't actually the industry I most wanted to enter, or even my favorite industry, but I thought that this industry could bring me what I wanted, so I still resolutely decided to devote myself to it. Although I haven't yet formally obtained a doctor's license, I have stumbled along in this industry for a period of time. In fact, along the way, I have encountered many classmates who, like the questioner, have turned from their original industry and devoted themselves to the medical industry. We often jokingly say that those who advise others to study medicine will be struck by lightning, but I say, go for it!
At first, I didn't understand the meaning of this sentence. It was challenging, but I was up for the task! It requires dedication and hard work, but it's worth it. Entering the medical profession is not as simple as just entering it. If you want more opportunities or a higher status, you have to keep learning, interning, and practicing. There is a long, long way to go from medical assistant to doctor, but it's an exciting journey!
From my experience as a veteran, I can tell you that you can absolutely find a path that you feel is right for you!
I'm not here to persuade you to study or not, but I can tell you this: once you embark on the path of studying medicine, you must firmly continue on it. While walking on this path, you should also look to see what industry suits you better. I have wanted to study psychology since high school, so I will pay more attention to the psychological industry while studying medicine, and it is only by studying psychiatry that I have come this far.
The most important thing is to think about the impression you want to leave on others and what others will think of you when you look back on your past decisions.
Since the question was asked on a platform, I can't go into great detail, but I can give the questioner some simple advice!
Be honest!
It's so important to be honest with your career choice! Everyone's career purpose is different. Some people work in certain occupations just to earn money, while others do it because they are good at it.
Everyone's career goals are different, so the question asker needs to be honest with themselves. It's time to find out what your purpose is for wanting to change careers! And what about your purpose for wanting to do this job?
Now, let's think about why you're engaging in this occupation.
What amazing things can you get from this career?
What do you hope to gain from this career?
Now, let's talk about your competitiveness in this career!
What do you feel is needed in this career?
Write down everything you love!
The questioner can also write about what they love, the people and things they love, and the life they want in the future. A career is for us to better survive and live. If the questioner loves their family, then a career may not necessarily be their greatest love—and that's okay! There are so many other things in life that bring joy and fulfillment.
It's just something we all need to do to survive and live our best lives! The questioner doesn't need to focus on their career, but they can find the people and things they love and focus their energy on their goals and interests!
Take a relevant career test and find out what your perfect career could be!
There are so many fantastic test scales out there that can help the subject know whether they are suitable for a certain type of work! For example, the ever-popular MBTI, PDP, and other personality or career test scales.
These scales are just a reference, of course. There are so many possibilities for people, and there's no need to follow them exactly. What matters most is what you want to do and what you like!
Now, look at what stage of life you are in!
As the old saying goes, "At thirty, you stand on your own two feet; at forty, you no longer doubt." The questioner is approaching his thirties, and every day we play different roles or label ourselves with different behaviors.
So what does the questioner know about himself, and what role does he play in society? Our roles may include "son," "engineer," "boss," "programmer," "baking enthusiast," and so much more!
Now for the fun part! List your identities on a piece of paper. Consider which roles are the most enduring and which role is the most important in your opinion?
Now, think about all the amazing roles you want to play in the future!
Guess what! Some roles may be played by the questioner for the whole life, such as "son" or "programmer." These are the nouns that can be used to describe you as a person when the questioner leaves the world.
Now, think about which roles you feel a lot of pressure from and which have a negative effect on your life. You can absolutely drop these roles in the future!
You can help yourself by thinking about what you want to accomplish. You think that being a doctor is stable and respected, but there are actually many other professions that are like this, such as psychological counselors, mental health counselors, and people working in the public interest. So many options!
Is it because you're looking for a more stable job that you want to get a stable job and earn the respect of others? If so, you can add "doctor" to your list!
Think about why you want to take on this role!
Now, think about why you are in your current role, or why you want to be in a future role. To create a life plan, you must be clear about what your priorities are at this stage.
Think about all the amazing roles you continue to play and all the incredible roles you want to fill in the future. What are the reasons for you to take on these roles?
Here's a great way to get the questioner to think about these reasons: imagine your funeral! (This method may sound morbid, but it really works!) Who will attend the questioner's funeral?
The questioner can imagine how people will judge you. Perhaps the thing the questioner most longs to hear is that you are a good doctor and that others revere you!
I would absolutely love to hear others' comments on other aspects of the question!
Stay optimistic and embrace your choices! No matter what you choose, you'll be starting an exciting new journey. When faced with a choice, follow your heart. You can take the postgraduate entrance exam or study medicine! Which is more beneficial to you? Or, you can do both! This is an amazing opportunity.
I really hope my answer can help the questioner!
Comments
I totally understand how overwhelming everything feels right now. It's like you're standing at a crossroads with no clear direction, and the uncertainty is paralyzing.
The fear of job instability is real, especially when the industry is struggling. It's hard to stay focused on work knowing that layoffs could be around the corner. This pressure can really take a toll on your mental health.
Choosing to pursue medicine is such a big decision, and it's brave that you're even considering it. It's not an easy path, but if this is where your heart lies, maybe it's worth exploring other ways to enter the field without starting from scratch.
Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to make the perfect choice that we forget it's okay to change our minds. If teaching isn't what you want and becoming a doctor seems too farfetched, there are other careers that offer stability and fulfillment. Maybe it's time to explore those options.
It sounds like you're torn between different paths, and that indecision is exhausting. Perhaps taking a step back and focusing on what skills and experiences you already have can help guide you toward a career that aligns with your values and aspirations.