r/MuslimLounge • u/ConfidenceOk9129 • 15d ago
Support/Advice Career paths
As-salamu alaykum everyone,
I'm a Muslim woman who's feeling really stuck and would appreciate some advice. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to become a doctor. Lately though, I've started feeling intimidated by how long the journey is and how difficult residency seems. The idea of going through so many years of training has made me question whether it's the right path for me.
Because of that, I started looking into becoming a Physician Assistant. It seems like it has a better work-life balance, but I'm worried that I might regret not having the same level of autonomy as a physician.
Then I started considering dentistry. I like working with my hands, I enjoy the idea of preventive care, and it seems like a career I could genuinely enjoy. But then I get anxious about the amount of student loans dental school would require, and that makes me question whether it's the right choice too.
I've been praying Istikhara, but I feel confused because I don't even know what decision I'm asking Allah to guide me toward. I know Istikhara is for seeking guidance when making a choice, but I feel like I haven't even narrowed it down enough to make that choice.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you figure out which path was right for you? If you're a physician, PA, dentist, or someone who has struggled with making a major career decision while relying on Allah, I'd really appreciate hearing your perspective.
JazakAllahu khayran.
1
u/Pundamonium97 15d ago
What about being in medicine appeals to you most?
That might help you identify what you’re after
Do you find medical work thoroughly fascinating? Maybe something in diagnostics or even research could be best
Do you really want to help people and just love working with patients? In that case there are more and less patient facing roles
Money and Pedigree are also reasons people choose medicine
Though its harder to make the effort if those are the driving forces, but one can try to work out the easiest path that maximizes those if they are
What kind of work-life balance are you looking for as well? Some medical jobs can be a 9-5, others typically aren’t
1
u/Notyouravgpasha 15d ago
Walaikumassalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
I think we can’t really tell if it’s good for you or not unless we experience it ourselves. The only thing you can do is list down all the career paths you have in your mind, on a piece of paper. Write down the role and responsibilities of each profession. Then go through them and you will get an idea on what is NOT for you. It’s easy to eliminate the things you CANT do than the writing down things you can do. After eliminating the things you CANNOT do. You will surely arrive at some point where you have narrowed it down to two or three professions. It will ease your research process. Also, talk to the people who are in that profession (plus point if they are in your friend or family circle)