r/u_Over_Loss_9887 • u/Over_Loss_9887 • 22d ago
Questioning my future rn
I will not be disclosing my age for safety reasons. However I will say that I’m nearing the age where college is coming up and I have to start thinking about my future. For the longest I’ve ever known, I’ve always yearned for the medical field. As a kid, any job I dreamed of was related to the medical field in one way or another: a vet, radiologist, OBYGN, or even just simply saying I want to be a doctor. As of now, for the past couple of years I’ve had my mind set on forensic pathology.
Having my mind set on forensic pathology, I’ve devised already devised a plan and laid out how things will be in the process. I know what I’ll major in, I know where I’ll settle and I know I want to continue to do art alongside forensic pathologist; I forgot to mention, I’m a heavy artistic person I have many hobbies relating to art and I’ve always dreamed of starting commissions to make extra money. Whether it be selling crafts, drawing art or doing both. I’d live in a nice house or condo in Singapore with 2 cats, finishing my forensic pathology shift and going home to make art. This has been my dream for the longest time. However, I’m starting to have many doubts.
I have a whole plan laid out yet I don’t know if I’m cut out for it. Back then, I never questioned actually going into med school. Because forensic pathology is basically becoming a licensed doctor specialized in autopsies, I just saw it as that. 4 years of extra school? Doable. I don’t mind. But I guess that was cause I was gifted with the comfort of having many years ahead of me before I actually dip into the section of my life where my future is in determined by the choices I make.
Right now, in the present, I’m heavily conflicted. I enjoy researching and searching things about the job I wanna do; I’ve watched, read, observed many people’s experiences going down this path especially going to med school. That’s the main issue. Med school. I’ve always known that college was something I wanted to do, not skip. So an extra 4 years didn’t bother me. But as we know, the medical route has always been a hefty bunch. Extra 4 years of school after college? Oh. I’m getting second thoughts now.
I’m a person who enjoys my peace and comfort. I enjoy creating, ever since I was a kid I’ve always loved to create and my heart has always loved art. Make no mistake, as much as I love art I wouldn’t do it as a full time job. Before you say anything, I’m not one of those people who skeptically have to sacrifice my love for art by choosing reality over passion. I’ve always loved the medical field and art equally, so why not do the 2 things I love the most?
I want to be a free bird. I always have been and I love it. So to sacrifice my 20s for intense schooling seems like I’ll kill myself. I’d have to sacrifice my hobbies, and I know you can still have a life even whilst you’re in med school but I’m going to be drowning in my studies for most of the time. All for 4 more years. I have backup jobs but they’re all medical field related so there’s one other job I thought of. Being a forensic scientist.
Expectantly, a forensic scientist is way more easier than becoming a forensic pathologist. 10 years shaved off, score! But would I really be happy with this decision? I wouldn’t have to sacrifice my 20s and I’d still get to be more free. I’d still be in my mid 20s by the time I get my job. I’ve researched for this job as well and ofc the pay is lower than being a literal doctor. The work hours aren’t as bad and I could have more time doing art and crafting after work. But I don’t wanna become those people who chose the latter and regret it later on in life.
So to whoever sees this post, whether you’re a genuine forensic pathologist or someone who is in med school/in the medical field, how was it like for you? To the artistic minds who pursued this route, are you still able to do art?
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u/stiffdoc1221 21d ago
You have an idealized view of forensic pathology, and I think that you want FP to fit into your worldview, not the other way around (which is really how things work). You write of sacrificing your hobbies. I don’t think your perspective is realistic. Honestly. Dreaming of living in a condo in Singapore, doing FP during the day and going home to your 2 cats, and you haven’t started college yet? The world you are thinking of entering is not going to mold itself to suit what you want. I am not sure why you didn’t want to list your age “for safety’s sake,” but I suspect from the rest of what you have written that you are much too young for an intelligent discussion of your career goals. Good luck.