I'm dropping my pre-med major

[MichelleRoze]

I still think I'd like to have mechanic skills AND know Cosmetology. I know, you open your shop, and I'll open mine next door. That way your lady customers can get their hair/nails/skin worked on while their car is getting worked on Sounds like a win win for everyone! The car gets fixed, the female (and maybe male) customers get worked on, and we both get paid!

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

I still think I'd like to have mechanic skills AND know Cosmetology. I know, you open your shop, and I'll open mine next door. That way your lady customers can get their hair/nails/skin worked on while their car is getting worked on Sounds like a win win for everyone! The car gets fixed, the female (and maybe male) customers get worked on, and we both get paid!

We can teach each other after both of our shops close!! hahaha. I really would love to do both!

[D2Beetle]

To a certain degree FarrisK is right, to jump out of the frying pan and into fire gets you burned either way.

I have done what you are suggesting; I wanted a job that had little or no interaction with others and the computer industry (not data processing) 25+ years ago was my choice. I liked building and configuring computers/networks. In those days the "computer people" were left alone and typically worked at night, so aside from the cleaning and security people, all was bliss. Then the computer got personal and "Hell" (I apologize if anyone is offended) came to the computer industry.

So what ever vocation you choose, just remember, it can come back to haunt you and once you have committed to a career path it is hard to switch.

What I eventually did was step down from Network Admin to Computer Programmer; so my interaction is limited and only when needed; all is bliss again.

Although being a VW New Beetle mechanic (only NB's) is part of my retirement plan.

I'm not certain how much med school that you already have, but have you considered Medical Examiner or related field. You will not have to interact with the living, could be a plus? Perhaps a medically related field in the military?

[70autostick]

I think this is a very bold move to persue your passion,i wish you the best of luck
I took a few shots for you today of my Nb in the autoshop,I had to install new oil cooler O-ring,it was a little leaky due to 108k and a few frosty days.They arent the best quality shots,not a big job either,i tend to keep 'er in tip-top shape.Only a few because i really shouldnt be snappin shot while trying pass a test AND fixing my sled all at once,i became quite the dirty boy.
[IMG]

[/IMG]

No leaks,test passed...

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

I'm not certain how much med school that you already have, but have you considered Medical Examiner or related field. You will not have to interact with the living, could be a plus? Perhaps a medically related field in the military?

I'm just in my first year. So basically I've just done a bunch of basics, most of them not even relating to the medical field. I'm thinking the whole reason I'm here is because of what my parents wanted me to be. I don't want to apply to med school anymore. I'm almost positive about that.

I'm getting advised to change my major tomorrow.. maybe I'll finish my 4 years here and get a degree in something electrical. Then consider going to technical school. or I could go to technical school now, get a job, and save up to go back to school so I won't be such a financial burden on my parents..

so much to consider. I can't think right now... it's finals week....

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by 70autostick

I think this is a very bold move to persue your passion,i wish you the best of luck
I took a few shots for you today of my Nb in the autoshop,I had to install new oil cooler O-ring,it was a little leaky due to 108k and a few frosty days.They arent the best quality shots,not a big job either,i tend to keep 'er in tip-top shape.Only a few because i really shouldnt be snappin shot while trying pass a test AND fixing my sled all at once,i became quite the dirty boy.

No leaks,test passed...

You're going to school to work on cars? Or did I just read that wrong? lol!

[MichelleRoze]

Honestly, IMO, a long schooling for a tip-top education is ideal, but doesn't seem very realistic right now. But there is nothing like taking steps. I mean, say you go to tech school and become a mechanic. 5 or so years later, you decide you want to work on computers, atleast now you have a higher paying job and can afford to take classes. Then say you graduate with a computer degree and 3 years down the road you realize your real passion was to be ... a doctor! Yes some would consider those previous years of education a "waste" but they were stepping stones. They allowed you to move up and at the same time, allowed you to go to school.

Plus if mass layoffs happen again...you'll be diversified. That's what I want to be. I don't want to focus on one thing. I know so many people who focused on ONE thing. Matt has a degree in Graphic Design from UGA, he paid big bucks to go there, he's still paying actually....and has never used his degree. He couldn't find a job, and now it's been so much time since he's graduated, he can't even compete with the new hires. So that's how ever much money down the drain completely. I'd rather have a technical degree....in more than one thing. Computers, cars, cosmetology, etc. Plus, those things are great beginnings to start your own business. Or things you could do on the side. So say you like working on cars, you make that your job, but you have a certification in computer repairs. You could do that in the evenings and weekends for a little spare cash.

My TDI mechanic works for Delta during the day. I'm not exactly sure what it is he does, but I think it has something to do with inspections and such to make sure the plane is in flying order. In his spare time he works on TDI's. Now I don't believe he is a licensed mechanic, but he might as well be. It's always good to have some kind of skill like that, so when times are tough, you can do little side jobs. Matt works sales, but he knows computer repairs and home theatre installs. He still has old clients calling him for computer repairs or advice on electronics or help installing or problem shooting a home theatre. Any side cash, regardless of how small, is always helpful.

Good luck to you! I think you will do well as a mechanic. Plus, if nothing else, it's always good knowledge to have for YOURSELF!

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

Good luck to you! I think you will do well as a mechanic. Plus, if nothing else, it's always good knowledge to have for YOURSELF!

I never thought about the whole "diversifying yourself" thing. I'm glad you guys are sharing your insight with me.

But yeah, about having the knowledge for myself.... the shop my car is in just called me and said my upper strut mounts were bad and they wanted $179 per side, PARTS ONLY! Uhm, if I'm correct, those parts are nowhere near that much. They didn't mention labor.

I'm thinking about trying this one myself.... lol!

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by Oh Randi

I'm just in my first year. So basically I've just done a bunch of basics, most of them not even relating to the medical field. I'm thinking the whole reason I'm here is because of what my parents wanted me to be. I don't want to apply to med school anymore. I'm almost positive about that.

I'm getting advised to change my major tomorrow.. maybe I'll finish my 4 years here and get a degree in something electrical. Then consider going to technical school. or I could go to technical school now, get a job, and save up to go back to school so I won't be such a financial burden on my parents..

so much to consider. I can't think right now... it's finals week....

My oldest decided to try for a Chemistry degree, he lost interest in it and change to English, which he likes, however due to the previous bad grades he has to retake some classes, which is not what he wanted to do. He wanted to move forward with other English classes and play catch up later, the school said, "No you have to retake these first." So he dropped out and is trying for the Marines (there is an 8 month waiting list).

So does anyone between the ages of 18-25 really know what they want to do? Parents can be demanding, because they assume, if "I" like doing this, then you should like it to; which is unlikely. I like working computers and working on my NB, my children do not like either.

[CoriBug]

whoa...I knew recruiting numbers were up but 8 months to wait to get into boot camp?! Crazy!

[pm22071985]

Originally Posted by Oh Randi

...I don't really like people. At all.

Being a physician is not about "liking people".
It is a commitment and sacrifice to preserve life.
You take an oath and have an obligation to ALL fellow human beings, regardless of race, sex or personal differences.

You’re at the easiest part of the journey, and if your already questioning it---Its probable not for you.

Sorry for the bluntness, but feel free to prove me wrong. The world needs more doctors.

[FarrisK]

I can't help but notice that OhRandi hasn't acknowledged my point or anyone else's reiteration of my point.

Just sayin'.

[lw462]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

So does anyone between the ages of 18-25 really know what they want to do? Parents can be demanding, because they assume, if "I" like doing this, then you should like it to; which is unlikely. I like working computers and working on my NB, my children do not like either.

No one at 18 knows what they want to do, or if there is one then it is one in ten. I just turned nineteen and have been feeling the pressure to make up my mind- ever since I was young. I was bombared it seemed by every family member so much that why would I wanna seriously think about it on my own. Anyways.. I've decided on criminal justice and maybe french. Don't know what I wanna do but I am glad I found a freakin major. I hate choosing so young- I don't know enough about jobs in the real world and if I wanan do them!!

* for ohrandi: I think it would be awesome to have a mechanics certificate (or whatever you need) and be a cosmotologist! I've thought about both options and I think they would be a real joy-- and forget about the medical career. My grandpa is a psychiatrist, so he has his medical degree, and he's been dissuading people who are planning to go in it, unless they really LOVE it with a passion. I think you're making a good choice.

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by FarrisK

This is of course the much shortened version of the conversation (I hope the meaning is still there though... I'm kinda bad at explaining things.). I chose to become an electrical engineer because I can make enough money as an EE to support the hobby of working on cars, which is something that I REALLY enjoy doing. If working on cars is something that you can see yourself doing 9-5 M-F, go for it. I couldn't.

Originally Posted by cep

If these were normal times, I'd suggest that you are making a HUGE mistake by switching from the medical field to auto mechanic.

But, these are not normal times and may never be again. By the time they get done 'reforming' the medical industry, and in the process telling those in it what they will be permitted to earn, there may be people leaving the medical field in droves, off to find something in which they can be better paid for their education and labor. One of my daughters is very close to getting her BS in Nursing and I hope she's able to find a job when she's done.

That is SO true. There is no hobby that can't be ruined by having to do it full time.

I did think about that, except I don't know that working on cars was ever really a hobby for me. It was just something that I realized I picked up on easily and I enjoy it. And mostly that it made me want to learn more and more every time I learned something new. I don't know though. I mentioned somewhere previously that I was also considering getting a degree in something electrical.

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by lw462

No one at 18 knows what they want to do, or if there is one then it is one in ten. I just turned nineteen and have been feeling the pressure to make up my mind- ever since I was young. I was bombared it seemed by every family member so much that why would I wanna seriously think about it on my own. Anyways.. I've decided on criminal justice and maybe french. Don't know what I wanna do but I am glad I found a freakin major. I hate choosing so young- I don't know enough about jobs in the real world and if I wanan do them!!

* for ohrandi: I think it would be awesome to have a mechanics certificate (or whatever you need) and be a cosmotologist! I've thought about both options and I think they would be a real joy-- and forget about the medical career. My grandpa is a psychiatrist, so he has his medical degree, and he's been dissuading people who are planning to go in it, unless they really LOVE it with a passion. I think you're making a good choice.

If criminal justice is your interest then I suggest that you try a law enforcement Government job; Federal, local, county, city, state.

If you are good with foreign languages, then I suggest Spanish and perhaps the border patrol.

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by Oh Randi

I did think about that, except I don't know that working on cars was ever really a hobby for me. It was just something that I realized I picked up on easily and I enjoy it. And mostly that it made me want to learn more and more every time I learned something new. I don't know though. I mentioned somewhere previously that I was also considering getting a degree in something electrical.

Perhaps you should list what the considerations are for the jobs you have mentioned and maybe you will see a pattern to you thinking.

[cep]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

If criminal justice is your interest then I suggest that you try a law enforcement Government job; Federal, local, county, city, state.

If you are good with foreign languages, then I suggest Spanish and perhaps the border patrol.

If you're good with languages, also try the CIA.