Career Decision: Lawyer vs Doctor

Hey, I'm currently weighing pre-med and pre-law, and am torn between becoming a lawyer or a doctor. Could anyone provide any insight on the pros and cons of each path? What might studying each of these look like, and how might the careers differ?

I'd be glad to offer some perspective on the pros and cons of each path, focusing on the time and financial commitment, the intellectual challenge, and the day-to-day work.

Starting with the pre-med route, it's crucial to acknowledge that this can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor. You'll have to complete your undergrad studies with a strong emphasis on natural sciences, take the MCAT, apply for medical school, spend four years studying and then do a residency which can last up to seven years. The financial investment for med school and residency can be substantial.

Pros of this path stem from the fact that doctors are typically very respected, and there is a steady demand for healthcare providers. Furthermore, the intellectual challenge can be gratifying for many, and the work has a direct, positive impact on people's lives.

On the flip side, the workload can be intense, and dealing with serious illness or mortality on a regular basis can be emotionally challenging.

Now for the pre-law route. Similarly to pre-med, law school itself is a significant investment in terms of time and money. After undergrad, you'll need to take the LSAT, apply for law school, then spend three years studying before taking the bar exam.

Lawyers also tend to earn well and, in some tracks, can enjoy a good work-life balance. The work can be intellectually challenging and offer opportunities to advocate for justice.

However, the job market can be competitive, especially for prestigious positions. Additionally, the nature of the work can be stressful, with high stakes and sometimes long hours.

In terms of studying, pre-med is going to lean heavily on science and math courses, while pre-law can be more flexible, as law schools are interested in a broad range of knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Career-wise, as a doctor, most of your work would involve diagnosing and treating patients, whereas a career as a lawyer would be more varied - depending upon your specialty, you might be drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, or advising clients on legal issues.

In the end, your decision should depend on your passion and what type of work you see yourself enjoying in the long term. Either way, you're looking at a significant investment and an intellectually challenging career, but one that has the potential for a great deal of personal and professional reward.