I’m a 35-year old Physician Anesthesiologist, and my life and career just haven’t quite turned out how I expected. I became interested in medicine, as many of us do, through personal experience.
After a nearly year-long bout with a chronic Strep infection as a child, and requiring corrective orthopedic surgery as a teen, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people live healthier lives.
I entered medical school in 2004, intent on a career in orthopedics. During my second year, I developed a love for cardiovascular physiology and entered my third year aiming for a career in cardiology.
It turned out that all the general surgery residents I met were miserable, and I hated nothing more than going to clinic. So, as you may have guessed, I became an anesthesiologist so that I wouldn’t hate my job.
We only get one shot at this thing called life, so decide what kind of life you want to have. Then figure out how your finances best line up with that.
Life changes. Your plans shouldn’t be so etched in stone, that they can’t survive a few surprises. When you face a major life change, take the time to redevelop your life plan to meet the new changes, and ADAPT.
As Americans and professionals, many of us have ideas of things we “need,” and some of us may have even had financial motivations to select our field of expertise.
A great question to ask yourself is, “Does this purchase/experience enhance or otherwise add value my life?”. In the times where it does, and you can afford it, do it.