It's always difficult trying to figure out what to do with the rest of your life. It's always been particularly difficult for me. I think it's one of the pitfalls of being bright, you get interested in a lot of different things. But, I have always been one of those people who becomes good at everything they put their mind to, not masterful but at least good. I've wanted to do a lot of things: I was big into musical theater in high school, wanted to be in film afterward, studied psychology in college, even worked as a special effects make-up person for a couple of years. I've been in ophthalmology, I love sailing and almost anything to do with the ocean (I really need to get back in scuba diving). I've played the guitar off and on since I was 14, and I find astrophysics fascinating.
Now, of course, I have whittled it all down to just a few choices, but still I am not sure what I really want to do. Each has their ups and downs, not to mention their risks. Here's what I am toying with (in no particular order):
1) Chef - I have been in love with cooking for years and years. I am fascinated with culinary technique, and their is nothing more gratifying than pulling off a difficult dish. I love to be able to give people my food and watch their reaction. I would study both traditional savory cooking and baking/pastry, I love cooking regular food, but I also love the artistic and design elements of pastry. My creative and constructive sides would really enjoy building things.
To do this, I would have to go to culinary school for a couple of years, which isn't so bad. And then, trudge my way up the ladder of lower level chef jobs before getting the experience that I need to be a real chef. I would eventually like to have my own place....I've always fantasized about creating a real english/irish public house here in the states (the kind with great food and an inn as well as the bar). The problem with this direction is that it is a lot of hard manual work, being on your feet for hours on end every day. Not to mention, late hours. Plus, there isn't lot of money in being a chef, at least not until you have a successful business of your own. But, if I got to that point, it would be worth it. And, I don't need to be rich, I'd just like to be comfortable for once.
2) Physician Assistant - I have enjoyed the medical field quite a bit, and would continue to enjoy it in a higher level position. I love being a diagnostician, being able to put together all the pieces to know what's going on with someone is really cool. Plus, it would be a position with more power and less people over your shoulder.
However, it would require a couple years for school to re-do certain prerequisites. Then grad school for the PA degree itself, which I may not even get into after spending tons of money just getting myself into a position to apply. Then there are also the student loans I would have to get for the PA program itself. Positive side is that it a well-paid, prestigious field (not quite as good as a doctor, but I'd rather have a life of my own). I just don't know if I can take the risk of not getting in to the program at all, I want to get going and get settled into a real career.
3) Medical Technologist - I think I would enjoy this. I loved microbiology lab in college, and I have always been good with medical equipment. It would be an easy, do your job and go home kind of position. Which is good, because I've never wanted to be married to my job, I'd rather be doing other things. This is also a well-paying field, especially once you get into management.
Only drawback is a couple of years in school, studying a lot of fairly difficult stuff. This seems to be the safest choice.
I just don't know which way to go. I was convinced I wanted to go the medical technologist route, because the schooling was a little easier than the P.A. route, and it was more of a sure thing. (But, it is also limited access.) Then, I get cable back and start watching food network again, and I get reminded how much I love this stuff. I just don't love the idea of killing myself in a kitchen every night. Pastry would be a little easier, but I don't know. I could definitely finish all of the culinary stuff a little quicker. The last consideration is that I am a bit elitist, and I'm not sure if I would feel like I was selling myself short by going into a food career.
Maybe someone out there can help me figure this out?
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