Is medicine worth it?
I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 7 years old. It was always my dream. But some bad advice at school left me without a biology A Level ( I did chem, maths and geography). So I was unable to apply to medicine.
I left school in 2009 and went to study chemistry at uni. I ended up dropping out at the end of my first year because it wasn’t what I wanted to do and my heart wasn’t in it. I guess I thought I HAD to go straight to uni after school and there was no other option. Then when I dropped out, I figured I HAD to get a full time job.
I worked retail management until I was 26. I then joined a big 4 financial services firm and qualified as a chartered accountant. In 2024, I did a top-up masters which converted my professional qualification into an MSc by way of doing a dissertation. I did this with the goal of being able to apply for GEM since I don’t have an undergrad degree.
I currently work in a global corporation as an in house tax specialist. I have a good solid career, a decent standard of living and am generally happy. But I can’t help but wonder if I’m missing out on my dream of medicine.
However, with the state of the NHS and the lack of jobs and training positions available, is this a wise move? I am 35. I’d start GEM (hopefully) in 2027 when I’m 37 and graduate at 41. Do I give up what I have? Has anyone been in a similar position? Does anyone have any advice or insights? I guess I’m just torn. What if I “follow my dream” but my dream actually turns out to be a nightmare?
Edit: I’ll only be applying to Ulster if I do go for it.