Where to go from Here?

"AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC" (addictedtom3s)
01/29/2015 at 01:09 • Filed to: None

This is going to get personal after the jump but have an aqua blue 997.2 GT3RS for your time.

So I don't usually like to post personal stuff on the internet but since this is sort of car-related and it's oppo, it won't be a completely weird thing because we all share the commonality of being obsessed with cars.

In order to bring my dilemma into context I should probably fill in some details about myself. I'm currently in college with a major in Chemistry (If I could go back in time, I would seriously slap my incredibly stupid high school self and tell him to choose Mechanical Engineering instead of Biology as a major to avoid this situation all together). If all goes well and nobody loses any paperwork, I should graduate come the end of this semester. My main goal is to become a doctor but I'm having many many second thoughts.

First of all, I'm not sure if I can even get into a medical school (the MCAT kicked my ass and I only scored an average score). Add onto the fact that I just have a strong dislike of Chemistry and Biology now after being in so many classes and labs. The thought of just having to be in a chemistry or biology lab for the rest of my life actually depresses me. I'm pretty tired of being a lab monkey just doing experiments with a bleak outlook in terms of lab job prospects.

So what is the point to even typing all this useless crap that I doubt anybody but myself even cares about?

Well, I've done some thinking and introspection this past year. Basically, I have narrowed it down to a few paths I am considering would be viable options. I am just wondering if they are just all crazy wishes or actual possibilities. I have basically narrowed it down to these options:

Pursue medical school* (I will try to apply to both Allopathic and Osteopathic systems)

Try to somehow get into the financial investment field (I'm a bit vague on how to do this. I've just recently tried to apply to a few summer internships at some banks.)

Get any job I can to pay the bills and go back to school for a Master's degree in Engineering (I'd wanna do something like Mechanical or Aerospace in order to try and work my way into the motorsport industry)

If I'm being honest, I quite like number 2 and 3 A LOT since I just really want to play with cars. I've changed from liking cars as a kid to a person who is entranced and in LOVE with cars. As Chris Harris puts it, "I have a medical condition with cars."

My questions to you opponauts who have kindly taken the time to get this far in my post is: Which option should I opt for? And do you have any advice for someone in this predicament?

Thank you for reading through all of that if you're still here reading this.

*I'll still apply this cycle to try my luck regardless of what happens within the next few months but I've gotten in the mindset that it's not the end of the world if I do not get into a medical school

DISCUSSION (33)

Steve in Manhattan > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 01:16

I am a lawyer. My ex is an ER doc. The happiest people I have ever seen are dermatologists and anethesiologists.

I beat myself up because I didn't finish pre-med. Take up one of those specialties, or plastics if you like patient contact, and live your life. Opthamology is also a thing - recently had an eye operation, and they are respected professionals.

Whatever you do, don't go to law school. And forget a masters ... get an MD. Then, if you must, get a JD, and you can be an expert witness.

bob and john > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 01:19

from what I hear, there is a lot of chemistry in engine building, so the chem background might actually be a bonus to you

XJDano > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 01:21

Do you like people? What about sick people? Hospitals?

I thought about how if I had gone to a school I could have been a Dr. or lawyer by now. But I don't really like people in general. I don't care much to be in a hospital either.

Hospitals are great though. Medical science is wonderful, I'm just lucky enough to not to need any more than a urgent care visit when I get a sinus infection.

I would think cars may be easier to work on. Although they can't tell you what hurts. It's mechanical, and it should be able to work the way it was designed.

Take my words with a grain of salt, I'm just a construction worker with a GED.

Big Bubba Ray > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 01:28

I don't know how much I can help, but seriously, do whatever makes you happy.

Some backstory for you. I graduated highschool in 2010. My parents and the rest of my family all have college degrees and they pressured me big time to finish college, get a degree and a desk job. Over the 4.5 years I was in school, I was miserable. Never wanted to be there and literally didn't learn a thing the whole time I was there.

I quit school this semester, with a year left from getting a degree in communications/business. I'm going to tech school in the fall to pursue my automotive obsessions. I'm just like you. I want to play with cars the rest of my life. As long as I'm happy and have enough money to pay the bills, I'm a happy man.

I eventually want to open my own place building/restoring cars and you have to to start somewhere. Take your time with school and figure out what you want to do and what is best for you.

My point: please do what makes you happy and do whatever you feel your calling is. I'm 23, should be living on my own with a decent job, but what everyone expected of me is holding me back massively. It's your life. If you truly have a passion for cars, like I do, you can make the best of it and prosper.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > XJDano
01/29/2015 at 01:31

I sort of like people. The people I like are those who understand what etiquette is and thatyou should not be an ass to the person helping you out (some of the people who walk into the ER room have worse manners than a child). The people I hate are just people who are just too happy to the point it seems fake or people who just suck out all the joy of the world. So I guess I'm kind of in between in terms of liking people. Definitely not one of those cheery HR people who want to organize ice breakers and stuff for employee parties. I've been volunteering at the ER at my local Kasier for the past two years and I don't mind the hospital at all as long as I'm not there for a visit.

It's pretty cool to take a step back and learn about medical science I'll admit. The thing that gets/got me interested in being a doctor in the first place is the ability to "fix" a human being. I just naturally love to fix things. I've fixed computers, cars and other things growing up. I try to DIY EVERYTHING I can to the point where it might actually be considered hubris (I'd be up for DIY-ing the maintenance on a Ferrari if I were fortunate enough to own one).

Sam > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 01:33

I'm going to college with my major being Motorsports Engineering, so you can see if there is one nearby with that as a major. (The college is IUPUI Indianapolis, by the way) It'll be a four year program, but not only will the result be great, you'll also have fun along the way.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Steve in Manhattan
01/29/2015 at 01:40

I've heard about dermatologists being the happiest of the specialties but not anesthesiologists. I always hear about the major problems with suicide and alcoholism among anesthesiologists because of the high stress nature of their specialty.

I really do want to get an MD but I just find it hard to stay motivated for a long period of time with that dream since it'll be so long before I can even dream of making a living while everyone else will be out making money and being able to afford the things they want.

Yeah, I've learned to take advisors' advice with regards to encouraging the law school and PhD path with a large truckload of salt.

Big Bubba Ray > Sam
01/29/2015 at 01:45

Motorsports Engineering sounds awesome. What school are you going to if you don't mind me asking?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Big Bubba Ray
01/29/2015 at 01:48

Wow, you are almost exactly like me. I know how you feel all too well. I am pretty miserable doing research in the lab I am a part of. I find myself staring out blankly from the window of the lab sometimes just wishing to escape that lab.

I literally dream of playing with cars both on the track and in the garage. I would legitimately try to undertake maintenance on a Ferrari if I were ever fortunate to own one. I just love to DIY every single thing I can. That's kind of why I thought up number 3. I would drop every single thing in my life if I were given the chance to be a aerodynamicist/designer/director/engineer of a Formula 1 or WEC team.

What made you finally decide that it was time to pursue tech school? I have trouble letting things go as I've found. I want to finish things to the end and it's quite an unhealthy trait I have.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Sam
01/29/2015 at 01:57

I'll try to look into that actually. I am just worried that I would have too many units to even be eligible for a transfer.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 01:58

Have you looked at foreign med schools? My sister in law didn't get into any US schools, and went to Ireland. She graduated, came back and did her internship, residency, fellowship, whatever they do, in the US, and she's doing great right here.

SlickMcRick > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 02:07

This is a similar feeling that I had. I was the first in my generation to go to college. I was forced to go which is quite sad seeing as all the way up until a few weeks before Spring break my senior year in high school my parents were constantly telling me I didn't need it and it would be a waste of money. Unfortunately I grew up with that mindset and thus didn't really focus on school so when they finally changed their minds and began to push me if was far too late to push for a much higher overall GPA. I didn't even do the SAT tests or anything.

They forced me into a technical school where it was either culinary arts or vehicle diagnostics and repair. I love cars but the only reason I did it was too shut them up. Got decent grades but really didn't apply myself to learn anything so not everything stuck with me. On top of that I literally had a 6 week gap from HS graduation to beginning additional schooling.

I would have much rather given myself a year or so to actually pick something that I wanted to do rather than pull the trigger on whatever popped up first.

That being said I found my career choice and it required no secondary education. Driving. Currently it's delivery driving but I'm studying for my CDL. Once I obtain that I'll pretty much be able to find a job in most countries. Truck drivers are always in demand and they make good money. Besides I love the fact that there is nobody breathing over my neck all day.

I say go witch choice 3. Do it because it's what you love and you'll actually put your best foot forward. You don't want to be stuck at a job thinking "what if" for the rest of your life do you?

Big Bubba Ray > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 02:10

Awesome awesome awesome. I'm glad somebody else feels how I do.

A bit of a long story. I was in school last semester pursuing my degrees. I failed one class at my university and they suspended me. First class I've ever failed there and they told me I couldn't apply back for another year. I finished last semester with a B+ in every other class I took. Total bullshit.

Anyways. I got a letter that notified me that I was suspended. My parents gave me an ultimatum. Take classes at a local community college or get a full time job and move out of the house. I blatantly told them that if they'd let me go to tech school four years ago as I had asked, I would have already been out of the house and on my own. My dad later confronted me and told me to find a tech school I wanted to go to. I've had the school picked out for four years and I had the answer ready immediately. I have to pay for it all by myself, which sucks considering I'm trying to restore my Datsun, but it is what it is.

I was so deep in the college game that I'd accepted getting my degree, working a desk job and living an average life like the rest of my family, until I got the suspension notice. Getting suspended was freeing in a way, as fucked up as that sounds. Even though I have to pay for my continuing education now, I couldn't be happier with the path that I am on.

I already have plans in place for when I get out of tech school. My best friends Mike, Chris and I are planning on moving to Colorado and starting a shop of some sort when we all finish school. Everybody tells me "hey Bubba, you're gonna want to finish school. A degree is the best thing you could ever have." I respectfully disagree with that. If I ever want to finish school, I only have two semesters left so it wouldn't be that complicated.

Sidenote: if you feel like talking about this some more outside of Oppo, my email is eganward@gmail.com. Feel free to shoot me an email and we can talk some more.

Conan > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 02:17

Colleges want your money. I should have transferred when they made the professor I went to my undergrad for into a Dean. There's options.

ssm-one > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 02:22

Pick a field and get into the workforce as early as you can.

Friend 1: University educated and been working minimum wage in hospitality while servicing student debt. Cannot find work in their field of study.

Friend 2: University educated and working in their field for peanuts as they don't have the "time-in" experience. Servicing student debt.

Friend 3: Got into the workforce at ground-level 6 years prior to 1 & 2 and learned as he went. Has been promoted multiple times, makes great money with no debt to service, and has the "time in" to take him anywhere in the field.

Friend 4: Did the same as 3, but is older and got his P.Eng and Mba later in life on his own dime and now holds a gold card to going anywhere in his field.

PS9 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 02:28

If you don't do something you love, or at least something fullfilling, you'll want to quit. Money is a great medium of exchange, but it can't motivate you into something you don't want by itself.

Not here to deify jobs, but here was totally right in that. I learned that lesson the hard way, and I'm still kicking myself to this day for not listening.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > PS9
01/29/2015 at 03:21

That's a good way of looking at it actually. That clip reminds me of the episode of the Smoking Tire podcast where they had Larry Kosilla as a guest and he talked about how Matt Farrah's dad sat him down and gave him a pep talk about finding what he wanted to do and being the best at it after he ran into issues with his finance career.

I guess I need to decide if I really love the medical field or if I'm just romanticizing it. I know for sure I love cars, WEC and F1 though. Decisions decisions decisions.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
01/29/2015 at 03:24

I briefly looked into the British and German ones but the German ones require you speak German so that's out. I can't possibly learn enough German within a few months to be fluent enough to learn medicine.

The problem I ran into with the European ones is that it's rather difficult to apply and there's a really low admit rate for US students. How did your sister-in-law get the application process going (if you don't mine me asking)? I would ideally like to go to a med school in Scotland or Britain and then get a residency and fellowship there as well. I quite fancy living over there actually.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Big Bubba Ray
01/29/2015 at 03:32

Wow man that's ridiculous. I would have been livid if that happened. Sounds like it was a blessing in disguise though.

It sounds like you've got a hell of a plan! Believe it or not but I also kind of toss around the idea of opening up a shop if my life goes to complete shit. I'd wanna do a German independent shop specializing in either Porsches or BMWs. What kind of Datsun do you have? I've always wanted a 280z since one of my neighbors as a kid had two silver ones with louvers on her driveway.

PS9 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 03:32

We have some actual doctors on here you can ask too (heliochrome and BTU).

Sam > Big Bubba Ray
01/29/2015 at 07:43

http://www.engr.iupui.edu/departments/en…

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 08:15

I don't really know about the process, but I know it took her an extra year because of the declined applications in the first round. She's definitely not a second-rate doctor and her career hasn't been stigmatized by the foreign school thing. You may want to look into University College, Cork Ireland.

FromCanadaWithLove > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 08:25

Do what you want. Switch to Engineering. Even if it takes a few years to build up the finances to go back to school, I'd still say do it. I switched from English to Architecture, so Chemistry to Engineering isn't a big jump. DO IT!

(Then maybe if you need a car designer, give me a call. That's definitely a field I'm interested in.)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sam
01/29/2015 at 08:52

ooo eee poo eee

Sweet degree! Definitely would have chosen that, had I the option.

Sejji > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 09:32

A few comments...

You know what they call a doctor that got "D's" in med school? Dr. Don't worry if the entry tests kicked your ass, you will still do great work and continue learning throughout your entire life. Those tests are just a snapshot of how much you can absorb.

Also, there are a number of places you can use a chem degree in the automotive industry if you're interested. There's plenty of sealers/adhesives/polymers that each major auto manufacturer uses. I'm guessing each OEM has technical departments, and you can work within those. You're not going to be forced into a lab environment.

If anything having a chem degree, but still knowing the mechanical side will make you more marketable. You can leverage your "degree diversity" to help round out a team. It's all about how you look at it.

scoob > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 10:22

I'm only a freshman, but I'm thinking about transferring to a better college next year, switching my major to biology or some other science, and eventually apply to vet school.

I'm not sure if you might want to try vet school?

Big Bubba Ray > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/29/2015 at 17:13

Ya, it's a shit situation but hopefully it will all work out for the best!

I'm hoping my plans after I finish school actually happen. We've been talking about it for years now and we're all determined to make it a reality. None of us are chasing money either. We want to do what we love and have enough money to get by. We don't want to be miserable every day walking into work and hating our jobs.

I've got a 1972 240Z. Here she is in all her rusty glory!

Kinja'd!!!

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Big Bubba Ray
01/29/2015 at 23:25

She's a beauty! Best of luck to you on your plans.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
01/29/2015 at 23:28

That's good to know. I'm getting more and more convinced the stigma some doctors get are mostly from ignorant people who aren't actually in a position to judge those doctors. I'll definitely look into that school.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > FromCanadaWithLove
01/29/2015 at 23:31

I am seriously on the fence with switching. I'm planning to speak with some Engineering advisors soon in order to see if I could either switch majors now (probably not even possible since I'm in my last semester right now) or if it's ideal to apply for a masters program as an Engineer (I'd probably need a lot of catch-up classes).

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > scoob
01/29/2015 at 23:37

Best of luck to you! One thing I would want to caution you on is whether you really do want to do Biology or any science as a major. I'm not trying to discourage you but it does start to eat away at you unless you are committed to it 100%. A lot of the work you'll be doing will most likely be for free unless you are an underrepresented minority and your school has the grant money to pay you a small sum for your research work. I'm not sure about vet school but I know that med and dental schools accept and review all applicants regardless of your major (some actually prefer non-science majors).

As for myself, I'm actually a big weeny and I'm scared of a lot of animals so it's a no go for me.

scoob > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
01/30/2015 at 00:03

I did some research and from what I could find, while most vet students come from science majors, the schools do still look at non-science majors, although they must be good at science, obviously.

I guess I could keep my current major (computer science) but I'll need to swamp myself 20 times over with tons of math and science.

It better be worth it...

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > scoob
01/30/2015 at 00:30

Well it can't hurt to ask around the various departments you are interested in switching to. They could probably give you a good indicator about how you feel about the department. I'd say to go with your gut feeling and choose what you believe will be worth it in the end instead of trying to stick with what you're doing now and hoping it works out. I made that mistake by ignoring my own urge to explore engineering as a freshman and now I'm in this current predicament.