To My Son

During the family vacation two weeks ago we went to see a couple of colleges with my son who will be a senior in high school this coming year. We often get into discussions of what he is interested in studying and I would like to give him good advice which usually just annoys him. The problem is I have no feel as to what would be a good and fulfilling job for the next generation. I don't suppose he would follow my advice anyway but let's assume he is at least listening to what I have to say.

Since I am a physician, naturally he has considered this as a choice but has pretty much dismissed it out of hand. I am not sure why but he has no interest in the health field in any capacity. Maybe he sees me and my life as an example (getting up in the middle of the night and going to the hospital and then complaining the entire next day how tired I am). He sees through me the negative aspects since I complain about the negatives more than I extol the numerous positives. I think because of this he has a distorted view of medicine and maybe he should reconsider.

Many people ask if I would recommend my children to go into the field of medicine. I usually tell them if my child truly loves medicine and that is their passion then they should do it. If they are looking at medicine as a field that will earn them a great salary then they should look elsewhere since there is no guarantee that the money will be there in the future. The amount of time spent in school and in training with intense competition and extreme work hours is an enormous sacrifice. The actual quality of life as a physician is mixed. It is extremely rewarding sometimes, painfully routine and boring sometimes, physically and mentally demanding, and highly stressful always.

So if my son has ruled out the health care field then what are his options. He says he wants to go into business but doing what? I have no business to give him so he would have to start from the bottom and work his way up. Probably very competitive and difficult to be successful. Law school may be a good option as a stepping stone into business, but if he becomes a practicing lawyer I would have to hate him. Ultimately, the only advice I can give him is to pursue what he is passionate about. Hopefully, the money will be there but if not at least he will be spending his time doing what he loves.