Expert: Daniel S. Harrop, M.D. - 2/14/2007

Question
I'm a freshman in college at the moment majoring in psychology and looking to transfer to a university come fall next year. Recently, I've been having doubts about my major and my career choice as a psychologist. I know that psychiatry is a much different path that involves medical school and a lot more dedication. I don't want money to be the ultimate reason for choosing a career but I must admit "money makes the world go round." My question is, what are the cons and pros of each career and should I stick to psychology? or consider psychiatry as an option now and not lag behind in all the required schooling and preparation for med school. I really want a job in which I can converse with people in need and be able to help them on their daily issues and/or mental health, with pay that's worth the work. What should I choose?

Answer
They are really completely different professions.  To be a psychiatrist, you have to prepare for, and so like, medical school, with math, biology, chemistry and physics.  If you are good at those things, if you like the basic sciences, that go for medical school.  It gives you more options in the long run.  

"I really want a job in which I can converse with people in need and be able to help them on their daily issues and/or mental health, with pay that's worth the work." Well, you could be a clerk at a grocery story for that -- simple hours, little stress, pay commensurate with the work.   You are not going to be any good at a job you don't like, and you're going to be miserable in your life if you don't like it.  Want to earn money?  Be a bond trader -- that will get you rich. Go with what you like to do.