Career Change/ Inspired to work in medical field?

Anonymous

Career Change/ Inspired to work in medical field?

DG10004

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with BC in January of 2018 at age 24. I was about alfway done with my master's degree at that point, and I'm still in the program, but I'm just not feeling it anymore.. I have a bachelor's in natural resources conservation and my master's is in fisheries management. I love to the outdoors, science, fish, wildlife and have a passion for learning so it's something I've generally enjoyed working on these past year. However, since my diagnosis, my priorities have changed... I had been debating whether I had studied the "right" field for a while now for a few reasons and this life altering diagnosis really made me question if this is what I REALLY want to do with my life. I'm pretty sure it's not....

So where do I go from here? I'm 25 now, still in treatment until at least March 2019, and my future looks like a blank canvas.. In my heart, I know I want to make a major change. I have had wonderful experiences in treatment so far thanks to amazing medical teams. I've learned that friendly faces and professionals you can trust make all the difference when you're facing cancer. When this is all said and done for me, I want to be able to provide some comfort to others facing similar challenges. Also, having a natural fascination with science, I know working in the medical field, especially in radiation therapy or radiology, will be fulfilling intellectually and emotionally! My degrees in natural resources will he virtually useless, so I'll be starting from scratch if I go back to school to get an associate's degree, but it just feels like it might be right.

Has anyone been inspired by their BC battle to make a major career change? I'd especially love to hear from anyone who has decided to pursue something in the medical field after their diagnosis!

Thank you!

buttonsmachine

I had similar feelings, although I'm in my 30s and dealing with more advanced disease, so that keeps me from actually switching careers right now. Still, i understand your sentiment! Oncology is a super interesting and rapidly changing field. I'd definitely finish your current grad program, just to follow through, but if the feeling remains and you want to switch, and you can afford more college, go for it! :-) It's great having dreams and goals, and you're still young enough to do anything.

mustlovepoodles

LOL, breast cancer did indeed cause me to re-evaluate my life choices. I retired from nursing, after 40 years, lost my drive for it, burnt out. Now i live and work in a campground in the mountains. I make campsite reservations, point people to the best BBQ, and sell ice, firewood, and hayride tickets. I make people happy every day and nobody poops on me, bites me, or dies.

Honestly, if i were startng all over today I would NOT choose nursing. It was a good career for me. But all those years of working nights, holidays, and on-call was enough. Its a very hard job and often thankless. If i were going into the medical field now i would choose radiology tech or ultrasound tech. Good money, better hours.

nonomimi5

DG10004,

BC opens up a whole new world. Since my Dx, I feel like I have learned enough to receive a diploma for another major, but I am 54 and not going to start a new career. I think you should finish what you have started and get your masters degree. Keep learning about BC and everything related to it on your own. If it still interests you, try to get a job at any big cancer research center or clinic/hospital. I would imagine they would have something to do for an intelligent BC survivor with a master's degree. Just try it out before you jump back to school.

mustlovepoodles

I agree with nonmimi. Don't quit your program! If you really think you want to be a nurse, get your CNA certification. You'll need it before you start nursing school anyway and it will give you a pretty good idea of whether this is something you want to pursue. My sister did that when she was in pre-med. She found out pretty quick that she liked learning about illness, but she really did NOT like being around sick people. She changed her major to music education and she's has been happy as a clam for over 30 years.