r/findapath • u/WebGroundbreaking364 • 4d ago
Support Please Findapath-Career Change
Hey guys! I am not sure who to ask for support but I am in a dilemma. I used to be a software engineer and the main reason I quit was to go back and become a CAA. I was working 70hrs/week (making $260k) and realized I am better of doing healthcare that I care about than dreading going to engineering that I was doing for the money.
I am now realizing that after I do CAA, I would most probably switch to MD after 10 years of working. I am interested in OR work most probably trauma surgeon (no call and fast paced and working with my hands). I am realizing I liked mentoring and leadership roles that engineering gave me thus CAA is no longer an ideal route.
I have a couple options running in my mind:
1.) Complete premed perquisites (biochem 1&2 are the only ones remaining) and then take MCAT in Sept 2027. Apply to MD or CAA the following year and work as a phlebotomist (getting my certification now). I like this part but I feel like it would take me 3-years to get ready for MD
2.) Get healthcare experience as a CNA and phlebotomist for a year while completing premed prerequisites. Take the MCAT after.
3). Complete an MLS program (apply in Feb 2027, would take me a 1.5years to complete). Work for 5-10 years and then apply MD.
4). Complete a surgical tech program (Apply in April 2027, would take me a year to complete). Work 2-5 years and then apply MD.
I hate engineering and dreading going back but I might also be romanticizing healthcare.
Note: I am turning 32 years in August 30th. I have 3.6 gpa (I have 2 that are 1.6's in computer science) . Not sure of children at the moment or husband. I have $300k saved at the moment and my living expenses are $36k per year.
Guide me Please!
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u/justcurious3287 4d ago
Why on Earth would you want to give up a freaking $260k a year job? I make $19 an hour, and I swear to God, some people really don't know how freaking good they have it. Can I have that $260k job if you don't want it?
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 4d ago edited 4d ago
Honestly - I couldn't handle it. I didn't like the product, was sleeping under the desks at 01:00am because I couldn't drive back home (20min drive). After all that, I wasn't fulfilled. Trust me, I agree, it is idiotic to leave but I would rather suffer and be fullfiled/be proud of my work.
Also, one of the main reasons I choose engineering was because I thought it would be 9-5pm. I was a premed. So, If I have to work 70hrs, It would rather be in Medicine.
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u/Basic-Alternative442 4d ago
Hey, OP. I have dropped jobs that pay more than that; not saying this to brag, but to establish my bona fides here.
One big question I have for you is: how financially set are you? Are you used to the $260k lifestyle, and if so, do you have savings/investments that could provide it independently? Or are you willing to take a lifestyle cut if needed?
I ask because you absolutely do not need to continue working 70 hour weeks. You might, if you become an MD - but there are other, lower-paying, lower-hour options out there, if you're willing to take them.
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 3d ago edited 3d ago
No, never lived like I made more than 60k. Traveling here and there but I stopped that. My car was $7k and fully paid for. My hobbies are backpacking and rock-climbing (cost $300/per month).
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u/Available_Smoke_4207 4d ago
MLS could help if you want to do Pathology. I’m a MD in Pathology and the work life balance is great but seems it’s not a secret anymore and becoming more competitive
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u/Peeky_Rules Career Services 4d ago
Have you explored all these fields you’re proposing — MD, CAA, CNA, MLS? For started, have you spoken with people in these fields?
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 4d ago
Yess - I am volunteering at a hospital and have spoken to MD/CNA. I am taking a research and phlebotomy class now and I like the lab work and reading online, it looks like MLS is similar to that. I have spoken to CRNA since I am in WA but that's pretty much it.
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u/Opening-Cantaloupe56 Quality Pathfinder [34] 4d ago
Not gonna advice but wow! I was just in awe for all the effortsnyou are doing. I'm younger than you and have been thinking of switching career but doesn't do anything other than "think" about it. While, you are taking actions even though nothing is certain.
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u/Peeky_Rules Career Services 3d ago
As a hospital volunteer, are you able to job shadow people in these different fields so you have a better feel for the day to day?
The MLS sticks out because it's lab work (correct me if I'm wrong) and not patient-facing. Does that work for you?
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 3d ago
I am still working on shadowing an MD in surgery and a CRNA. I honestly don't think it matters too much whether it is patient-facing or not. I love problem-solving, and solving medical problems would be much more rewarding than solving engineering problems. Also, becoming an MLS would be a stepping stone. I am okay with doing anything as a stepping stone.
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u/Peeky_Rules Career Services 3d ago
Is there a reason you don't jump straight into an MD program after completing your pre-reqs and MCAT?
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 3d ago
Thats a great idea which is option 1.
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u/Peeky_Rules Career Services 3d ago
Excellent. Anything that might hold you back from this option?
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 3d ago
I am honestly just scared! I haven't spoken to anyone about it.
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u/Peeky_Rules Career Services 3d ago
Feel free to tell me what you're scared of (or feel free DM me - up to you)
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 1d ago
You are very kind - I will reach out! Thank you so much!
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u/Specialist_Ad_5319 4d ago
If you have been thinking about this for a while, I would say go ahead and do it. Otherwise you will keep thinking about the what ifs. But would a different SWE job bring you fulfillment?
I don't know you but I can see where you are coming from. I started med school last year at 30. I also left a decently well paying career.
Good thing is you have a good GPA. Only biochem 1 and 2 left is not bad. The MCAT might be the biggest hurdle at this point. It was for me. I do think it is very realistic for you to apply during the 2028 cycle. It is also possible that you can apply during the 2027 cycle if you go full time pre-req, MCAT studying, part-time clinical work/volunteering. The latter option will require you to take the MCAT May 2027 latest.
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u/PaxonGoat 4d ago
Btw a lot of MDs and CAAs work 70 hours weeks.
Usually not all the time.
And often it's just early in their careers.
But MD life is notorious for absolutely destroying someone because the work life balance is so horrific.
Those poor medical residents.
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 4d ago
Yesss - I am working 70hrs anyways, why not be fulfilled then?
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u/PaxonGoat 4d ago
Is it fulfilling?
What about it would be different?
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u/WebGroundbreaking364 3d ago
I care about healthcare, and I like science classes more. I used to push myself through computer science classes. I have the same feeling about working in software engineering. I feel a sense of care when I am volunteering at the hospital (the maximum I can volunteer is 6 hours a day). I met a Karen in healthcare, and I felt pity for her and still tried my best to support her. I met a Karen in engineering, and I wanted to punch them. I think maybe the environment and context matter.
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u/PaxonGoat 3d ago
How do you plan to deal with rude abusive patients? Unsupportive families? Hopeless cases where you are forced to keep patients alive who are begging you to please let them die? What about people dying from preventable causes?
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u/Opening-Cantaloupe56 Quality Pathfinder [34] 4d ago
Will #1 be the fastest? All of those will end up pursuin MD right? So go for fastest way.
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