Hello,
I've been thinking for months, frustrated by now. Now, I have two weeks before I start International Baccalaureate diploma (high school). I have to choose between Physics (engineering, tech, etc.) or Biology (medical, doctor, etc.).
I get good grades at school, and I feel that I would do really well in both fields, in terms of grades, test marks, etc.
My parents aren't pressuring me, and won't be disappointed regardless what I choose. However, they do advice me very strongly to pursue the medical field, as they see better job security, value created for society, better opportunity to serve the less fortunate and poor, etc. They tell me that I am at a lucky spot where we can comfortably afford my becoming a doctor, financially, whereas people struggle to get in this field because they can't afford it.
Initially, I just said no, and disregarded the advice.
But after watching TED talks by Benjamin Todd and Terri Trespicio on not following passion or 'true calling' as it keeps changing, instead following what can create most value for society. I started considering medical as a option. I really don't like surgery, but my parents say that I will get over it, after doing it over and over again during my studies.
The truth is, I don't know what I'm passionate about. I like film making, graphics editing, and a little bit interest for machines, technology, more on the physics side.
Also I have started believing that passions builds after you start becoming good at something after watching the TED talks.
I happen to get bored during biology-related lectures in class, but that might be due to my attitude of not like biology, or not even trying. Also I don't like doing math just for the sake of math, a practical application of math is fine, but I'm not a Math nerd.
The way I see it, if I choose medical I will have committed at least 7-8 hard years of university, so I need to be certain if I want to go in medical since there is no changing after that. I could change but that would be stupid given how many years I would have spent in medical. Also I have this idea from somewhere that in med school, it's very rigorous studies and not much time for extra curricular activities, is it true?
Whereas in engineering, I would finish under-grad in 3 yrs and grad in 1 yrs. And even then I think I will have time to follow things I like for example film making, or graphics during university.
But when I imagine the amount of people I could help being a doctor, I become clear that I will go in medical. But after thinking of the surgery, bad looking diseases, long time commitment, etc. I become unclear and become confused, back to where I started.
I don't know if I should make decisions based on, my current liking, or value created for society?
Do we need more doctors or 'technology people'?
Any insights would be very much appreciated?
Thanks for bearing this long.