Should I do Engineering or Medecine?

I'm torn between two career paths. I've been considering fields like chemical or biomedical engineering recently, though when I was younger, I was really into medical research and biochemistry. That interest has waned now, and I’m aware that biochemistry is very lowly paid in the UK (as are most research science roles). I also wonder why I never seriously considered medicine. I was put off by the long working hours, but I feel drawn to medicinal fields and really like the idea of helping people through my career. Career progression in medicine can lead to well-paid roles as a consultant—salaries that rival those in finance—and there are also meaningful research opportunities that make a tangible difference to people’s lives. I was surprised when I found this out, because I always imagined it as gruelling, lowly paid and with long hours as a kid, which is still true, but seems mainly to be so for junior doctor. On the other hand, the responsibility of having lives depend on you could be stressful and difficult to cope with rather than fulfilling.
When it comes to engineering, I feel that maths has been my strongest subject in school. I tend to perform well across the sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), but topics like Nuclear Fusion in Physics and medical-related topics in Biology have been the most engaging for me. I’ve applied to sixth forms/colleges with Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, but I can always change these. I’ve been doing COMPOS Physics and Maths; while I enjoy the maths and find it fun, I often struggle with the physics. If I want to continue with COMPOS, I’d need to choose Physics at A-Level. A family friend who recently became a junior doctor advised me against medicine, saying that she was really lowly paid and had very long working hours.
My main considerations are as follows: I want a genuinely meaningful job where I can make a difference in people’s lives, but I also want enough free time to spend with friends and family, as well as to write on the side.
On the first point, I think engineering also lends itself to meaningful work. I once visited an engineering research centre and thought it seemed like an interesting and enjoyable place to work. I’m drawn to areas like designing infrastructure or medical equipment, but I’m less interested in racing cars or aerospace projects. If I pursue engineering (likely through the mechanical or electrical route, then specializing), there are opportunities to make a significant impact by creating something innovative or starting a startup. However, the high competition for jobs might lead to an unsatisfying career.
On the second point: I’ve always wanted to be an author. Even as a kid, I dreamed of writing books—mainly fiction. I enjoy writing, though I prefer reading, and I want to pursue this alongside a stable career that lets me support a family. My strengths lie in science and maths, which is why I’ve leaned toward engineering; I’ve heard the working hours are generally better.
Based on this, how would you suggest I decide between these paths?

Hi there,
Sounds like a really difficult decision to make, I've just finished my placement year so i can give a little context on what i've see so far in industry. Competition can be tough! but it's so rewarding seeing your work pay off when you find a solution and see something work - you will always be fulfilled in an engineering workplace.
It also has the added benefit of usually 9-5 or similar hours if getting home to the family is important to you, and if maths is your strong subject then seeing the practical side of it come out in engineering might be really interesting to you!
Hope this helps your decision
Amber
Coventry Uni Student Ambassador