Career/Degree choices

Hi, I'm currently in Year 12 and I study Chemistry, Biology, and Sociology A levels. I'm having a hard time deciding what career path to take. I'm stuck between Medicine, Pharmacy and Optometry. I've done some work experience for Medicine and Pharmacy and I'm applying for more in Pharmacy and Optometry. I've made so many pro/con lists and taken so many career quizzes, but I just can't make a decision. I know I want a career in healthcare with a decent salary but also a good work-life balance.(I am aware that Medicine doesn't have the work-life balance part till later on)

The main reason I'm unsure is because of my grades, especially in Chemistry. For Bio and Sociology I'm currently working at an A/B grade but for Chemistry I'm at C. I've always struggled with Chem but I somehow managed to get an 8 at GCSE. Obviously A levels are way harder, and if I'm struggling with it now how much worse will it be at Uni.

I also don't know if I have what it takes to studying medicine or to even be a doctor. This is why I felt like pharmacy might be a better choice for me as it is less hectic(i know pharmacists still work hard and play an important role in healthcare). It's also easier to get into compared to medicine with the UCAT and all the extra stuff you have to do to get into med school. But then obviously pharmacy will have lots of chemistry involved which i seem to struggle with. That's why optometry became an option.

I think the main issue here is that I don't want to live in regret if I make the wrong choice, but at the same time I don't want to limit myself. Btw- a question for any pharmacy students, how much chemistry is involved in MPharm and how much harder is it that A level?

Sorry for the long post, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Wired_1800

Original post by rolypoly08

Hi, I'm currently in Year 12 and I study Chemistry, Biology, and Sociology A levels. I'm having a hard time deciding what career path to take. I'm stuck between Medicine, Pharmacy and Optometry. I've done some work experience for Medicine and Pharmacy and I'm applying for more in Pharmacy and Optometry. I've made so many pro/con lists and taken so many career quizzes, but I just can't make a decision. I know I want a career in healthcare with a decent salary but also a good work-life balance.(I am aware that Medicine doesn't have the work-life balance part till later on)
The main reason I'm unsure is because of my grades, especially in Chemistry. For Bio and Sociology I'm currently working at an A/B grade but for Chemistry I'm at C. I've always struggled with Chem but I somehow managed to get an 8 at GCSE. Obviously A levels are way harder, and if I'm struggling with it now how much worse will it be at Uni.
I also don't know if I have what it takes to studying medicine or to even be a doctor. This is why I felt like pharmacy might be a better choice for me as it is less hectic(i know pharmacists still work hard and play an important role in healthcare). It's also easier to get into compared to medicine with the UCAT and all the extra stuff you have to do to get into med school. But then obviously pharmacy will have lots of chemistry involved which i seem to struggle with. That's why optometry became an option.
I think the main issue here is that I don't want to live in regret if I make the wrong choice, but at the same time I don't want to limit myself. Btw- a question for any pharmacy students, how much chemistry is involved in MPharm and how much harder is it that A level?
Sorry for the long post, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

If you are unsure, you can study a different course at undergrad and continue to Graduate level medicine afterwards

Reply 2

McGinger

Start by narrowing down your careers/job ideas - direct patient care or something more 'sciencey'?
Good Careers website with hundreds of careers/role descriptions - Job profiles | Prospects.ac.uk
NHS job roles - Explore roles | Health Careers
Roual Navy 'medical etc jobs' - Royal Navy | Healthcare and Medical

Just remember that Chemistry is vital for Med, Pharmacy etc - if you struggle with that subject at A level, its probably not the career for you. And, that the less obvious, less glamourous jobs like Audiology, Dental Hygiene, or even Social Work may be a better fit for you.