The Medicine Man

Hi Scott,

I am currently (fairly happily) employed as a paramedic. However, I have been thinking about further study to pursue a career in medicine. The course fees will be $20,000 p.a. for four years, which if invested in the share market instead, would become a substantial amount of money. I would really appreciate your take on this investment from a purely financial standpoint.

Ben

Hi Ben,

From a financial standpoint it’s a no-brainer. You’re talking about an investment of $80,000 over four years to potentially earn $80,000 more each year for the next 40 years.

The only problem is that you really don’t want to be a doctor, do you? If you did, you wouldn’t be asking me about the ‘opportunity cost’ of the fees.

Seriously, mate, if you’re smart enough to study medicine, you’re smart enough not to choose a career based solely on the bucks.

I’d suggest you read a book called Strengths Finder 2.0. It is produced by the Gallup organisation, and it has an in-depth survey that will help you identify your core strengths. Build your career around them.

Scott