Is an oral surgeon a good career path?

I can't decide between two different career paths?

• I'm so stuck. I have no idea which I want to do more. One is that I really want to teach English in a foreign country. I'm not such a huge fan of the English language itself, but I do love teaching others. I also am interested in many other cultures. The only downside to this is that teaching doesn't usually pay a whole lot of money. Being far away from my family and friends wouldn't bother me at all. I've been far away from home many times and have been able to cope well. The only other career path that is appealing to me is a career in the medicine field. I would prefer to be a surgeon or at least a specialist of some type. The only problem is that it would require so much extra time for schooling. I also don't think I'd appreciate the massive amount of money medical school costs. Also, this career choice would likely make it difficult for me to travel, which is something I want to do at all costs. I thought about being in the military for a while, because that seems like it would be the best of both worlds. However, those dreams were dashed when I found out I'm too short. I really need help on deciding. Which would be the most beneficial?

• Answer:

  That's good that you're at least putting some serious thought into it. That's a tough choice there, the way I see it, with the teaching English abroad path, you'll have lots of freedom to travel to new and exotic lands, you're life will definitely be more of an adventure. On the other hand, with the medicine path, that's a path of dedication and serious hard work, however in the end it will pay off, you will be able to enjoy a life of luxury. I think it comes down to what type of person you are. Never let anyone answer this question for you, it is a decision you must make yourself. Even if you embark on one path and then end up switching it up later, never think of any time spent as a waste, for it would be that path which would have brought you to where you are. Also, i'm not sure if you are in high school or college, but if you are doing health/life sciences at college, you can then go into medicine or you can teach English abroad once you're done (generally you can teach English abroad with any type of bachelors degree from an English institution), so you can have a little more time to decide. Hope that helps! Best of luck.