Hi,

I am a M3 and realizing how my thoughts and feelings about certain specialties have changed since enrolling in medical school. Growing up, I lived in a middle class family with a family income that was a bit over average for the county, but nothing significantly over the county average. I was very comfortable which was an upward trend than what my parents had growing up (both US citizens) where money and food was limited.

My mom said to me college wasn't as important as securing a good paying job. When having the college talk, my parents both said don't taking on student debt for a degree if it doesn't pay well. Even as an American Black family, I start to have those stereotypical immigrant conversations "Doctor, engineer, lawyer etc"

Now as an M3 I feel pressured to maximize income potential. I am happy with my speciality of choice, it is a competitive specialty (looking at my page you could guess). When I tell people my interest they mention how my money I'll be making. Back in July when I started in the hospital it would slightly bother me, but I am actually a bit relieved. I have loans to pay off and I kinda see myself being a single mom with a live in nanny lol. When people ask if I have a back up speciality in mind, I dont, but the only thing I would consider is anesthesia because of the income.

Not sure if my parents have coached me to look at jobs from a gain/loss financial perspective or if other students from a low financial backgrounds feel the same.