Professional Prestige & Fulfillment | Asian American Poll

PROFESSIONAL PRESTIGE & FULFILLMENT
(Updated Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:10:03 PM to reflect the 100 most recent valid responses.)

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WHAT YOU SAY

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What is this crap about going into medicine not for the money? Medicine, with HMO or not, is STILL a ticket to money. You may be a premed dropout because you failed your ochem final, and is currently on this site whining about the prospects of medicine; but medicine still makes a shitload more money than your IT 40-70k a year slaving in front of the computer.

I personally like medicine for its work environment (ie not sit in front of the computer as my profession and get sedentary disorders). But I do not deny that I also like the money. I LOVE THE MONEY. What is wrong with wanting money? I have no problem with people doing what THEY LIKE, whether it be acting, writing, dancing; but ultimately 40 years from now in retirement, they will bitch about Social Security payments while I (as arrogant as it may sound) enjoy the fact that I've helped on a ONE-to-ONE INDIVIDUAL basis countless numbers of people and did all that making money that can support two more generations after me.

IMHO, it is SELFISH to squander Ah-ba, Ah-ma's blood/sweat money to support you through a top-ten college by doing something that you whimsically think is fit for you. How the hell do you know you'll be a good actor until you become one and is accepted to be a good one by the masses?

For an Asian to be a doctor, a lawyer IS NOT A BAD STEREOTYPE. It means, we, as Asians, have climbed up the social ladder and will eventually influence the very society that we live in through our wealth and social connections. Only then can we have the power to influence and change things.

PS, an actor is not a slave to the system? An actor does not act until a producer funds him and tells him to act. And why is this? Because the producer has the money. Go where the money is. Then you will have the social changes you want. Be patient my humble one.
MS3 student Friday, December 28, 2001 at 15:31:41 (PST)

I would concur with what "Half-Japanese Girl" said about the legal profession. I am also a government attorney. I work for the federal courts. Particlarly in these times, I find my position to be very fulfilling, even though I earn a lot less money than my classmates who chose the tradition big law firm route.

No matter what kind of law you practice, this is not an easy way to make a living. Having said that, also keep in mind that, lawyer jokes aside, lawyers of all kinds still garner a certain amount of respect in society that other professions simply don't. Most people perk up and listen to you when you speak, even when it has nothing to do with the law. People give you the benefit of the doubt. If you have any interest in any field in which leadership skills are important, such as business or politics, I would highly recommend the law as a career, or at least getting a law degree as a credential. Just realize that it's not going to be a party and be prepared to work hard.
JJP Sunday, December 09, 2001 at 13:18:56 (PST)

Lost and Wants to be Found,

Not all lawyers need to be resolve conflicts. You can go into Real Estate Law or Patent Law.

In both instances you would help represent parties in a constructive manner.
AC Dropout Monday, November 19, 2001 at 11:44:36 (PST)

Hi Chinese Girl Law School Hopeful-
It really depends on what kind of law you want to practice. I have worked mainly in government as a public defender and now prosecuting attorney. The pay is not good in government work, but I get a lot of satisfaction from it. I work about 40 hours per week, unless I have to prepare for a trial or a big hearing. Other types of law have different demands. It really depends on what you enjoy. That's key.

I think a lot of people want to be lawyers and they have unrealistic expectations of money and professional independence. You're not going to make a lot of money unless you are top in your class and you get hired by a big firm. But people who are smart enough to be top in their class realize that 80 hours a week and being a slave to the partners for an numbers of years is not fulfilling to them and is certainly not what they had in mind when they dreamed of being a lawyer.

If I had to do it over again, would I? Most days I would say "yes." Unfortunately, a lot of my friends from law school are struggling. They wish they had picked another profession.
Half Japanese Girl Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 21:36:17 (PST)

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