whythereis

I've noticed that quite a few people here seem to hate what they do -- but I think it's like everything else. The ones who hate it come out of the woodwork a lot more than those who enjoy it.

I just read that you've got to have 25 posts to PM -- send me an email: [email protected]

de727ups

"The ones who hate it come out of the woodwork a lot more than those who enjoy it."

I have found that to be true with respect to this site.

Senior Skipper

Money is certainly very important, but I doubt you'll be seeing a $200k DIFFERENCE in salaries on average. At the end of the day, both are highly specialized fields. Unfortunately, the level of specialization is such that all your skills in either field will count for very little in any other field.

Swass

You absolutely will see that much difference, give or take a little. The real difference is that the Dentist will see that difference in three years compared to a 10 year captain anywhere (not to mention how long it took them to become a captain).

Let's be logical here, we are not comparing apples to apples in the earning column. It's also very easy to leave work at the office for a dentist. What makes you think otherwise? They are not on call the way an MD is, especially not an Orthodontist.

Live out of a suitcase vs out of a vacation home? No brainer

Senior Skipper

As I admitted in my opening post, I know more about MD's than dentists, and I'm assuming that they are similar careers. What I do know is that outside perception of medicine is exactly the same as that of pilots- underworked and overpaid. In the same way that a pilot's responsibilities begin before getting into the cockpit, a doc's responsibilities begin before walking into the exam room.

Believe me, the earning difference is smaller than you may imagine. There are lots of pilots who earn more than doctors.

SmoothOnTop

Stress/fear/worry worts are rampant in professional aviation...and for good cause, this isn't the most stable industry.

The health field, of course, is stable and growing rapidly.

Would you rather:

1) Think about where you are going to fly this afternoon or on your 'golf' day in your airplane, while you're listening to someone b##ch about their mouth or bill because they still refuse to floss.

or,

2) Think about where you are going to work next month because jet fuel went up 50 cents a gallon, while listening to someone b##ch about their schedule or bills.

Swass

I would say only the most senior of the senior at FedEx or UPS or other top tier carriers come close to an Orthodontist (that's what the original poster said he wanted to do), and there are not too many of them left. Ortho's don't have the typical stress an MD or DDS have, it's just not the way their business works. They also typically don't have the problems with billing as most of the services they provide are only covered with dental plans that have an Ortho rider (the patients know this coming in). Not to say that it's a cash business only, many providers have their own financing available through TPA's (third party administrators), who take a lot of the load off the Dr. Just my .02.

SkyHigh

What about veterinarians? They have the same training as a doctor but earn even less. Some doctors will naturally do better than others but it is a difficult road. I wouldn't advise being a doctor, lawyer or airline pilot.

Try plumbing.

SkyHigh

Mateo303

My wife is a Dentist and her father is an Orthodontist, so I feel I have a bit of perspective to contribute.

If your interests are honestly equal, go for the Dentist gig (or better, do both...more later). My wife loves her job, works only four days a week, and we live well.

As others have mentioned, keep in mind however that as a dentist you will spend more time in school and have a six figure debt when you finish (assuming you are paying for this yourself). The earning potential of course makes up for that.

If you are smart, you could actually work it so that you can have both careers:
1) Get into a busy practice right out of school. Expect $200k/yr or so in a few years.
2)Buy into that practice. Expect $300k+/yr once the practice is paid off.
3)Live conservatively and SAVE. Invest that money and start making money on your money.
4)Learn to fly and build hours - pay as you go (no debt).
5)Sell the practice maybe 10-15 years down the road. If its a busy practice, you could realistically make 7 figures off that.
6)Start a new career in aviation. If you played things right, money will not be an issue. Because of your age, you may never become a 777 captain, but you could still enjoy a career getting paid to fly.

Dont let others convince you that money is everything and will make you happy however. I currently work in the medical field as a clinical pharmacist. I make six figures and have amazing job stability (when I go on a job interview, I interview THEM!). I hate the work however and and the money simply does not make it better. I always knew I wanted to be a pilot and thats what I think about most days at work. Unfortunately you dont choose to be a pilot, it chooses you. SO...I am leaving my world for a career in aviation (with plans to keep my license current and work a few days a month in pharmacy--> Fall back plan!).

EXACTLY! I have considered buying a shiny new Cirrus, but its just not the same. In addition, the costs of owning your own plane are VERY hard to justify (no matter how much money you make). If you want to fly often, you need to find a way to get paid to do it.

Lastly, keep in mind that there are other places to talk to pilots about their jobs/happiness. For some reason many that are miserable and hate the profession gravitate here. I have met many that really enjoy the profession and could not be happier.

Senior Skipper

Thanks for your post Mateo. Where are the happier places you mention. I think I should spend some time there...