Should I Start My Psychology Career or Family First?
Reader’s Question
I am currently a high school junior, and I am contemplating a career in clinical psychology. However, I also want to get married and have children not too long after beginning college (mid- to late 20′s). Do you think a psychologist (with the possibility of long hours and a lot of paperwork) is able to have a good, healthy life as a husband and father? Should I wait to start a family until I have established my career as a psychologist? Thanks for the help!
Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
You can have a career in psychology before, during, and after you establish your family. I finished my Ph.D. while married with two children and working full-time. You should be able to have a healthy personal and family life at any time. You’ll find that you and your family can adjust to the requirements of graduate school as needed. In selecting your path, however, I’d recommend obtaining the undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree) before starting a family. The bachelor’s degree is probably more difficult than the graduate degrees due to the number of hours required. You’ll find that most graduate schools provide classroom schedules for working and family students.
