Hi Everyone!
I am in desperate need of some mustachian advice:
Background:
I am 31 years old, married and I have just started my first year of medical school (in Australia it is 4 years). Previous to medical school, my husband and were running a very successful business for about 10 years (he is still managing it). I had always wanted to study medicine, however I became wrapped up in our business and ended up only applying last year. Unfortunately I found Mr Money Moustache & FIRE after I submitted my application - before that I had never really questioned working hard until I retired at 65. My perception on what constitutes a good life has changed since first finding this blog and I am no longer sure that medicine is the correct choice for me. At best, if I choose the quickest route/specialty training program and if everything goes according to plan, it will take me 10 years until I finish my training (6 of those will be paid years).
I received a scholarship position at an excellent school, however I have had to move interstate, so I am only currently seeing my husband on the weekends (I fly home with frequent flyer points that we have accrued over the years through the business). We would ideally like to start having children in the next couple of years, however now that I am studying, I am seeing this as less likely to occur due to the amount of study, time (and stress) involved in medicine. I am also a bit depressed over loosing all of my free time as I am no longer able to pursue the hobbies that I enjoy! I have tried talking to friends and family members about the possibility of not continuing, but it is hard for people to see past the idea of me not wanting to be a 'doctor'. I know it would be a satisfying career, but as I am almost FI, I just do not know if the life hours it would cost me would be worth the potential career enjoyment. My husband is 100% onboard with whatever I decide.
Here is a snapshot of my current financial situation.
Financial situation
We own our own home (with no mortgage) - approximate value $1,000,000
We own the factory that we run our business from - approximate value $400,000
Combined superannuation (Australian retirement account) balance = $200,000
Term deposit @ 3% = $300,000
Vanguard index funds = $30,000 (just began contributing this year)
While the business performance varies from year to year, we have generally been able to save between $200,000 - $350,000 per year over the last couple of years. Also we have no debt.
I guess it is hard without having finished my studies to know how much joy I would get from being a doctor. Right now I love the learning side of things, but the rigidity of the program, the time away from my husband and home as well as the length of the training, is weighing really heavy on me. I would love to hear people's thoughts on whether career success/satisfaction is important to a happy life and what you would do in my situation.
Thanks :)