Hello. First off I apologize for the length of this post
So basically I was accepted into an expensive dental school on the east coast. After 4 years I'd be in the ditch around 430k. With my undergrad expenses that would be 460k. Not really a fun way to start at 28 (I'm 23 right now). Another issue is that through introspection I found myself to be somewhat introverted. I'm not shy by any stretch and can definitely carry a conversation, make eye contact, etc., it's just that I enjoy solitude somewhat more. That being said, I'm somewhat despondent at the thought of having to pander to patients who may at times be needy or sentimental. I have a pretty aggressive personality and often argue when argued with and this is probably a terrible character for a dentist. Should I stick it through and accept my place at this dental school or change careers? As immature as it sounds, I applied to dental school solely at the thought of being rich. Having gained more maturity, I know that dentists are guaranteed this style of existence, especially in the more urban areas that I prefer to live in.
Now I'm at a complete and utter loss. I'm 23 (24 soon) and still living with my parents. I always do well on tests (SAT, DAT, GRE) and have a pretty high gpa, but my lack of vision always leaves me in my parent's house wondering what I should do. It's pathetic but I realize that I'm a fairly materialistic person. I always put my 100% in anything I do and I like giving people their money's worth if I'm being paid to do something. I've been a tutor for almost eight years and it's something I enjoy doing but I can't see myself making a full-time career out of being a teacher. I was thinking of going into business but I heard the hours are murderous in the field that interests me more than the others: accounting.
Here are possible careers I've been considering and the issues I have with them
1. High-school teacher (possible community college) - I actually like teaching a bit and I've been teaching both younger children and teenagers since I was 16/17 but I'm not sure about the pay and job security. I would definitely try to teach one of the sciences of mathematics.
2. Accounting (tax route) - Pros: High opportunity for advancement, stable salary, crucial in all businesses Cons: Job loss if the tax code is simplified?, automation threats? I don't have much of anything in terms of a business-like background so not sure how easily I could find a master's program that would take me in
3. Dentist - Pros: Excellent job security; more-or-less guaranteed high salary, great hours Cons: Dealing with *some* irascible patients, dealing with people afraid to even look at you, INSANE debt that I would carry over into my mid-30s.
Just the three I've been mulling over. Are there any other jobs that would suit me?
My strengths: quantitative stuff (science, math), Strong reading comprehension/verbal skills (I enjoy reading and my vocabulary is pretty fancy ha), good problem solver
Weaknesses: A bit indifferent to human emotions (not much of a philanthropist, but I am a nice enough person that will help others when I see an opportunity, more out of a sense of doing the right thing than being genuinely sympathetic), somewhat of an A-type personality and arrogant when working.
My big fears are the threats of automation and job security in general. Thanks for any advice and all advice is very much appreciated