What is the better job, being an investment banker or a surgeon?

I am capable of becoming either one of these due to my high grades. What are the working times and which one gives me the most money?

Well lets see. I am an investment banker and have been for many years. The pay is great but so is the stress level. I imagine it's the same for a doctor. The only good thing is in my profession if you make a mistake it will only cost you money and not someones life. Trust me, it may seem now that it's all about the money but when you get older you will realize money isn't everything. Pick a job that will give you the greatest satisfaction and that will make you the happiest. If you are good at something the money will come you might as well have a little fun too. Good luck.

I agree with Joel... I am an executive banker and the stress level is extreme!! Fortunately, I enjoy my career and am rewarded financially for my hard work. My advice would be to look into professions that you will enjoy as well as provide for yourself and/or family. Surgeons also have stressful positions- you may need a strong stomache! You sound young, so test the waters until you find something suitable for you.

I am also in the investment banking industry and there is a large amount of stress. I also come from a family full of Doctors, and that job also entails a lot of stress. Investment Banking requires less schooling, you will probably go as far as your MBA, while being a Doctor requires four years of Med School on top of a residency which can range from 3-7 years depending on if you specialize or not.

As the first poster mentioned as you move into your career, money is not the primary factor. Someday you will want a family, and a job that allows you to have a work life balance is going to be more important. I have worked on Wall Street, it is very cut throat and if you dont want to work 15 hours a day they will find someone that will. Just a quick story for you, on 9-11 my wife had a friend that worked for Goldman Sachs. He forgot his keys to his apartment in the office and was able to convince police that he needed to get back into the area to get his keys. Well he went in at night and found people working. So that just goes to show you the mentality that is expected of you.

YIKES! Most people looking for the most money are doomed into the least because they are chasing a dream. Find out your interests because neither one of these are probably it.

Depending on what you did, both would pay very well. After a certain amount, it provides you diminishing satisfaction. So in terms of money, that's not how I would look at these two options (echoing everyone else here).

I would however dig deeply into what these two positions do on a daily basis. Both are high stress, lot of work hours, and cutthroat positions. Before deciding to narrow it down to just those two positions, you really should shadow a professional for a day or so. Get the real scoop on the jobs.

I am in finance, but chose not to go into investment banking because of the life style. My husband is in medical school but also chose not to do surgery because of the life style. There's only so much money can provide and for me, spending quality time with my children outweighed an additional $100,000 a year.

That being said, finance is still lucrative. Just not to the tune of millions lucrative (like investment banking can be).

An investment banker of course. Although you it may be stress for a few years, soon you will be able to make your money work for you.


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