Scatty.com

The Three-Step Process to Fix Any Car Problem

Posted on by scatty

Car trouble is the worst. Cars are complicated, and dealing with problems often feels insurmountable.

 

But, it turns out that a lot of troubleshooting is simpler than it seems and can be reduced to just three steps. These three steps can’t fix absolutely anything, but if your car won’t start or if the engine isn’t running right, you can figure out most problems with the steps below.

 

Check the Spark

 

The first thing a combustion engine needs to run is spark. If you have a spark problem, it usually shows up in one of two ways. Either you’re going to a consistent shimmy while the engine is running (because one or more spark plugs aren’t firing correctly), or the engine won’t start at all.

 

In both cases, the problem is tied to electricity. So, there are a few tests you can run to really pin down the flow of electricity through your engine.

 

To do these tests, you’ll need a multimeter. You can get one from any hardware store or even Walmart, and they are not expensive.

 

The first thing you want to check is the battery. Simply check the voltage across the battery. It needs to read at least 12V, with 13 to 14 being a better sign of a healthy battery. If it’s less than 12V, the car won’t start (for most models).

 

If the battery is ok, the car should start. If it doesn’t, you very likely don’t have a spark problem and should skip to the next section. So, fire up the engine, and check the battery again while it’s running. Again, it should read at least 12V, and typically 14V is a sign that everything is healthy. This is showing you that there are no major electrical problems across the whole engine.

 

If the car starts but you’re getting shimmies, then you want to test the spark plugs. That’s a little more involved, so here’s a nice video tutorial to show you how to do it (it’s only a six-minute video).

 

Check the Air

 

The second thing your engine needs to run is air. That’s where the oxygen comes from for the combustion in your engine.

 

The thing about air is that it’s pretty easy to find, and there’s air in your engine right now. What that means is that airflow problems pretty much won’t prevent the engine from starting. Instead, airflow problems usually cause jerking, hesitant acceleration, and stalling.

 

Now, to test the airflow, you need something that can read flow rates and pressures. Fortunately, that tool is built into your vehicle already. It’s called the Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor, and you’re actually going to test it with your multimeter too. If it’s working, then it will report any airflow problems to the vehicle’s computer, and you can read those with an OBDII scanner (or take it to any auto parts store to have it read for free).

 

How do you test the MAS Sensor? Here’s another short video.

 

Check the Fuel

 

Lastly, your vehicle needs fuel. If it won’t start, and the battery is fine, then the engine isn’t getting fuel (in the majority of cases). It could be that the tank is empty. It could be that the fuel filter is clogged. It’s possible that your fuel pump is dead. If you can find the culprit from those three, you know what to fix.

 

If the vehicle starts but stalls or has power or responsiveness problems (and the airflow is fine), then you could have a fuel flow issue. That’s also testable, but you’ll need a pressure gauge to do it. The good news is that you can borrow one from Autozone (they will require a deposit) and other auto parts stores.

 

When you have your gauge, you can follow this tutorial to test the fuel.

 

And, that’s it! Those are the three primary steps to diagnose an engine that won’t start or doesn’t run well.

 

Staying the Course: 5 Hacks to Keep Going When Learning to Code

Posted on by scatty

The vast world of code can feel daunting at first glance. Then, as you dive into the learning process, things only seem to get worse from there. The problem is that there’s a huge learning curve to get over, threatening to end your coding dreams before you even truly get started. Fortunately, you can ensure you stay the course by using these five hacks to keep going when learning to code.

Clearly Define Your Learning Goals

When first starting to learn how to code, you need a plan. You cannot jump in and learn all the different programming languages at once nor do you need to know them all. Instead, you should reflect on your end goal, and then choose your focus language to start.

If you want to get into web development, for example, focus on Java. Want to make apps instead? Then, Python is the better way to go. Either one will help you develop your foundational skills, making it easier to learn new languages in the future.

Focus on One Tutorial at a Time

Coding tutorials abound online, giving you tons of opportunities to learn without shelling out the big bucks. While it’s nice to have options, the sheer overload of tutorials can prove detrimental to your journey. Decision paralysis often kicks in when presented with too many options, after all.

So, reflect on your goals, pick just one tutorial from the bunch, and focus on it – and it alone – until it’s done. Then, repeat that process until you’ve made your way through enough tutorials to start creating your own projects.

Think It Out with Your Rubber Ducky

Even with the most helpful tutorials on your side, you’re bound to get stuck on a seemingly unsolvable problem. When that happens, you need to bust out your rubber ducky for a nice, relaxing debugging session.

Rubber ducky debugging starts with you telling your newfound friend about your code and what it’s supposed to do. Then, go through your code line by line to explain the process in more detail. By the end, you’ll find where you went wrong, and your ducky can feel good about being such a big help.

Give Yourself Brain Breaks Often

Your brain can only maintain focus for so long before it starts to go on the fritz. To avoid that, you need to take regular brain breaks just like the old days in elementary school. Spending just five to ten minutes doing something else can refresh your mind and ready you for more coding madness.

So, break out the puzzle games, draw a picture, or even just gaze off into the distance. If you can work exercise into the mix, you’ll be even better off. A short walk around the block never fails to feel rejuvenating, especially if a friend can join you.  

Show Off Your Accomplishments

Learning how to code can feel like an endless journey toward more and more difficult problems. To break up the process, you need to show off your accomplishments and get accolades coming your way.

The recognition you receive for your efforts can prove highly motivating, restoring your love for your coding journey. So, sing your own praises far and wide, and then get back to it by selecting your next tutorial.

By fluidly moving through these steps, you can push yourself through the difficult moments as you learn how to code. It’s also helpful to remember that the learning process will get easier as you wrap your mind around each programming language. 

How to Self-Assess Your Coding Journey

Posted on by scatty

While learning how to code, the last thing you want to do is delude yourself. You need to be able to make an honest assessment of your skills, after all. Or you could end up majorly embarrassed upon overstating your abilities to the wrong person. Since that’s definitely not what you want, it’s best to learn how to accurately self-assess your coding journey from the start. Here’s how.

Use HackerRank to Solve Problems

Start by assessing your algorithmic skills using HackerRank by InterviewStreet. This innovative platform rolls out the programming challenges, so you can find out exactly where you’re at in your learning journey.

The system starts by sending out ACM-style problems for you to solve. You’ll then move on to AI, machine learning, and so much more, depending on your skill level. All along the way, the system will provide an objective score and even issue badges for your hard work.

Try to move through as many tests as you can over one weekend to get a baseline score. Then, repeat this process whenever you feel like you’ve gained enough new skills to warrant a retry.

Build a Complete Product with UI

After finishing your weekend of coding tests, move on to creating your very own product with UI. You can focus on creating an app, website, or gaming product. Just be sure to focus on getting it up and running properly – and coded well enough for a non-technical person to understand and use.

Start by planning out your concept on paper. Then, sketch out how you want it to look and function. After that, decide which programming language you want to use to get the job done. From there, you just have to start coding to create the product from start to finish.

Just be sure to keep your rubber ducky handy in case you need help debugging your code. Your ducky will prove invaluable whenever you need to get around challenges standing in your way of a finished product.

Complete a Self-Evaluation on Paper

If you’re satisfied with your results from the prior two steps, go ahead and start completing a self-evaluation assessment on paper. To do that, write out all your skills, certificates, and other achievements, including all products made to completion. Don’t forget to add any relevant job experience as well, so you can get a full look at your coding journey to date.

Once you finish doing that, you’ll have a clear map of your coding journey to review. Think about where you might have gaps in your skills or experience. Compare your journey to the greats in your field.

Where can you improve? Upon answering that question, you’ll have a clear path forward to follow. Repeat this process every time you create a new product, finish a full set of tutorials, or hit any other learning milestones.

By the end of these steps, you’ll have a pretty good idea on where you’re at in your coding journey. With that info in mind, you can decide what you need to learn more about, and then get started on doing more tutorials. 

How to Get into Game Development

Posted on by scatty

Do you have an amazing idea for a video game? Or do you just want to build a career around making fun games for the world to enjoy? Either way, you’re going to have to work hard to break into game development. The competition is fierce in this industry, after all, so you need to create a plan and follow it to have a chance at entering the fray. Ready to get started? Here’s how to get into game development and start building the career of your dreams.

Build Your Foundational Skills

You will need to build your foundational skills to have any chance of pursuing a career in game development. So, reflect on what types of games you want to make, and then get started in learning programming languages.

You can do tutorials and certificate programs on your own time. Or go all out by earning a bachelor’s degree in game design, programming, or computer science. Either way, you’ll want to dedicate several years to building a strong skillset and mastering at least one programming language.

Create Your Own Gaming Blog

While working on your skills, keep your ear to the ground to stay in tune with what’s happening in the game development industry. Don’t just read countless blogs on the subject though. Create your own gaming blog.

With that move, you can industry news, talk about your own coding journey, and even share info on any indie games you help create. Your gaming blog will grow with you, helping further your career while helping keep you well-informed about industry changes.

Work as a Game Tester on the Side

As you steadily build game development skills, seek out a job as a game tester. Although you’ll have to start at entry level, this position will put you in the right place to start climbing the ladder.

Since game design studios often hire internally, you can easily move from the QA team to development as your skills improve. Just make sure to share your career intentions with your coworkers, the company owner, and everyone in between.

Network at Major Conferences

Although working as a game tester will help you start to build your professional network, additional networking opportunities are a must if you want to move up fast. So, start saving up to attend major game development conferences, like E3, Blizzcon, and the Tokyo Game Show.

Don’t forget to attend smaller conferences in your own area as well. At every conference you attend, aim to build connections with three to five new people – and catch up with people you’ve met at past events.

Join Up to Create Indie Games

Creating your own indie game can help you quickly catch the attention of all the right people in the game development industry. You can also use the game as a key piece for your portfolio as you apply to jobs.

But working on an indie game on your own can prove daunting at best. So, to streamline the process, see if you can team up with several other people and create the game together.  

Upon making it to the end of this list, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to enter the game development world. Your newfound professional network and completed indie game will help you make waves, too. Before you know it, you’ll be working on your first professional game, and then getting ready for its much-anticipated release. 

Getting Started With Home Recording

Posted on by scatty

Home recording is a rewarding way to spend free time and let your creativity flow. If you get good enough at home recording, you may even be able to make a career out of your hobby.

Some hobbies have a steep learning curve, and home recording can be one of those hobbies. Investing in the right equipment, reading about home recording and allowing your creativity to flow can make getting started with home recording much easier. Here’s what to know. 

Know Your Budget

Your home recording studio will require an initial investment from you, because you’ll need to purchase equipment and set up space at home. Most people need to invest at least $300 in their studio, if they’re starting from scratch. This includes basic equipment and a microphone.

Costs vary depending on what you’re planning on purchasing. Shop around, and if you’re on a tight budget, you may need to purchase your recording equipment over a long period of time, which could delay your progress.

This cost does not include the price of a good computer. People who engage in home recording rely on good computers. Recording can make big files that require a powerful computer to manipulate. Just having a basic computer at home isn’t good enough – you’ll need a computer that’s designed to process and store large files. As you’re making your budget, you may need to add in some money for a new computer. Shop around to get the best, most affordable deal. 

Set Up Your Studio

Once you’ve got the money set aside, it’s time to make purchases.  

A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a type of software that allows people who record at home to record audio and mix their music from their personal workstation. There are a variety of DAW products available for home recording buffs. You’ll learn more about the best DAW products by doing research and by networking with people who enjoy this hobby for themselves.  

Other purchases you’ll need to make include:

  • Audio interface
  • Monitor speakers
  • Headphones
  • Microphphone (including cable and stand)
  • Popshield

If you’re serious about home recording, you may also want to purchase acoustic treatments that help soundproof the room where you’ll be working.  

Record Your First Track

Once you’ve purchased and set up your equipment, you’re ready to record your first track. Some tips:

Name the track before you start recording. Come up with a naming convention to make it easier to store and organize your digital files.

Set the recording levels. The loudest parts of your track should fall around -10 dbfs (decibels relative to full scale). 

Avoid heavy-duty mixing in the beginning. Mixing tracks adds a level of complication that can leave many beginners feeling lost. Basic mixing is hard enough, so keep your mixing to a minimum at first. 

Home recording takes a lot of time to learn and get good at, so your first tracks may not live up to your own expectations. Keep practicing, and you’ll get better with time.

5 Tips You Need If You Can’t Afford to Pay Your IRS Taxes

Posted on by scatty

If you can’t afford to pay your IRS taxes, you should reach out to your accountant for help. A certified public accountant (CPA) or another tax pro can help you explore the different options and negotiate with the IRS for a payment plan. While we can’t give you tax advice, we can help if you’re wondering what to expect if you can’t afford to pay. Here’s what you need to know. 

1. You should still file your return. 

Even if you think that you can’t afford to pay your taxes, you should still file your return. For personal income tax returns, the fees for not filing are much higher than the fees for paying late. This also applies to most business tax returns.

By filing, you let the tax agency know that you’re aware of the tax obligations. Then, you can contact them about making arrangements for the bill. If you don’t file, you will incur higher penalties and potentially even face tax evasion penalties. 

2. You can often set up a payment plan. 

The IRS and most state tax agencies allow you to set up payment plans on your tax debts. If you owe less than $10,000, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS online. You don’t have to provide much information to get accepted.

If you owe more, you may need to contact the IRS directly or provide more financial details with your application, but the IRS accepts payment plans on bills that are tens of thousands or even a hundred thousand dollars. With most payment plans, you can take several years to pay off the balance. 

3. You may be able to get out of tax debt for less than you owe.

If you really cannot afford to pay your tax bill, you may be able to settle it. Through the offer-in-compromise program, the IRS lets people settle tax debts for less than they owe. To qualify, you generally have to pay the most you possibly can.

You may need to sell assets or take loans against them. If the IRS agrees with your offer, you usually have to pay it in a lump sum, but in some cases, you can take a few months to pay the offer. 

4. You can typically stop IRS collection actions if you can’t afford to pay. 

The IRS can be harsh, and the agency has a lot of powers to collect unpaid taxes. However, the IRS is also reasonable. You can apply for hardship if you truly can’t afford to pay the tax bill.

If you qualify, the IRS will stop collection actions against you. Then, the agency will review the situation every few years. If you can afford to pay in the future, you may have to, but if the statute of limitations passes on the debt, it may just basically disappear. 

5. You should work with a tax professional. 

Dealing with the IRS and state tax agencies can be challenging. The rules are complicated. There are a lot of deadlines, and you may have to provide detailed financial information.

An accountant can help you decide which programs are best for your situation. They can help you decipher the paperwork and set up the best arrangements for your situation. An accountant can also ensure that you don’t incur more penalties or fall more behind than you need to. 

5 Novel Ideas for Your Wedding

Posted on by scatty

As you plan your big day, the possibilities can feel absolutely overwhelming. Everything from how to set up the venue to what wedding favors to choose likely swirls through your head, leaving you struggling to choose between all the options. The problem only gets worse from there as you try to make things feel personal to your union. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Here are five novel ideas you can use to streamline your wedding plans and make them feel 100% unique.

Use Circular Ceremony Seating

Circular ceremony seating puts your and your future spouse at centerstage for your big day. All your attendees will feel like the guest of honor, too, ensuring they get the ideal view of your nuptials. Plus, your photographer will have their pick of fantastic angles to shoot all your photos.

All you have to do is find a venue that supports this setup – no front stage allowed. Then, have the chairs arranged in a circular formation around a central area big enough for you, the love of your life, and your chosen officiant.

Create Annual Advice Cards

Wedding guestbooks let you look back on your big day with fondness as you remember all your treasured attendees. But it’s also a complete and total yawnfest, especially as your guests line up to sign their names.

So, go one step further with the idea and turn your guestbook into annual advice cards. You can then open the cards on anniversaries and put your guests’ thoughtful advice into action year after year.

To do this, just hand out cards numbered with different years as guests arrive. Then, instruct them to write their best advice on the cards before sealing them in the provided envelopes.

Enjoy Pub Trivia with Dinner

All too often, wedding reception dinners end up stuffy affairs. So, if you want to keep things lively, you’ll need to think outside the box and roll out pub trivia.

Although this takes a little extra work ahead of time, it’ll get everyone in the mood to party it up after dinner ends. To ensure it all goes off without a hitch, choose your funniest friend to run the ordeal – or hire someone to handle it for you.

Want to take the pub trivia experience to the next level? Skip the fancy four-course meal in favor of food truck madness!

Hire a Talented Live Event Painter

Photographs are cool and all. But how about having your wedding scenes painted by hand? From the moment you walk out of the chapel together to your first dance as a married couple, every last scene just looks more magical when done in oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints.

You’ll still want to have a photographer get all the rest of the shots, of course. The live event painter will just be there to capture the most striking memories of the day.  

Hand Out Toy Lightsabers and Swords

Bubbles. Mints. Magnets. They’re all fine as wedding favors, but they don’t get the party going. Fortunately, it’s easy to jazz things up in an instant by handing out toy lightsabers and swords to your guests.

As your wedding guests get their faux weaponry, ordinary dances quickly turn into dance battles to remember. The scene just gets even more crazy as the open bar fuels the fun, ensuring you get some truly epic photos out of the deal.

As you roll out these novel ideas for your wedding, don’t be surprised if they take the world by storm. Before you know it, your friends will want to borrow from your plans as they figure out the details for their own big day. If that happens, just remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

5 Herbs with Scientifically Proven Benefits

Posted on by scatty

Are you looking for a delicious way to improve your health? Dig into these five tasty herbs with scientifically-proven health benefits.

Science Says these 5 Herbs can Improve Your Health

1. Sage

People have been using sage as a medicinal herb since the dawn of time, but it really became popular for its healing properties in the Middle Ages. In fact, sage gets its name from the Latin word, Salvere, which means “to save” or “to heal.”

Current research suggests sage can improve brain function and memory. Other studies show sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, may be helpful for reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels and decreasing inflammation.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint also enjoys a long history in folk medicine and aromatherapy. The oily components of peppermint give this herb its distinctive aroma – they also provide health effects. Research shows that peppermint helps manage pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and helps to reduce abdominal bloating. It works by relaxing the muscles in the colon. Peppermint can also soothe nausea, especially in pregnant women after surgery or following a C-section.

3. Turmeric

As with peppermint and sage, turmeric has stood the test of time for its ability to provide health benefits. Used for centuries in India as a medicinal herb, turmeric gives curry its distinctive yellow color. When used as herbal medicine, turmeric can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), a serious type of eye problem known as uveitis, skin cancer, chicken pox, small pox, urinary tract infections, and some liver problems. Turmeric can also speed wound healing.

Turmeric contains several active compounds – curcumin is the most important compound in turmeric. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the free radicals that cause tissue damage and poor health. The curcumin in turmeric is also a potent anti-inflammatory that rivals some medications.

4. Rosemary

Do you have seasonal allergies? Add a little rosemary to roasted potatoes, soups, casseroles, salads, and stews.

The active ingredient in rosemary, rosmarinic acid, can suppress allergic responses and nasal congestion to help ease your runny nose and other allergy symptoms. .

5. Echinacea

Improving your health may be as easy as picking flowers in your garden – literally. Echinacea, also called purple coneflower, is native to North America. Native Americans have used echinacea as herbal medicine for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. Today, it is a popular over-the-counter herbal remedy for colds and flu. You can also use it to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health concerns. It is currently available in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas.

Research shows that taking echinacea may lower your risk for developing a cold by more than 50 percent, and if you do catch a cold, echinacea can shorten the duration of your cold by one and a half days. Echinacea may also reduce your blood sugar level, decrease inflammation, and calm anxiety.

If you want to optimize your health and avoid illness without having to take handfuls of pills every day, take a stroll down the herbs and spices aisle of your local grocery store, or head out to your garden. Herbs may be the most delicious medicine you’ll ever take.

5 Fish That Are Easy to Keep

Posted on by scatty

Whether you are a parent who is tired of fighting a pet-loving kid or an animal lover who wants a pet but simply doesn’t have the time or energy for a cat or dog, you may find yourself considering fish ownership. However, many species of fish actually rank among the most difficult animals to care for, requiring expensive aquarium setups, precise temperature ranges, and detailed feeding instructions.

 

If you’re looking for a fish that is easy to keep in a small aquarium or even a bowl, read on to learn about five hearty species that don’t need much in terms of daily care. Otherwise, you might find your new pet floating on top of the water, passing long before its time!

 

1. Goldfish

 

While fancier goldfish with unusual body shapes are more appropriate for intermediate fish-keepers, A standard goldfish (Carassius auratus) with a relatively long body is great for people of all ages and levels of expertise and commitment. While many people keep this classic starter pet in a bowl, but they can live far longer (up to 10 years!) in a proper aquarium. If gold isn’t your color, remember that “goldfish” is a species name, not a color description. Goldfish actually come in a variety of colors including white, orange, and black.

 

2. Betta Fish

 

Like the goldfish, the betta fish can live for quite some time in a small bowl, but it thrives in a simple circulating aquarium. Because males of the species tend to fight one another, beginners should start with a single betta in its own tank. While males should generally be kept separate, owners may ultimately choose to keep multiple female bettas together. As long as bettas are kept in conditioned water that is no colder than 76°F, they are generally easy to care for and quite engaged with their owners and surroundings.

 

3. Neon Tetras

 

Although water pH levels are of more concern to neon tetras, both genders of this fish can easily be kept in groups of six or more. Quite small in size, they make great additions to virtually any multi-species freshwater aquarium, no matter how diverse, without negatively impacting water quality. Neon tetras are also quite easy to breed in captivity, but owners should take great care to look for missing gill covers, misshapen fins, asymmetrical mouths, and other signs of inbreeding.  

 

4. Mollies

 

Similar to guppies, mollies can live in many different environments and under many different conditions. As long as their water temperature is between 72°F and 78°F, they generally thrive as long as they are fed regularly, and their aquarium is kept clean. Like other live-breeding fish species, they also reproduce relatively fast, so if you get more than one, you may see fish babies quite quickly. Although they eat almost anything, owners should primarily feed them algae and other plant-based foods.

 

 

5. Zebrafish

 

If you really don’t want to keep a close eye on your water temperature, the zebrafish might just be the species for you. These fish do quite well in waters of 64°F and even lower, which means people in relatively warm climates might not even need to run an aquarium heater. Like mollies, they also eat a broad spectrum of food.

Is Being A Medical Student Right For You? 5 Ways To Know

Posted on by scatty

 

Attending medical school is a major life decision. While attending medical school and becoming a doctor is an excellent choice for many people, it’s not the best course for everyone. 

Wondering whether med school is right for you? 

Read on for a roundup of five signs that you are a good candidate for medical school. 

1. You’ve excelled academically

Medical schools have limited spaces with way too many candidates fighting for them. As such, they’re notoriously difficult to get into. Before setting your sights on attending medical school, you should first consider whether it’s a realistic choice for you. 

If you don’t have top-notch grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities that will give you a decent shot at getting in, you may want to consider another path, such as a less competitive healthcare career or taking a year or two to improve your qualifications. 

2. You comprehend the commitment

One of the reasons medical school is so difficult to get into? Medical schools are seeking candidates who can handle the rigor. No one expects medical school to be easy. Between the intense curriculum, the grueling hours, and the stiff competition, however, few people are aware of just how difficult it is. 

And we’re not just talking about your time in medical school. Attending medical school is a commitment to years and years of learning—both in the classroom and during your residency afterwards. 

Some residencies, like neurosurgery, last as long as seven years. Therefore, aspiring neurosurgeons are committing to more than a decade of training when they decide to go to medical school. The more aware you are of this commitment, the better prepared you’ll be to manage it—both personally and professionally. 

3. You’re supported by your loved ones

The decision to attend medical school doesn’t just impact you.  From the high cost of attending medical school to the time demands of being a doctor, medical school is a huge commitment for families of medical students, too.

The support of spouses, partners, families, and friends can help you stay the course when things get tough. Conversely, lack of support can become one more obstacle to success with the potential to escalate over time. 

This doesn’t mean you should let someone else’s opinions stand between you and your goal of becoming a doctor. However, it is another factor when assessing the pros and cons of going to medical school.

4. You’ve evaluated other options

The healthcare field is booming with a variety of potential career tracks. If you’ve only ever dreamed of becoming a doctor, then attending medical school may make the most sense for you. 

However, if you have a broader interest in the healthcare sector, it’s worth looking at other types of jobs. From clinical to research to administrative roles, there are many healthcare careers that require less training while still boasting a strong outlook. 

For example, if you’re most drawn to patient care, you may find working as a nurse, physician assistant, genetic counselor, occupation therapist, speech-language pathologists, or other patient-centered role equally (if not more) fulfilling. 

5. You’re motivated by the right things

People have many reasons for wanting to attend medical school. Unfortunately, not all of these reasons are conducive to a positive medical school experience and long-term fulfillment as a physician.

If you’re considering medical school because of parental pressure, prestige, or money, you may be setting yourself up to fail. Why? Because these motivations are unlikely to sustain you on the long and arduous journey to becoming a doctor.

On the other hand, if you are motivated by a genuine interest in medicine, aspire to help others in a meaningful way, and love to be challenged, medical school may be a perfect fit. These same qualities happen to be  the key to career satisfaction for physicians.