Two unusual comments caught my attention this week during otherwise normal conversations.  Each was made by successful professionals who had realized "The American Dream".

The Medical Profession in Need of a Doctor

An obstetrician indicated to me that he hoped his children would pursue a profession other than medicine.  This interested me as "growing up to be a doctor" has been the aspiration of hopeful parents for generations. 

The concerned father indicated that, in his opinion, the career path was increasingly unattractive given:

• Rising costs associated with malpractice insurance and expanding Government implemented requirements
• Falling compensation (reimbursement cuts, private insurers under pressure) and
• Uncertainty about the future of the profession in an era of increasing regulatory oversight

The commentary was not that doctors won't continue to do well.  The perspective was, given the requirements and sacrifices associated with becoming a doctor, a person would be relatively better off focusing their efforts on more productive pursuits which are less dependent on fickle political interference.

The American Dream of Homerentership

A lawyer who has been aggressively trying to sell his house for more than a year stated that he couldn't wait to become a renter.

With an expanding family threatening to exceed the capacity of his house, the owner is highly motivated to sell.  But since the tax credit expired, all prospective interest in the property has evaporated.  This person has realized the American Dream of Homeownership, and all he really wants to do is sell his house and become a renter.


No longer wanting our children to become doctors, and fantasizing about escaping the burden of homeownership.  We live during interesting times.