Psychiatrist/Psychologist: On being a Psychologist

Introduction
If you are interested primarily in being a clinician, you might want to look into related fields as they require less schooling. However, getting your doctorate allows you more flexibility: You can teach, supervise other clinicians, do research, psych. testing, and work in consultative roles in related fields like criminology and sociology.

Job Function
Best aspects: Working directly with people, making a difference in their lives.

Worst aspects: Paperwork, dealing with insurance companies, etc... Advertisement
Lifestyle
I work primarily in schools. As a result, I have a fair amount of fliexibity with my schedule. As such, I have plenty of time for extracurricular activities and family.

Warmth and empathy are important traits to possess when working with people in psychological distress.

Additional Information
Its rewarding work...but you can take some of it home with you. You can't help everyone and that can be frustrating and even painful at times, especially if you're not emotionally prepared for it and you don't have a balanced life.