What are the pros and cons of being a psychologist?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

The pros of being a psychologist are competitive pay and rewarding work, while the cons are extensive educational requirements and potential loneliness. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a psychologist:

Pros:

Competitive Pay. The average salary for a psychologist in the United States is $92,725. You can also undergo more specialization and training to make even more money. Along with the competitive pay, psychologists often have great benefits.
Flexible Work Hours. If you start your own practice, you will be able to choose which hours work best for you. You can choose to take specific days off or work less than normal business hours.
Rewarding Work. As a psychologist, you are able to help people work through difficulties in their lives. You are helping people feel better and be better. This can be an incredibly rewarding feeling and many psychologists feel very satisfied with their work.

Cons:

Emotionally Draining. Helping people work through their issues is extremely rewarding, but it can also be extremely emotionally draining. You will also have to be open to clients who are often angry or disrespectful.
Lots of Requirements. Psychologists hold doctorate degrees, which require lots of time, commitment, and money to finish. There are also licensing requirements that can be difficult to obtain.
Loneliness. Although you are working constantly with your clients, you are often working by yourself. Many people thrive in an environment working with coworkers, and your interactions with other workers will be limited.