@ kibbler:
I qualified in Holland, after 5 years. Came to the UK where I had to do additional experience and exam work to prove my qualifications are equal to those in the UK, which took another few years. In the UK training takes 3 years for first degree, then 2-3 years working as an assistant, another 3 years for the clinical degree which allows you to practice.
Work is generally tough but versatile. There are some risks involved; you work in some areas with extremely distressed, often dysfunctional, sometimes dangerous people. I've had to face off someone waving an axe once; I occasionally also deal with suicidal people.
It pays reasonably but not great when comparing training and job difficulty to commercial industry; but pensions in the NHS are good. You get to be your own captain a lot, and work to your own insights. You can have huge informal power in the system as you're the only profession that can challenge its dynamics.
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"There is a thin line between magic and madness"
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