Should I pursue a career in IT or Radiography?

This is crossposted so apologies for explaining stuff you might already know, I'm just looking for insight at the moment, anyway-

I'm considering becoming a X-ray/MRI technician. Its a 2 years University degree which will cost me £20k+ (and by me I mean the government). But this is in the UK so student loans repayments are lenient. I will start on low £30k / year with the possibility to progress to £60k (over 10 years), which is basically what it caps out at working in healthcare in the UK.

Alternatively, I was considering a career in IT. I got offered an interview for an IT helpdesk role (also at a hospital), the starting salary sucks, I think its £26k/y but with specialization, experience and certification you can become a Network Engineer + Cyber Sec and all of that, with the salary cap being potentially way higher, something like £100k in an ideal scenario.

I'm not particularly passionate about either - though not dispassionate. I enjoy doing a good job, being appreciated and being paid well enough for a comfortable life.

I'm 30 years old, my previous career was in VFX (too unstable) which was basically computer work.

Both of these choices were based on practicality. My main goal is to get a foothold in life and build a nest. Healthcare will always be in demand, and Network Engineering is a non-flashy, kinda boring field (sorry) that is also practical and pays well.

I'm leaning towards radiography because its an easier start, I basically get funding and can begin uni very soon. But.... I don't know. What if I change my mind? IT seems like a really good career in the private sector with many specialisms... and again, I'm thinking about the pay.

My main worry is IT will be too fast paced, I can be sorta slow sometimes. However, I'm a good problem solver and have experience troubleshooting/debugging and can find answers when I need them. Basically I don't have enough experience to know whether IT or Healthcare will fit me (and more importantly my cognitive profile). I can be quite squeamish with blood, gore and sh*t, but, I'm a soldier by disposition and can power through anything... (other than superiors screaming at me for screwing up, which I am quite sensitive about). The adrenaline junky side of me leans a bit more to healthcare. The idea of being on the ground and moving around helping people appeals a bit more than abstract computer work.

Thank you for reading my rant, any clarity would be appreciated.

Posted Aug 12, 2025, 5:32 PM UTC

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