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What is the best path to take if you are not 100% where you want to go with the degree you are working towards?
I love psychology and I love learning all about it, but I feel overwhelmed with the career paths I could take. Sometimes I think about being a clinical psychologist but then I feel as though that wouldn't work for me. There are so many paths I'm interested in, but then there's also needing more schooling and losing more money. I just get worried and I don't want to make the wrong choice.
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3 answers

Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
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Steward "Tony"’s Answer
As a United States Marine Corps Veteran, I would easily suggest joining Space Force as a Guardian. As a 30+ year retired Business Professional I would suggest same. You will be so ahead of everyone on tech, travel, and mission that once out, these concerns won't even enter your mind.
If You Do, This Marine Will Be Proud of You! Semper Fi! Semper Supra!
If You Do, This Marine Will Be Proud of You! Semper Fi! Semper Supra!
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Marlon’s Answer
We all "kind of" have been there.. In my opinion depends how young and "obligations-free" you are at the moment... If you are just starting and you have some doubts in what you are doing but you see potential and you are also excited then go for it! you can still adjust as needed very quickly... But sometime there are other variables to measure and difficult to make the choice, in that case I'd suggest to reach out to your relatives/friends for advise and make the best possible decision.
You are just starting your journey so don0t be afraid to make few mistakes, only to try to "fail quickly" and move on faster..
You are just starting your journey so don0t be afraid to make few mistakes, only to try to "fail quickly" and move on faster..
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Gabriela’s Answer
What you’re feeling is completely normal and honestly, it’s a sign that you’re thinking deeply, not that you’re lost. Psychology is a vast and beautiful field, and being curious about different paths is actually a strength.
When I was starting out, I also felt that same pull in many directions. I loved psychology, but wasn’t sure which path would ‘fit’: clinical work, organizational settings, education, coaching... it was a lot. What helped me?
Thinking in terms of experiments, not lifelong decisions.
Instead of trying to decide forever, ask yourself: ‘What’s one step I can take this year to explore a direction I’m curious about?’ That could be volunteering, shadowing a professional, taking one specialized course, or joining a community of counselors. Let your next step inform your decision, not define it forever.
Also yes, further education can be expensive, but not all valuable roles in psychology require a doctorate. Many impactful careers exist at the bachelor’s or master’s level: counseling, HR, behavior analysis, school support, organizational psychology, wellness coaching... and even within clinical settings, there are multiple types of licensure depending on the country or state. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
Trust me your path will become clearer as you walk it, not before. Keep learning, stay close to your values, and don’t make decisions based on fear make them based on curiosity and purpose.
When I was starting out, I also felt that same pull in many directions. I loved psychology, but wasn’t sure which path would ‘fit’: clinical work, organizational settings, education, coaching... it was a lot. What helped me?
Thinking in terms of experiments, not lifelong decisions.
Instead of trying to decide forever, ask yourself: ‘What’s one step I can take this year to explore a direction I’m curious about?’ That could be volunteering, shadowing a professional, taking one specialized course, or joining a community of counselors. Let your next step inform your decision, not define it forever.
Also yes, further education can be expensive, but not all valuable roles in psychology require a doctorate. Many impactful careers exist at the bachelor’s or master’s level: counseling, HR, behavior analysis, school support, organizational psychology, wellness coaching... and even within clinical settings, there are multiple types of licensure depending on the country or state. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
Trust me your path will become clearer as you walk it, not before. Keep learning, stay close to your values, and don’t make decisions based on fear make them based on curiosity and purpose.