Career questions tagged choosing-a-career
How do I pick a major + minor when every option seems like it won’t be sustainable financially, nor for who I am as a person?
I’m a 17 year old junior, and I’m strugglng to make a decision. I’d love a career that allows me to continue engaging with my interests (art, history, fashion, biology), that allows me to play a primarily supportive role in the execution of a project I care about, and allows me to help people, in some way. Though I’d probably be able to find some enjoyment in any job, I think these aspects are what would bring me the most personal fufillment. This has led me down the road of the GLAM sector, and so far, I love the idea of it. Aiding in the presevation and accessibility of knowledge? Cataloging, organizing, and managing records, items, and complicated but pretty structured systems? Researching for and designing exhibitions? What a dream it would be! Unfortunately, like a lot of fields meant to be in service of the people, it just doesn’t make good money. Despite knowing I’d love the job and the work I would do, I’m just not sure if I want to make myself go through that, especially with the current state of the world. It feels kinda selfish that I don’t want to waste my life away in a job I can’t stand, but I also don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck for the rest of my life. My family is very much comfortable in my home country—I’ve truly never worried about finances here—but I am very sure that I’ll be studying abroad, and I am accutely aware that I won’t have economic support to the level that I’m used to. On top of the money troubles, I know the field is highly competitive and high-pressure, that it’s incredibly difficult to get into without connections, and that I’ll almost definitely go into debt to get the education most positions need. I would pivot, but I feel as if I’m too far in. My subjects, extracurriculars, and life has been built around this one thread, how am I meant to cut it and start anew? All other roads lead to careers that I feel so unsure about, or require skills I feel I’m too late to pick up. While I can learn to navigate and use a database, I’m still not very good with computers, or people, or chemistry. I don’t have any spark of entrepreneurship. I have a tiny interest in medicine, but I don’t think I could handle the responsibilty; someone losing their life because I made a mistake terrifies me. Sorry for the rant! D: But that leads me back to my original question, how do I pick a path when everything feels like a dead end? Every compromise makes me feel insane, because it just feels like I’m walking in circles and running into the same problems. It never feels like I’m actually reaching a middle ground, where I won’t be constantly worried about bills AND still actually like my job. Maybe this is just some character flaw I need to work through? Maybe I just need to be more adaptable, more willing to take risks and slum it. Maybe I just need to expand my horizons and look for more options? But I don’t know anymore. Should I just look for a major that gets me a corporate job and have the personally fufilling things as a minor and side job? What jobs does “corporate” even include? Do I look for an integrated degree? Should I just go into like archiving or digital cataloging? Again, I’m SO sorry for this behemoth of a question! I’m just genuinely at my wit’s end. If anyone could provide any words of wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated! :D
Should I pursue Computer Science, Physics, or Architecture if my goal is to become an astronomer but job prospects are limited in my country?
I am a freshman student in Ethiopia currently facing a difficult decision regarding my major. I am writing to seek advice from professionals who might have experience in these fields or in navigating career paths in developing regions. Currently, I am enrolled in Computer Science, but I am considering switching to either Physics or Architecture. My lifelong dream is to become an astronomer. However, in Ethiopia, pursuing a Physics degree to enter astronomy is often seen as an impractical path, as most graduates end up in teaching roles rather than research. Because of this, I considered Architecture as a more "practical" second choice. However, I have realized that an Architecture degree would not allow me to pursue a Master’s in Astronomy or Physics later on. On the other hand, I have learned that a degree in Computer Science would still allow me to pivot into Astronomy for my Master’s. I am torn between my passion and the practical reality of the job market in my country. Should I stick with Computer Science as a bridge to my dream, risk a Physics degree, or choose Architecture for stability even if it means leaving astronomy behind? I would appreciate any insights or opinions you can share. Thank you for your time and help. *Note: Question asked anonymously by a learner
What do I do; what should I be?
I am feeling very discouraged about what career path to follow. I am currently somewhere in between a sophomore and a junior in college at the University of Florida Online (due to dual enrollment; it is actually my freshman year), majoring in speech language pathology. I want to switch majors because I do not feel like my current path is going to work out. I was already unsure about this major, and I am very indecisive, so now I am struggling to find another major to switch to. I have all A's and a full bright futures scholarship. The classes I have taken so far are very general. On paper, I seem to have a lot of options. However, it feels like everything I want to do is being taken over by AI, everything I do not like but am good at (math-related) takes forever in school to complete and sounds profoundly boring, and everything else either does not interest me, does not make enough money, or I will not be able to find a job with that degree. I want to spend as little time in school as possible, so at most a master's degree if necessary. My worst nightmare is being chained to a desk for the rest of my life staring at numbers. I feel very stuck and I would really appreciate some advice!
Hello, my question is specifically for somebody in the science field. I am currently pursuing a biology degree but I have a lot of interests. So my question is, how did you pick one thing to specialize in ?
I am currently a college freshman, and I cannot decide between a career in Marine Biology, Wildlife Conservation, Marine Conservation, Wildlife Biologist, or something else.
What should I study within Communications?
High school senior looking at college, specifically Communications. For those of y’all that studied/are studying that what specific concentrations did you study within the Communications field and how did it help you? What do you recommend if I have no ideas beyond that incredibly vague area of study?
As a high school freshman with an interest in human anatomy, medicine, and helping people, how do I gain experience/knowledge to narrow down a career choice/college major ?
There are so many options in the medical field so how can I gain experience and/or get more detailed information before applying to college? Is there specific coursework beyond just science and math classes that would be beneficial to me?
What different aspects are important to look at while looking for a career you are passionate about?
I have been struggling to find a good fitting field to go into. Should I look at things like my hobbies or daily life, or should I try something new?
How do I make my career path when I don't know what I want to do for my career?
I am a high school senior who wants to go to college but I'm not sure what I want my career to be yet.
What are some good “backup” career choices for someone who wants a career in either arts or game design?
What are some good “backup” career choices for someone who wants a career in either arts or game design
What should I consider when choosing between college and trade school?
I am a sophomore in high school, and I need to begin thinking about college, trade school, or a career.
How do I get closer to my dream career?
Im a 15 year old freshman in highschool and I wonder on human behavior during situations, I want to be able to explore different careers and I'm ready to decide on something. I want to interview someone with or similar to the career I currently want.
How do you figure out what you want to do?
How does one figure out what they want to do if they have multiple interests/ talents that are not alike in anyway? For example: I love childcare. For most of time i don't care about the money but I also have a good head for math (I am looking into accounting or something of the sort) and I am artistic
How to decide what i'd like to do in terms of college and highschool?
I'm currently in between the four majors I'd like to do, which are architecture, physics, engineering, and astrology. I'm most fond of all and enjoy looking into all of them but I'm at a standstill at what Id like to pursue when I go into highschool. However, I can admit I'm a bit young to think about it, but I think it's beneficial to come into highschool with a particular mindset and a game plan. Also, some tips for highschool would be very appreciated.
How should I decide what major I should take in college if I still haven´t decided on my career path?
I´m interested to know how choosing a major will impact my future, considering I haven´t decided what I´d like to do in my future. I´d appreciate being given context and clarity.
When I become a dermatologist will be helping people feel better about their skin.
#choosing-a-career #dermatologist
Should I choose a minor that is easily utilized if my major is specific to a certain field?
I would like to major in conservation biology or wildlife biology, but it seems like a very difficult field to become employed in, and I was planning on minoring in psychology because I am interested in behavior and thought it would compliment a biology degree. However, would it be better to minor, or double major, in a more career-oriented field? Such as business, marketing, liberal arts, etc. They aren't especially interesting topics for me, but would they serve well as a backup plan? #conservation #wildlife-biology #business #marketing #liberal-arts #choosing-a-major #choosing-major ##choosing-a-minor #choosing-a-career #psychology #majors-and-minors #interests
What is it like to work as a fashion magazine editor or journalist?
I am considering pursuing fashion journalism, but I don't know what the lifestyle of a journalist is. Is it mostly a desk job or would there be more walking around? #fashion #journalism #choosing-a-career
Why does one consider becoming a psychologist/therapist?
For a long time now, I have wanted to be a psychologist because the human mind is extremely interesting but also because I feel like I could make a huge change in someone else's life. I have heard from many that I should consider an occupation that is more financially stable, which has caused a minor conflict of interest. So why do people do this, for money or fulfillment? Or maybe another third variable that I am yet to be made aware of? #psychology #clinical-psychology #choosing-a-career #therapy
Is a college education better than being in the arm forces?
If putting my family in a bind to pay for college for me then my second option will be joining the arm forces.#choosing-a-career
I am interested in Computer Science. However, there are many directions you can go within that major. How should I narrow my major down to be more specific?
Trying to determine best major/minor or combination to give me the most career opportunities and flexibility. #information-technology #computer-science #choosing-a-major #choosing-a-career