Changing Majors...

[Aeradalia]

Given the break down I under went, my grades in college took a nose dive... however this has really put things in perspective. I have given careful consideration to what path I want my life to take. I've taken different personality tests, temperament tests... all kinds that overlay one another in an attempt to identify my strong attributes and how to differentiate those from the masked (or forced) persona I adopted growing up in a dysfunctional family. Therapy has helped considerably with all of this.

Accounting doesn't appeal to my strong suits, it's within my realm of abilities but brings me no joy. It offers no moments of 'breakthroughs' or deep provocative concepts. Something I tend to crave and savor with delight. So I know it would be best to switch majors and pursue some other career.

The local community college offers an Associate in Applied Science in Human Services, particularly Case Management Specialty. It's a modest position but would be an entry level into a career I could very easily see me pursuing for life --- psychology. I have yet to research this further, though I am quite eager to do so. Along with this, I intend to make use of the Spanish classes they offer, which would be an added plus, particularly in this field. I have put in my transcripts to this college along with my financial aid and will start classes in the fall, so I have some time to make up my mind.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[dewilliams2]

I changed my major 3 times...most people do change their majors at least once.

Your wise to do what you want to do....so many people go into fields because they pay well but hate their jobs and few ever reach the place where even though they hate their jobs they only have to work like 20 hrs a week to support themselves.

Just work on getting your gpa up and don't get to down on yourself when it feels like a grind.

[doppelgaenger]

I think you should go for a BA or a BS. Try to get admitted into a 4-year liberal arts uni. It really doesn't matter what you study, as long as you're interested in it.

I changed my major once. I came to school studying fine art and I switched to modern languages during my sophomore year. Why? Because I love literature more than drawing and painting. My passion has always been writing and I am much better at that.

[Mish]

The best is to have a career that pays you enough and lets you do things that you like. Failing that, I guess it comes down to priorities. If you prefer to get paid more, then accounting is a secure field with a good / stable income. If you prefer to do what you really like at the expense of less pay then psychology is a good choice. Though try to go into organisational psychology if you can, those jobs are always in higher demand.

[dewilliams2]

I'd rather get a job I love that also pays well thats why I'm going into environmental law....I think there will be a great demand for it the more wind farms and other alternative energy sources take fruition...not to mention the continued encroachment of communities into farmland and wildlife sanctuaries.

So while the money isn't spectacular now I think demand will go up greatly...plus I believe I love wildlife/the country, and animals.

[Aeradalia]

Just work on getting your gpa up and don't get to down on yourself when it feels like a grind.

I have researched the counseling available at the school, so when I'm feeling down I'll have someone who can help keep things in perspective. The credits didn't transfer over, so I'm starting over with a more or less clean slate with this school.

I think you should go for a BA or a BS. Try to get admitted into a 4-year liberal arts uni. It really doesn't matter what you study, as long as you're interested in it.

I thought it best to go for an associates so I could have a job higher than minimum wage sooner. I intend to return for more education later, but realize I'll need to take smaller steps given all the financial circumstances left behind from my mother and ex-husband.

I changed my major once. I came to school studying fine art and I switched to modern languages during my sophomore year. Why? Because I love literature more than drawing and painting. My passion has always been writing and I am much better at that.

Science and research has always interested me though I have a natural tendency to administrate and listen to others.

I realize I probably do poorly in the advice department here on the forum, but that's because what I do know tends to be rather limited.

[Aeradalia]

The best is to have a career that pays you enough and lets you do things that you like. Failing that, I guess it comes down to priorities. If you prefer to get paid more, then accounting is a secure field with a good / stable income. If you prefer to do what you really like at the expense of less pay then psychology is a good choice. Though try to go into organisational psychology if you can, those jobs are always in higher demand.

I'll look into organizational psychology... along with other kinds. I'm learning it's best to place what makes you happy above simply earning a paycheck -- especially when given the option to have both.

[Aeradalia]

Nursing. It is very employable

I lack the appropriate demeanor for nursing... I know it would bring me no joy, because jobs for hospitals and nursing homes have brought me no joy in the past.

[dewilliams2]

You gotta learn to enjoy things. This whole idea of chasing your passions to find your career is a bunch of new-age bunk

I get what your saying...that you have to learn to tolerate things you don't like...but with that said it never killed anybody to love their job.

I think part of college is finding what you love and then figuring out how you can mold that into a career....I also realized years ago that there are several roads I could take my life in and find enjoyment in all of them....I think thats what some people overlook.

They think they have to figure everything out right now and that is the only path in life. I realized that even when you plan something chances are it won't turn out exactly like that so put yourself on the road you want to be on but don't get to upset when you fall off the road. Just enjoy where ever you end up.

[Aeradalia]

You gotta learn to enjoy things. This whole idea of chasing your passions to find your career is a bunch of new-age bunk

Why have you chosen your own major... was it purely for the money? Or because you had some interest in it?

I keep returning to this... even had bought a DSM-IV when I was younger... read everything I could get my hands on when I was at the Burke Center... I'm fascinated by how the mind works, how thoughts are processed... etc. Since I've been diagnosed I've gathered over 20 research sites about the illness, similar illnesses, medications usually prescribed and their effects, support groups, common misconceptions, etc... I have been particularly intrigued by schizophrenia and autism.

I understand that it is important to find enjoyment in what you do, and usually I can... but if there's a chance to do more than enjoy -- to actually LOVE what you do... how can I pass that up?

[doppelgaenger]

Chasing your passions is new age 'bunk' but having a passionate interest in the things you know and do will affect your ethos. There is a difference.

[AdminOnline]

Finance industry = where big bucks flow..

too bad i am not in that..

[Lipp]

The one piece of advise that a high-school friend of mine who pursued psychology at uni was this -

"Don't study psychology to fix your own problems"

So with that in mind, while experiencing its benefit first-hand serves as motivation, I'd advise against it, unless you are absolutely certain that it's not your intent.

[doppelgaenger]

I know a lot of ****ed up individuals who think that studying psych as a major/minor has somehow given them some sort of power over others. It irritates me a lot.
I have taken psych courses here at uni and I can tell you... it's the study of choices.

[IndiReloaded]

I know a lot of ****ed up individuals who think that studying psych as a major/minor has somehow given them some sort of power over others. It irritates me a lot.
I have taken psych courses here at uni and I can tell you... it's the study of choices.

I have yet to meet a well-balanced psychologist or psychiatrist, they always seem to be trying to self-treat somehow. The fact they think their training makes them qualified to help others is laughable.

The most down to earth natural counsellors I've met were either nurses, successful business owners, and grandmothers from stable marriages w/kids. My conclusion is its the combination of pragmatism + 'get it done' attitude makes them effective.