What should I do with my life?

Question

I graduate in 2009 with an Arts degree in English Honours and Classics Honours (Classics being the study of Ancient Greek and Latin). This is all wonderful, but it's starting to hit on me that I have chosen the wrong path. Now I love English and Classics. But, in truth, these majors are not versatile for the real world. Unless I want to work at a bookstore or be a secretary, and I don't want to do those things.

I have been wondering if I should just change faculties and do a degree in science because I will be guaranteed a job that pays well (according to my father). But the thing is that when I graduate, I'll be up to my ears in loans. And if I switch faculties, I'll accrue even more debt. I could always go to graduate school, but what would an MA really do for me?

So you see my quandary.

I don't mean to sound snotty or anything, so I apologise for offending anyone. Hearing other people tell me that I am making the wrong life choices for so long is finally hitting hard on me.

Thanks for the answers so far. And I live in Canada, where we use Canadian English.

Answer 1

You are the one that has to live your life. so you should make a decision based on the things that you value; not on what other people think you should do. If someone challenges your decision, the best way to settle any doubts they may have is to provide them with sound reasoning for why you chose that particular course of action.

I recommend reading the following two books. I found them helpful in my approach to deciding what I wanted to do in life and making decisions in general that I can justify to myself and others.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Decision Traps: The Ten Barriers to Decision-Making and How to Overcome Them, J. Edward Russo and Paul J. H. Schoemaker

The sources below can provide you an idea of what information is in the books. Both books may be in your school or public library.

Answer 2

I would go to your school advisors and teachers and ask them what are the possibilities for a person with the degree that you are going to graduate with. There must be something more than just what you listed. For instance I have a niece who started engenering in college. She couldn't hack the work and backed off to be a math major. We were not sure what she could do with that other than just teach and she found a job as an actuary making great money.

So someone should be able to give you a more complete list of your possiblities upon graduation. Or get just a few computer classes under your belt as well and a few business classes. Often consulting firms look for people who can think creatively more than just what specific degree they have.

Remember in the end whatever you do, in time you will get the debt repaied, it suck for now but you will get there. But the career choice that you make can stick with you for the rest of your life. Choose something that you will enjoy as well as be able to make money at.

Try things now, find internship positions or part time work to help you see what you want to do. Heck be a substitute teacher see how you like that. But get out there and try stuff because 20 years from now when you've been in a job you hate but pays well. It will be a bear to change what your doing.

Answer 3

Ok, so if you are graduating in 2009, you have at least a couple years of more classes. If you really really enjoy classics or whatever, then study it and go to grad school and study it more, then teach it somehow somewhere.

However, if you think you might not enjoy it for a dacade or two then go for at least a major in something marketable. I studied Botany, got the degree and have never used it for anything. Straight Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Engineering might have been wiser choices. Its WAY easier to pay off those student loans if you can find a good job. I would bet that many classics majors drive cabs after graduating.

Answer 4

Teach what it is that you love, and help others gain the same love and respect for English and the Classics. In a society that is ever-changing to promote more and more technology, computers, and games, I fear for a day when no emphasis at all are placed on reading and arts. Be a light and help others see the importance of what you study. Complete your degree, get a masters or PhD in it, and return to college to instill the same love for the subject as you do. Professors make a lucrative income, have great hours, and you would enjoy going to work everyday doing something you love. You could also write reviews and books in your spare time. Good luck!

Answer 5

check into a secondary major, there might be one that only requires a few more classes and will allow you to have more marketable skills. If you still want to completely change majors then find something that will allow you to retake fewer classes and hopefully take less time. In the long run you can get a good job with the english degree as long as you have the marketable skills to go with the job that can't be found on a piece of paper (ie life skills and job experience). Good Luck!

Answer 6

If you are interested in ancient ruins, I would strongly recommend archeology. There are many translations that need to be made from artifacts with Latin and ancient Grecian writings. Museums may be fascinating places in your interest.

Let your heart choose what you believe in. If you decide to go with a science degree, the loans are for an excellent cause. It may take a while to pay off, but consider what you would be missing out on if you do not. As long as you are happy, that is what really counts.

Answer 7

You sound like a average college student. There are alot of people who change their degrees in the middle. Worry about the loans later because what choice you make will determine what you will most likely do for the rest of your life.So don't let money make your decision. No one can make this decision but you. All you can do is go by what you think you will be happy in doing for most of your life.Good luck

Answer 8

my best friend graduated with a major in english , and now she is writing her own coloumn for the new york times
on the other hand, my other best friend graduated with a degree in biology, he didn't get into medical school b/c of the competition and cost , so now he is doing labs work at local homeless shelter
...
p.s. talking about career.....
sorry for mistakes , i typed fast, i know how you feel, i am getting in a degree in history, and i have NO idea what am i going to do after graduation
i feel ur pain

Answer 9

Use your English skills and knowledge of ancient languages and culture, as well as your science knowledge to write a best-selling science-fiction novel.

Answer 10

honey let your heart guide you. no one can decide for you. but always remember to do what you like to do. do what makes you satisfied and content. you certainly don't want to be stuck in a boring job. always try to do what is best for you and other people might have good advice but quite honestly it is only you that can decide. be honest with your self. what do you enjoy the most. think about it.
blessed be,
ellizabeth