English/Creative Writing Major-Is it Practical?

Question

Right now I am trying to figure out "the rest of my life" as you can call it. I am trying to decide where to go school and what to major in- and most people say "do what makes you happy". Well, I have a HUGE passion for Writing and for Literature, but I know not everyone can be the next great American novelist. So- I'm trying to find practical applications of majoring in English or Creative Writing. Any advice will help. Thanks ! =)

Answer 1

Yeah, it sucks but usually all you can do with a english or history degree (or others) is teach.

I am SO glad you are thinking about this now, rather then in 4 years after you graduate, and realise you've got $100000 in loans, and no marketable degree.

Answer 2

Well, I have a MA in English/Creative Writing, and struggled with the same question when I graduated. Bottling my desire to be a great American novelist for something a little more "practical", and went the teaching route. Taught high school, then quickly moved on to teaching at the university level. I loved it, but sadly, holding a MA will get you nothing more than the meanest of teaching jobs - freshmen courses - with no benefits or real pay for that matter. You could publish a bunch of things (creatively or academically) to boost your position in the poles, but good luck finding time to do that while teaching a 6/6 course load. Sorry, I digress. After that, a friend of mine (a graphic designer turned creative director) turned me on to copywriting. I always liked the psychology of advertising, for good or for ill, and when I found out how much they were willing to pay in comparison to what I was making teaching, I jumped in with both feet. It's been a couple of years (and a couple of jobs) later, and I'm still a copywriter. It works well with that academic path and degree, so I would recommend giving it a look. I won't pretend and tell you, that at times, being a copywriter isn't a pride swallowing job. Or that it is anything near to being a great American novelist. But, it has its perks. You won't be a starving artist, and if you can get into the hot areas, like San Fran, Atlanta, Orlando, or New York, you could hit the big time. One last thing. If you can swallow any remaining desire you had to be a 'creative' writer, you could pick up a copywriting/technical writing job in the pharmaceutical industry. Pay usually starts near a hundred grand. Not bad. Is you soul worth it? I'll let you decide.

Answer 3

I will gove my opinion based on my experice -

All too often, practicality = salary to a recent graduate. Most Liberal Arts pursuits turn out placing one in the same jobs they could have had without the degree, meaning there is not much of a "bump" up the social ladder.

Here's the test to apply for yourself: can the thing you wish to accomplish be done without schooling? If yes, then don't go to school for it. And one must apply reasoning here. We could be sentimental and apply the old cliche "anything you set your mind to can be accomplished" which is true, but largely does not recognize how many discomforts you may have along the way!

Writing and Literature, while a mix of art and skill, is largley something that can fall into the category of a hobby. Most liberal arts majors, while being articulate and well read, usually must stay withing that profession by going all the way (Phd) or go to law school. Many of my lawyer friends were liberal arts and claim they went to law school because it was all they could do to get paid well.

I say think about going to school for a skill you can learn and tolerate while using your spare time to write.

I have a friends who studied English Lit. and Physics. While working a fun job in research she freelances science articles
for magazines and has a book in the works. The book is science; but having studied something else will provide you a special nitche you wouldn't have otherwise.

Good luck!
Happy Holidays!

Answer 4

Practicality is a relative concept. How do you define success?

In general terms, artists of all types don't make a lot of money; at least not while they're alive. It all depends on whether driving a BMW and living in a big house is important to you. If it is, rethink your major. If not, go for it and don't look back!

Good luck!

Answer 5

On one hand, I'd say do what you love, worry later. On the other, if an English major doesn't work out, you can always go to law school. :-) But seriously, doing what you love is never a waste.

Answer 6

Ever thought of getting into advertising? That could combine a financially viable career with creativity in writing.