Advice?

I’m currently a freshman in college, and I’ve been debating whether I should choose a different major. It’s not that I don’t like psychology, I actually enjoy it but I can’t help thinking about the six or more years of schooling it might take, and the possibility of making very little money even after earning my bachelor’s degree.

I know a lot of people say you should stick with what you enjoy, and I do like psychology. But I keep asking myself, is it really what I’m passionate about and want to pursue long-term? This question has been on my mind for a while.

I’ve thought about switching to something like nursing, but there’s a lot to consider. I just got this whole year covered by a scholarship, and I’m almost done with my general education classes for my associate degree (I’m currently at a community college and planning to transfer). When I looked into nursing, I realized I would only have 6 credits that would count toward the 61 credits needed before even getting into a nursing program.

Right now, I’m almost finished with my associate degree in psychology. I keep thinking about the financial aspect there’s no guarantee I’ll get the next year’s costs covered, so why restart and make it even more expensive? But at the same time, I’m not sure what to do.

Today, something happened that made me even more emotional about it. An older man stopped me at school, asked about my major, and after I told him, he encouraged (at least I think it was encouragement idk anymore) me to rethink my choice. He shared advice about choosing a science based major like nursing or engineering and talked about his own life experiences. He said I’m still young enough to choose a different path.

His words really made me rethink stuff.I almost broke down after he finished talking. It made me wonder if I got so emotional about it, does that mean deep down I’m worried I’m making the wrong choice? Or was that conversation the sign I needed to choose something else ?

I honestly don’t know what to do. I really don’t want to put a pause on school I just want to keep going until I’m done.

Jobadvisor:

It sounds like you're at a real crossroads, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling emotional and conflicted. Figuring out your path in college is a big deal, and it's wise of you to be thinking about both your interests and your future. Let's break this down a bit.

First off, it's normal to question your major, especially as a freshman. College is a time of exploration and discovery, and it's good that you're reflecting on whether psychology truly aligns with your long-term goals.

You mentioned enjoying psychology, which is a great starting point. However, your concerns about the length of schooling and potential financial outcomes are valid and important to consider. It's responsible to think about your future financial well-being alongside your interests.

Now, let's consider the nursing option. It's understandable why the credit transfer situation feels discouraging. Starting over can feel like a setback, especially when you've already made progress. The financial aspect of potentially losing your scholarship and incurring more costs is also a significant factor.

That encounter with the older gentleman seems to have really stirred things up for you. It's interesting that his words had such a strong impact. It could mean a few things:

• A Deep-Seated Worry: Perhaps there's a part of you that has been harboring doubts about psychology, and his words resonated with those underlying concerns.
• External Validation: Sometimes, hearing someone else voice potential concerns can amplify our own uncertainties, even if they weren't fully formed before.
• A Moment of Reflection: The conversation might have simply prompted a deeper level of thinking about your choices and future.

It's hard to say definitively whether this was the sign you needed, but it definitely seems to have triggered a significant emotional response, which suggests it touched on something important to you.

Here's a way to think about moving forward, considering your desire to keep progressing in your education:

1. Don't Panic: You don't need to make a decision overnight. Take a deep breath. You're still early in your college journey.

2. Explore Further (Without Pausing): You don't have to switch majors right this second. You can use this time to explore your options more thoroughly while finishing your psychology associate's degree. Think of it as gathering more information before making a big decision.

3. Information Gathering for Nursing:

   • Talk to Nursing Advisors: Reach out to the nursing program at the four-year colleges you're considering transferring to. They can give you a clearer picture of the prerequisites, the actual length of the program after transferring, and potential financial aid options specific to nursing students. You might be surprised at what's available.
   • Shadow Nurses: If possible, try to shadow nurses in different settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.). This will give you a real-world view of the profession and help you determine if it's a good fit for your personality and interests.
   • Research Career Paths and Salary: Look into the different career paths within nursing and research the typical salary ranges in your area.

4. Information Gathering for Psychology:

   • Talk to Psychology Professionals: Reach out to people working in different fields of psychology (research, counseling, applied settings). Ask them about their career paths, the education required, and their experiences with job satisfaction and financial stability.
   • Research Different Psychology Career Options: There's a wide range of possibilities within psychology. Some may require more schooling than others, and the earning potential can vary significantly.
   • Consider a Master's Degree: If you enjoy psychology but are concerned about job prospects with just a bachelor's, research different master's programs and the career opportunities they open up.

5. Reflect on Your "Why":

   • Why did you initially choose psychology? What aspects of it genuinely interest you?
   • What attracts you to nursing? Is it the potential for direct impact, the more defined career path, the perceived job security, or something else?
   • What are your core values when it comes to your career? Are financial stability, helping others, intellectual stimulation, creativity, or something else your top priorities?

6. Connect with Career Services: Your community college likely has a career services department. They can offer valuable resources like career assessments, guidance on exploring different fields, and help with transfer planning. ¹  

   1. Counseling Services - CCAC

   

   www.ccac.edu

7. Trust Your Gut (Eventually): After gathering more information and reflecting on your values, you'll likely have a clearer sense of which path feels more aligned with your long-term goals.

It's important to remember that there's no "right" or "wrong" answer here. Both psychology and nursing are valuable fields with the potential to make a positive impact. The best choice for you depends on your individual interests, values, and priorities.

Don't feel pressured to have all the answers right now. Use this time to explore, learn, and reflect. You're on the right track by considering these important questions. Keep going, and you'll find the path that's the best fit for you.