Hey everyone, I'm 21f and I'm graduating college in May, but I have literally no idea what I'm gonna do after that and I'm getting increasingly anxious about it. I'm a philosophy major and a psychology minor, and originally I wanted to be a children's therapist, but I have mediocre grades and I don't know how to pay for grad school, so that's off the table for the time being.
I need to start seriously considering what career fields I'm gonna go into and what jobs I'm gonna start applying to, but the only thing I've ever excelled at academically is writing. Essays and other assignments like that have always come easy to me, and I always get positive feedback on what I do. I enjoy doing it as a hobby as well, but I'm not going to sit here and pretend like it's realistic to make a living from creative writing.
I do, however, know that I should play into my strengths when it comes to what I'm gonna do to make money and be successful. So with that said, what realistic job options are out there that emphasize writing as a main skill?
Jobadvisor
It is completely normal to feel that pre-graduation panic, especially when your original plan (therapy) feels out of reach due to grades or finances. But here is the good news: Philosophy and Psychology are two of the best majors for a career in professional writing.
You have been trained to take complex, abstract ideas and organize them into a logical, persuasive narrative. In the business world, that is a high-value skill. "Creative writing" may be a tough path, but "Applied Writing" is a massive industry.
Here are four realistic, writing-heavy career paths where your background is a major asset:
1. Grant Writing (Non-Profit Sector)1
Non-profits survive on grants from foundations and the government. They need people who can write long, detailed, and highly persuasive proposals.
Why you’d excel: It requires the formal structure of a philosophy essay combined with the empathy of a psychology minor. You have to prove why a cause matters using logic and data.
Entry point: Look for "Development Associate" or "Junior Grant Writer" roles at local non-profits or university foundations.
2. Technical Writing (Tech & Science)
Technical writers take complex information (like how software works or medical procedures) and write clear manuals, guides, and "Help" documentation.
Why you’d excel: Philosophy majors are famously good at "logic mapping." If you can explain Kant, you can explain a software interface.
Entry point: Look for "Junior Technical Writer" roles. You don’t always need a tech degree; you just need to show a portfolio of "how-to" samples.
3. UX Writing & Content Strategy
Every app and website you use has text—the buttons, the error messages, the onboarding flow.
Why you’d excel: This is 50% writing and 50% psychology. You are writing to guide human behavior and reduce user frustration.
Entry point: Search for "Content Coordinator" or "UX Writer" internships. Focus on how words help a user "solve a problem."
4. Public Relations (PR) & Communications
PR involves writing press releases, speeches, and internal company memos.
Why you’d excel: You’re trained to anticipate counter-arguments (philosophy) and understand how people perceive information (psychology).
Entry point: Look for "Communications Assistant" or "PR Account Coordinator" at agencies.
How to Pivot Right Now
Since you graduate in May, you have a few months to bridge the gap between "student writer" and "professional writer":
Build a "Clips" Folder: Take 3-4 of your best academic essays. Edit them to be shorter and punchier. If you have a hobby blog or wrote for the school paper, include those too.
Get a Portfolio Site: Use a free tool like Carrd, Clippings.me, or Journo Portfolio to host your writing samples so you can link them in your resume.
The "Mediocre Grades" Fix: In the writing world, the portfolio is king.
5 Most hiring managers in these fields won't even ask for your GPA if your writing samples are sharp and professional.
Is teaching a good idea?
I’m looking for a career change. I’ve spent too long in jobs where I don’t feel valued and don’t feel that I have a purpose. I’ve looked at many options but teaching seems to be something that’s in the back of my mind so think it’s only fair I actually spend some time looking at it.
I swear most people say don’t do, you’ll burn out, the pay is crap etc but there are so many people that seem to love it.
Is it a good idea? What personality is best for teaching?
Jobadvisor
Teaching is one of the few careers that provides an immediate, tangible sense of purpose.
However, it is a high-energy, high-demand profession. Since you are considering a career change, here is an honest breakdown of the landscape in 2026.
Is it a "Good" Idea?
The answer depends on what you value most.
The Pros: You will never wonder if your work matters. You get a front-row seat to human growth, a high degree of daily variety, and a unique schedule with built-in breaks (summers/holidays).
3 In 2026, many districts have also increased starting pay to combat shortages, with the national average hitting roughly $74,200.The Cons: Burnout is real.
4 Recent data shows about 44% of K-12 teachers report feeling burned out "always" or "very often."5 The "hidden" workload—grading, lesson planning, and administrative paperwork—can easily push a 40-hour week into 50+ hours.
What Personality Thrives in Teaching?
It’s a common myth that you have to be a bubbly extrovert. Some of the best teachers are quiet and observant. However, three traits are non-negotiable:
| Trait | Why it Matters |
| High Adaptability | A lesson plan is just a theory. In practice, a fire drill, a tech glitch, or a student's bad mood will change your day instantly. You have to be okay with pivoting on the fly. |
| Emotional Resilience | You will deal with students (and parents) who are stressed or struggling. Being able to empathize without "carrying the weight of the world" home with you is vital for longevity. |
| Active Listening | Teaching isn't just talking; it’s diagnosing. You need the patience to listen to how a student is stuck so you can find a different way to explain it. |
Realistic First Steps
Before you commit to a certification program, "test drive" the environment to see if the reality matches your vision:
Substitute Teach: In most areas, you only need a bachelor's degree (any field) to sub. This is the "trial by fire" that tells you if you actually enjoy being in a room with 30 kids.
Informational Interview: Reach out to a teacher in your subject of interest. Ask them: "What does your Tuesday night at 8:00 PM look like?" (This reveals the true workload).
Explore "Alternative Certification": Since you already have a degree, look for "Residency" programs or "Alternative Routes to Certification" (ARC). These often allow you to get paid to teach while you earn your credentials.