So I just graduated from high school and I already got into college, I chose Psychology since it’s something that I like a lot but I’m starting to regret that. My mom wants to support me no matter what, she said that she would pay for my college and that I didn’t have to worry about anything but I can’t be sure that she’ll be able to pay for my college, when it’s about me and my siblings she doesn’t think twice before doing something, she already got in debt once for building a big house for my older brother and his family, unlike him I wouldn’t let my mom do something like that. Right now I feel unsure about doing Psychology, I’m pretty sure that’s because I know we don’t have the money. I’m thinking about just getting a regular job, saving some money and living my life the way I want to, I never believed that whole thing about doing what your heart wants, but I feel like that’s what I want for my life right now. I wouldn’t have a lot of money, but that money would be mine and I would be free to make my own decisions without having to think about my mom’s money.
3 comments
I’m a psychology major, technically a junior (85-91 hours) but actually more like a sophomore because I double majored in computer science. My advice for younger psychology majors (I’m 30) is to work in the field. I did that and it has helped me firm up the path ahead. The only way to know which jobs are good and which ones aren’t is to talk to people in them.
Working at a psychiatric hospital changed me forever. I realized right there that I couldn’t survive with only a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I got this job at the end of my freshman year that was intended for people with bachelor’s degrees, and it paid less than my last blue collar semi-skilled job.
It took me a long time to figure the degree thing out. I realized I needed a back up career path. Computer science worked for me because of existing skills, hobbies and pay. It happens to be compatible with my desire to study logic and cognitive psych. I was able to pick it up after transferring to university from community college.
Consider all your options, because if you’re fascinated by the human mind, or medicine there are higher paying fields. You could be a biochem major and take psych as a minor or second major. There’s nothing to say you wouldn’t be able to study psych on the side. Even with my majors classes I get as much information from studying research journals, access I would have with any science major.
My biggest complaint is lack of challenge. I’m the type of person who can get top grades if motivated, and psych classes are mostly easy. The science classes aren’t as rigorous as my other sciences. Sometimes I think about going to grad school for a more difficult discipline just because I like pushing myself to the limit. On the other hand I think if I can get through my PhD I could help push the envelope for what is acceptable in psych degrees, make them as good prep as any other bachelor’s of science.
I’ll be able to earn as much or more with my BS in computer science as I will with my PhD in Clinical Psych. That amount is enough, I’ve done my research. The debt can be pretty low, especially if one can get into a good grad school and get the school to cover the bills.
I don’t recommend the general job market. Not for someone with mental health issues, or for anyone else for that matter. Employers treat many employees as disposable especially unskilled ones. The degree will pay off in lack of downtime, unskilled employees get variable hours and laid off. The market for non trade school or college grads is shrinking. If you want less time and debt trade school is the way to go.
I’m considering studying something at a trade school while working, or just working for the next six months then deciding if I wanna go to college or to a trade school. Thank u for ur advice!
I tried to do that but I got paid jack sh*t and never got into college and then I was fired and couldn’t land another job for 4 years.