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What do I major in if I want great pay?

What do I major in and do if after graduating college I want to go into something that pulls in great pay and exceeds throughout the few years of working? I'm feeling like a failure so far in my first semester. Im doing terrible with procrastination and I am trying to work on it. But besides that, I originally wanted to go into the medical field.. but I strongly dislike chemistry and biology after taking the classes. I mean, yes it is hard and i'm not just switching it because of that. I actually don't even know what I want to do in life. I just cannot see myself doing anything medical anymore. I care about money and I also care about doing a job I will like. I did something where I wrote down things I am very interested in. It didn't go well and now i'm lost and I need help. Everybody says "don't just do it for the money." I will do it for the money. If I am paying for college I want to get myself a degree that will be getting me right on track to success. I want to get a good paying job that I can quickly raise my position in. I don't want to be a lawyer or a doctor. I want to do something that will take me four years.

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Bella’s Answer

Hi JJ! It is perfectly normal to value having a secure and comfortable salary after college. If you are no longer interested in the medical field, but still have an interest in science, I would suggest something physics related. There are so many jobs in the science industry that do not involve heavy biology or chemistry. One example is civil engineering. Another suggestion I have would be computer science. So much of our lives are centered around technology and the internet that this major and career would lead to a stable salary in the future. If you are no longer interested in the sciences, I would suggest choosing a business route, as mentioned by a few others in the comments under this post.
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Jessica’s Answer

So, short answer and probably the most common one you may get is "Find a vocation you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." Easier said than done obviously.

So here's my long answer, I would encourage you to start thinking about what truly drives you outside of money as a motivator. We all want that cash, but you don't want to be miserable while earning it - life is too short to be miserable doing the thing you spend the majority of your waking hours doing. I'm reminded of a quote that I heard while in my current career - "We spend so much time climbing the ladder of success, to only find out when we reach the top, that it's leaning against the wrong wall." Sales can be a very lucrative career, but only if you like high pressure environments and repeatedly getting told no. You will have way more "No's" than "Yes's" in sales - you have to be relentless in the pursuit. I would avoid the non-profit sector, as I know very few people that make loads of cash there, but if you're drawn to helping people - this may still be a calling for you.

Ultimately, a 4 year degree doesn't guarantee a large paycheck. You can potentially get that paycheck from working with your hands and a degree from a community college. I think most importantly though is knowing yourself, and examining what you truly enjoy in life because a large paycheck doesn't guarantee happiness.

Jessica recommends the following next steps:

Volunteer to get experience in different fields.
Talk with people in your network - ask them what they enjoy/don't enjoy about their line of work.
Ask your friends and/or family what they think your strengths are.
Examine your life - figure out what activities bring you joy. From there, find a way to monetize that.
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Elizabeth’s Answer

I agree with Missy on the business side - you can start in a lot of places with a business degree. Sales is often a lucrative job for any company, though some work on commission, but every industry needs sales people. A business degree will certainly get you started on that track! But you can do a lot with a business degree, that is just one option. I would look into that if you're in it for the money.

Another option that you can use a 4 year degree for (though if science isn't your thing then maybe wouldn't interest you) is engineering. You don't need a masters or PhD to be able to work in the field and you would have a good starting salary. Or IT, if you like computer science type work, also pays well and is in high demand, so you are likely to find a job very quickly after graduation.

Human Resources is another option that every company needs, pays decently, and is an open field to opportunity.

I personally think figuring out what you like and pursuing that will make earning the degree easier for you, and you can turn it into a job you enjoy while earning the money to make the degree worth it. See what you do enjoy, and what degree options fit in with that at least a little!
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Missy’s Answer

If you're on the hunt for a job that comes with a hefty paycheck, why not consider stepping into the world of business or entertainment? You could dive into exciting areas like social media or even try your hand at acting. To get you on the right track, there are loads of business-focused classes available in college. After you toss your graduation cap in the air, a universe of career opportunities awaits you. You could become a stock trader, start your own business, or even climb the corporate ladder to become a top executive at a major firm, and that's just the start!
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Lauren’s Answer

Earning a business degree paves the way to a wealth of opportunities. I strongly encourage you to consider a degree in business or technology. These sectors continue to lead the pack in terms of career prospects and earning potential. Keep that spark of curiosity alive and never shy away from standing up for yourself. Remember, you fully deserve that pay rise!
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