5 answers
Gen
Student
Cebu City, Central Visayas, Philippines
1
Question
Updated
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How do I know if I'm on the right track?
I am currently studying in one of the most prestigious university in my country and I am enrolled in a program wherein i did not want. I took the opportunity since the passing rate of this institution is very high, and i ended up realizing that this program isn't meant for me. So i decided to drop one of the major courses and decided i am going to shift next semester to BA Communication.
What I'm afraid of is that I might make the same mistake twice and I'm currently in a point of my life wherein i do not know what i want; but i do need money. And I'm afraid that this program might not have as much opportunity as my current one (math).
I have always believed/convinced myself that i am a STEM person. However i haven't realized until recently that what i want is to speak in large crowds, to inspire, and create stories that connects with people. And I have always wondered will this program sustain myself and my family in the future? Is it worth risking my future for something/ a course that i actually want to pursue?
Please enlighten me.
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5 answers
Flo L.
Intuitive Strategist
22
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Flo’s Answer
Kamusta Gen? Alam mo, this question is an internal revelation and enlightenment for oneself, but there is certainly strength in community "village". I advocate for following your internal guidance to determine what is right for you, so that you can eventually feel satisfied with your life and career knowing it's authentic.
Finding the balance between a profitable career and enough spark of passion for it is attainable.
"How do I know if I'm on the right track?" ~I think many of us believe we need to get it right the first time. And when we pivot, we often feel as though we've made the wrong choice in the past.
If the right choice is making money-- you might want to consider staying another semester to gain more experience, allowing the enlightenment to come from within you. But can you sacrifice your internal happiness and passion in order to fulfill your responsibility or need to provide?
If the right choice is following your passion-- you may need to take the risk of shifting next semester to explore BA in Communication. This will allow you to confidently say, 'At least you tried.' Walk this path and open the door to a new world, gaining firsthand experience of what it's like to take classes that align with your ultimate passion.
When you give yourself permission to at least try all your options if possible, this will ensure that you don't outsource your internal guidance, which ultimately knows what the authentic right path is for you and whether you're on the right track.
Most of success and the essence of life is trial and error.
Ingat!
Finding the balance between a profitable career and enough spark of passion for it is attainable.
"How do I know if I'm on the right track?" ~I think many of us believe we need to get it right the first time. And when we pivot, we often feel as though we've made the wrong choice in the past.
If the right choice is making money-- you might want to consider staying another semester to gain more experience, allowing the enlightenment to come from within you. But can you sacrifice your internal happiness and passion in order to fulfill your responsibility or need to provide?
If the right choice is following your passion-- you may need to take the risk of shifting next semester to explore BA in Communication. This will allow you to confidently say, 'At least you tried.' Walk this path and open the door to a new world, gaining firsthand experience of what it's like to take classes that align with your ultimate passion.
When you give yourself permission to at least try all your options if possible, this will ensure that you don't outsource your internal guidance, which ultimately knows what the authentic right path is for you and whether you're on the right track.
Most of success and the essence of life is trial and error.
Ingat!
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
229
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hello Gen. It's perfectly normal to feel conflicted when choosing between a potentially profitable career and a profession that genuinely excites you. This is a crossroads many of us encounter. Here's a simplified guide to help you navigate through it:
You've already made significant progress by understanding that your current course isn't the perfect match for you. This demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and adaptability, which are invaluable traits.
Let's ponder over your strengths: You've mentioned that you love speaking, inspiring others, and telling stories. These are powerful communication skills that can be applied in numerous fields.
Research is your best tool:
- BA Communication: Investigate the various career opportunities within this sector. Which specific fields pique your interest (journalism, public relations, marketing)?
- Income potential: Look into the potential earnings and job growth in the communication field, and compare them to your current profession.
- Networking: Engage with professionals who are already working in communication roles. Learn from their experiences, the hurdles they've faced, and their career paths.
Don't box yourself into "STEM vs. Humanities": There are numerous professions that integrate both technical and creative skills. Consider how your analytical abilities could be a bonus in the communication field (like data journalism, digital marketing).
Your financial concerns are legitimate: Look into scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid options available for your chosen course.
It's perfectly fine to not have everything figured out: Career paths are seldom straight lines. Be open to exploring diverse opportunities and gaining experience in a variety of fields.
Always remember, your happiness and fulfillment are important: Opting for a career that you're truly passionate about can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction and long-term success.
In the end, the choice is yours. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, seek advice from mentors and career counselors, and trust your gut feeling.
Best of luck!
You've already made significant progress by understanding that your current course isn't the perfect match for you. This demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and adaptability, which are invaluable traits.
Let's ponder over your strengths: You've mentioned that you love speaking, inspiring others, and telling stories. These are powerful communication skills that can be applied in numerous fields.
Research is your best tool:
- BA Communication: Investigate the various career opportunities within this sector. Which specific fields pique your interest (journalism, public relations, marketing)?
- Income potential: Look into the potential earnings and job growth in the communication field, and compare them to your current profession.
- Networking: Engage with professionals who are already working in communication roles. Learn from their experiences, the hurdles they've faced, and their career paths.
Don't box yourself into "STEM vs. Humanities": There are numerous professions that integrate both technical and creative skills. Consider how your analytical abilities could be a bonus in the communication field (like data journalism, digital marketing).
Your financial concerns are legitimate: Look into scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid options available for your chosen course.
It's perfectly fine to not have everything figured out: Career paths are seldom straight lines. Be open to exploring diverse opportunities and gaining experience in a variety of fields.
Always remember, your happiness and fulfillment are important: Opting for a career that you're truly passionate about can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction and long-term success.
In the end, the choice is yours. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, seek advice from mentors and career counselors, and trust your gut feeling.
Best of luck!
great answer!
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6632
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Gen!
It's understandable to feel lost and uncertain about your future, especially when you're facing a significant decision like changing your major. Here's a breakdown of how to approach your situation:
**1. Self-Reflection is Key:**
* **Identify Your "Why":**
* **Why Communication?** What specifically draws you to it? Is it the writing, public speaking, storytelling, or something else?
* **Why are you doubting it?** Are your fears about money and stability genuine, or are they based on societal expectations or parental pressure?
* **Explore Your Values:** What's truly important to you? Is it financial security, personal fulfillment, creativity, making a difference?
* **Consider Your Skills:** What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? Are there any transferable skills from your current program that could be valuable in communication (e.g., analytical thinking, problem-solving)?
**2. Research and Exploration:**
* **Communication Career Paths:** Research various career options within the field of communication (e.g., journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, teaching, content creation).
* **Salary and Job Market:** Investigate the average salaries, job growth prospects, and demand for communication professionals in your region.
* **Informational Interviews:** Talk to professionals in the communication field. Ask about their career paths, daily work, challenges, and advice for aspiring communicators.
**3. Financial Considerations:**
* **Tuition Costs:** Compare the tuition fees for your current program and the communication program.
* **Financial Aid:** Explore available scholarships, grants, and student loans for the communication program.
* **Part-time Jobs:** Consider part-time jobs or internships in the communication field to gain experience and build your network.
**4. Risk vs. Reward:**
* **Potential Downsides:** Acknowledge the potential risks associated with switching majors (e.g., increased time to graduation, potential for lower starting salaries).
* **Potential Rewards:** Weigh the potential rewards of pursuing your passion (e.g., increased job satisfaction, greater fulfillment, a more rewarding career).
**5. Seek Guidance:**
* **Academic Advisor:** Discuss your concerns with your academic advisor. They can provide valuable insights into the communication program, career options, and academic requirements.
* **Career Counselor:** A career counselor can help you assess your interests, skills, and values, and develop a career plan.
* **Mentors:** Find mentors in the communication field who can offer guidance and support.
**6. Trust Your Intuition:**
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to switch majors is a personal one. Trust your gut feeling. If your passion for communication is strong and you're willing to put in the effort, it may be worth the risk.
**Remember:**
* **It's okay to feel uncertain.** This is a big decision, and it's natural to have doubts.
* **You don't have to make a decision immediately.** Take your time to explore your options and gather information.
* **This is not a permanent decision.** If you find that the communication program isn't the right fit for you, you can always explore other options or even return to your original field of study.
I hope this helps!
**Disclaimer:** This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional career advice.
God Bless You!
JC.
It's understandable to feel lost and uncertain about your future, especially when you're facing a significant decision like changing your major. Here's a breakdown of how to approach your situation:
**1. Self-Reflection is Key:**
* **Identify Your "Why":**
* **Why Communication?** What specifically draws you to it? Is it the writing, public speaking, storytelling, or something else?
* **Why are you doubting it?** Are your fears about money and stability genuine, or are they based on societal expectations or parental pressure?
* **Explore Your Values:** What's truly important to you? Is it financial security, personal fulfillment, creativity, making a difference?
* **Consider Your Skills:** What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? Are there any transferable skills from your current program that could be valuable in communication (e.g., analytical thinking, problem-solving)?
**2. Research and Exploration:**
* **Communication Career Paths:** Research various career options within the field of communication (e.g., journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, teaching, content creation).
* **Salary and Job Market:** Investigate the average salaries, job growth prospects, and demand for communication professionals in your region.
* **Informational Interviews:** Talk to professionals in the communication field. Ask about their career paths, daily work, challenges, and advice for aspiring communicators.
**3. Financial Considerations:**
* **Tuition Costs:** Compare the tuition fees for your current program and the communication program.
* **Financial Aid:** Explore available scholarships, grants, and student loans for the communication program.
* **Part-time Jobs:** Consider part-time jobs or internships in the communication field to gain experience and build your network.
**4. Risk vs. Reward:**
* **Potential Downsides:** Acknowledge the potential risks associated with switching majors (e.g., increased time to graduation, potential for lower starting salaries).
* **Potential Rewards:** Weigh the potential rewards of pursuing your passion (e.g., increased job satisfaction, greater fulfillment, a more rewarding career).
**5. Seek Guidance:**
* **Academic Advisor:** Discuss your concerns with your academic advisor. They can provide valuable insights into the communication program, career options, and academic requirements.
* **Career Counselor:** A career counselor can help you assess your interests, skills, and values, and develop a career plan.
* **Mentors:** Find mentors in the communication field who can offer guidance and support.
**6. Trust Your Intuition:**
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to switch majors is a personal one. Trust your gut feeling. If your passion for communication is strong and you're willing to put in the effort, it may be worth the risk.
**Remember:**
* **It's okay to feel uncertain.** This is a big decision, and it's natural to have doubts.
* **You don't have to make a decision immediately.** Take your time to explore your options and gather information.
* **This is not a permanent decision.** If you find that the communication program isn't the right fit for you, you can always explore other options or even return to your original field of study.
I hope this helps!
**Disclaimer:** This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional career advice.
God Bless You!
JC.
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
91
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Gen -
This is a very good question and I am honored to be able to provide you with guidance, thank you for trusting us with this.
My parents convinced me to attend a pre-law program in school, and I knew that I never wanted to be a lawyer. I completed my degree and had no idea what to do with it because I didn't want it in the first place. I wish that I would have gone with my gut and did something that made me happy. You are lucky to know what makes you happy. If there is an opportunity to double major or minor in math I think that would be a great path, something that you're good at and it could be a nice backup plan.
I would do as others suggested and see what kind of jobs you can get with each degree and decide what would make you happiest and provide a nice life for you.
You have to do whatever job you choose for 8 hours a day, so it's really important that you enjoy it. And you may not want to go back to college for a second B.S. or even a M.S. so you'll want to get a degree in something that interests you. That being said, you can always go back to school. A lot of companies will pay for you to get a M.S. or B.S. just because you decide something today doesn't mean you'll be that thing forever. I am 20 years into my career and I've had lots of different jobs and I might change tomorrow, that's the great thing about education - you can always learn something new.
Don't put so much stress on yourself, everything is figureoutable! Do what you feel is best for you based on you. You know what is right for, trust yourself.
This is a very good question and I am honored to be able to provide you with guidance, thank you for trusting us with this.
My parents convinced me to attend a pre-law program in school, and I knew that I never wanted to be a lawyer. I completed my degree and had no idea what to do with it because I didn't want it in the first place. I wish that I would have gone with my gut and did something that made me happy. You are lucky to know what makes you happy. If there is an opportunity to double major or minor in math I think that would be a great path, something that you're good at and it could be a nice backup plan.
I would do as others suggested and see what kind of jobs you can get with each degree and decide what would make you happiest and provide a nice life for you.
You have to do whatever job you choose for 8 hours a day, so it's really important that you enjoy it. And you may not want to go back to college for a second B.S. or even a M.S. so you'll want to get a degree in something that interests you. That being said, you can always go back to school. A lot of companies will pay for you to get a M.S. or B.S. just because you decide something today doesn't mean you'll be that thing forever. I am 20 years into my career and I've had lots of different jobs and I might change tomorrow, that's the great thing about education - you can always learn something new.
Don't put so much stress on yourself, everything is figureoutable! Do what you feel is best for you based on you. You know what is right for, trust yourself.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
356
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt concerns with us, Gen. Using my Humanities degree, I have been able to able to provide for myself and my family, with jobs often focusing on my writing skills. I understand that the US is larger than the Philippines, but here is why I encourage you to pursue your passions:
- If you love (or at least like) what you are doing, you are likely to work harder and do better. So you are more likely to advance professionally in Communications than STEM
- While starter jobs in STEM may pay more than starter jobs in Communications (depends upon the employer and duties) salaries do increase with experience. There are plenty of Communications roles that you and your family could live on
- There are many jobs (including in the Philippines) that use writing skills, such as Marketing, Internal and External Communications, Social Media, Documentation, etc. These may not specifically involve inspiring large crowds, but you could address that part through volunteer work
Please look at the links I have below for more practical information about careers in communications. I hope this helps put your mind at ease and wish you good luck.
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-communications-degree-jobs
Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-communication-degree
Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/philippines-communications-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,11_IN204_KO12,26.htm
- If you love (or at least like) what you are doing, you are likely to work harder and do better. So you are more likely to advance professionally in Communications than STEM
- While starter jobs in STEM may pay more than starter jobs in Communications (depends upon the employer and duties) salaries do increase with experience. There are plenty of Communications roles that you and your family could live on
- There are many jobs (including in the Philippines) that use writing skills, such as Marketing, Internal and External Communications, Social Media, Documentation, etc. These may not specifically involve inspiring large crowds, but you could address that part through volunteer work
Please look at the links I have below for more practical information about careers in communications. I hope this helps put your mind at ease and wish you good luck.
Martha recommends the following next steps: