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My question is, am I doing the right thing? All of my classes are online which means I can do them anytime I want and I'm not in a rush. But I don't enjoy doing it, I hate having online classes because I'm always by myself. Does my happiness really matter if I don't enjoy what I'm doing but I have good grades??

My favorite hobbies are reading, photography, and listening to music. I always wanted to become an influencer, but people told me that it would be a terrible idea. So, I had to choose my plan B which is Business Administration. But I am feeling unhappy with this decision.

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Talia’s Answer

Some people thrive when surrounded by groups, others thrive when they do their work alone. If you have discovered you prefer to work with social interaction, you should seek classes or employment where you get to be with others.

I have also listened to well-meaning family in what I "should" be doing for a career. I spent 4 years of college and 5 years of work unhappy. I have been able to change my career entirely to something I actually love to do.

Your life is your own. You should pursue what makes you happy first before anything else. Time is too short to waste!
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Hi Addison—kudos to you for recognizing where you are, and asking the right questions. You can do both—continue to earn your degree AND look for ways to be an influencer. Those two can be achieved concurrently. Regarding your preferences of being perhaps in person in a classroom setting versus doing your work online, maybe you can opt to attend class in person at times which might break things up for you. If your current major does not offer that option, consider potentially making a switch to another where in person classes may be more possible. For example, Marketing, Journalism, etc. might offer options you might feel align with what you’re looking for.

Being an influencer doesn’t require a college degree, so you can research that option further online, and by following those influencers you admire.

Best of luck to you!
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Todd’s Answer

Happiness DOES matter. My advice to those thinking about a career, getting started in a career or even those changing careers is to make sure you align your unique skills (what you can bring to the world, and what you are good at) to what you enjoy doing. Enjoying your career/ being happy is critical to consistent self-improvement and confidence. Yes, you can get a job in business, and it's always encouraged to have a "back up" plan if you need it in cases of transition or unforeseen circumstances. I would not discourage you from the business degree, but I would encourage you to view/use it as a backup as you pursue your happiness in the skills you possess.
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Steward "Tony"’s Answer

Humans Need Humans. Interaction is key to our survival, but many are inundated with fear, seclusion and paranoia which causes a societal breakdown. Many are not happy chained to a keyboard with no personal interaction except for puppies and kittens at home. Somehow we lost track of that and now it seems the norm.

A standard setting may be what you need. The structure & schedule as well may be another part of the solution. Your happiness is number one as no one can mandate you to stay home to get an education. Find a school, join their clubs, learn, and burn some energy with new friends and new passions i.e. Art, Drama, Sports, whatever.

Be a human being because we are not hamsters spinning a wheel of misfortune. I have never heard of anyone on their deathbed say "I should have spent more time at the office"
Addison!
LIVE, LEARN, ADVANCE!
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Roberto’s Answer

Happiness is key for your success as it helps you to be innovative, collaborative and energetic.
To good thing is that your passion for reading, music or photography can be important assets for your career.

Your success will not come only from your degree. It will be the outcome of the multiple dimensions of your individuality.
You might become a Marketing leader and your culture can make the difference in assessing the creativity of a campaign, the emotional engagement of the communication element, etc.

Your hobbies are important as your degree.
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Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hi Addison,

Your happiness is incredibly important and if you're unhappy with your current path, I think your mind is trying to tell you something. I've taken online classes, and it can be super isolating. While I found them to be easier than in-person classes, I realized that I wasn't actually retaining any of my learning from my online classes. That's when I knew that online classes weren't for me, and the same thing might be true for you. I'd recommend switching to in-person or hybrid classes so that you still have some interactions with others. If you have access to a counselor, talk to them about it and see if it's possible to switch classes without it showing up on your transcript. If not, try to finish out this quarter/semester and shoot for in-person classes next term. It's great that you learned this about yourself early on so that you can adjust and align yourself with what makes you happy!

For what it's worth, I don't think being an influencer is a terrible idea. If that is something you're truly passionate about, make a plan and see it through. I think your current major in Business Administration could be a great asset in the influencing world because you'll have a good understanding of how to market yourself and run influencing like a business. I would also recommend taking marketing and communications courses to help with the influencing. The great thing about Business is that if you decide that you no longer want to pursue influencing, you can always pivot and you will have the foundation to do so.

I wish you all the best and hope you can find happiness. You deserve to be happy and find joy in what you do. Protect your mental health at all costs, and if your body is telling you it's unhappy, re-evaluate! The fact that you're thinking about this shows that you're in tune with yourself, and that's HUGE!
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Tyria’s Answer

Hi! I would like to say that you are definitely not alone in asking this question! I know people well into their 80s and 90s who still ask themselves this question which essentially is, "Am I working towards MY OWN happiness?" Personally, I ask myself this question a billion times a day, and I still don't quite know the answer to be completely honest. I think the answer changes so much throughout your life depending on your age, values, circumstances, and so many other factors, but the only true way you will know if an option suits you better or brings you joy is to try. To just say, "Go on, try!" is much easier said than done and there are absolutely so many real barriers like money, time, and social norms that make trying feel impossible. In truth, only you know what will bring you joy--no one else. You only get one life and one chance at each and every day, so if you try something today and it doesn't work out there will be a tomorrow to pivot to. As for barriers, you have to get resourceful and use your resources! You will be surprised at how many people are willing to help and advise just because they have been in your shoes before. When I was college, I didn't think my current career was possible for me for a multitude of reasons. I thought that I just couldn't get there because there was not a clear cut road with maps, street signs, and GPS directions aiding me to success, but even if there isn't a road forward you can still carve your own path through the forest to get to your personal oasis of happiness--you'll just need some good tools and some bravery. Good luck!
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Jacob’s Answer

Your feelings and happiness do matter, and it's important to find a balance between pursuing your interests and meeting your responsibilities. Let's break down your situation and explore some options:

1. **Online Classes and Happiness:**
- It's understandable that online classes can be isolating and less enjoyable for some people. If possible, consider ways to enhance your online learning experience. You could join virtual study groups, engage in discussions with classmates, or communicate with professors when you have questions or need guidance. Creating a structured study routine can also help.

2. **Grades vs. Happiness:**
- While good grades are important for academic success, they should not come at the expense of your happiness and mental well-being. Reflect on why you're pursuing Business Administration and whether it aligns with your long-term goals and interests. If it doesn't, it might be worth exploring other academic paths that you're more passionate about.

3. **Hobbies and Aspirations:**
- Your favorite hobbies of reading, photography, and music are valuable interests that can lead to fulfilling career paths. It's not uncommon for people to turn their passions into successful careers, including becoming influencers or pursuing creative fields. If you have a genuine interest in these areas, consider how you can incorporate them into your life and potentially your career.

4. **Influencer Aspiration:**
- Becoming an influencer can be a viable career choice if you're passionate about it and willing to put in the effort to build your online presence. While it comes with challenges, it can also provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Take time to explore this path and understand the commitment it requires.

5. **Exploration and Adaptation:**
- It's never too late to explore different academic and career options. If Business Administration doesn't align with your interests, consider speaking with academic advisors or career counselors to discuss other majors or career paths that might be more fulfilling for you.

6. **Balancing Passions and Responsibilities:**
- Striking a balance between pursuing your passions and meeting responsibilities is key. It might be possible to integrate your hobbies into your daily life, even while pursuing an academic or career path. For example, you can use your photography skills for content creation if you decide to explore the influencer route.

7. **Seeking Support and Guidance:**
- Talk to trusted friends, family members, or mentors about your feelings and aspirations. They can provide valuable perspectives and support as you navigate your decisions.

Ultimately, your happiness and fulfillment should be a priority. It's important to find a path that aligns with your passions and long-term goals. While it may require adjustments and challenges along the way, pursuing what you love can lead to a more satisfying and meaningful life. Consider exploring your options and making decisions that resonate with your true interests and aspirations.
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steven’s Answer

You'll find that classes are not the real world work environment is like.
Ex. School, write a 10 pg. Essay outlining your business plan./ Real world tell my in 5 seconds what your business is about..
Go ahead and get your degree first, get it over with. And then also become an influencer.
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