Is it worth studying something you love in college, or something that'll be beneficial for you in the workforce?

As this is not a U.S. specific question, I feel entitled to reply too.

My answer is, do something you love, not something that (presumably) is beneficial for you in the workforce.

No amount of money, as big as it may be, can give you back your happiness.

If you don't want to feel sorrow to have chosen the wrong path in the future, then you should consider two things.

1. I see so many people, being almost 40 years old, being unhappy with their profession and recognizing, they did what their parents expected them to do.

2. When choosing my own 'calling' it was helpful to imagine I'm a billionaire who already visited all the interesting places in the world. After having a long sleep and being served breakfast by my butler on my motor yacht, what would I do with the rest of the day? One of my answers was 'Make computers talk to each other.'

Now I'm 50 years old and I still like doing what I do. I'd do it, even if I wouldn't get payed! But: I' like doing what I do. As I like what I do, I'm doing it good. As I'm doing it good, I get paid. Lo and behold! Two problems solved. :-) First, make sure I like what I do, second make a living.

For me it happend to be something with computers, but my moral of my story is: I'd do it, even if I wouldn't get payed!

So, don't go with something (e.g. computer science and programming) especcially if you already start with not "enjoy learning" it.

Do I even need to choose between the two?

IMHO, yes.

Greetings from Germany.

Hi Grace

This is a tough question. It is good to be practical and to choose a career that seems like a safe bet in terms of income, but you might want to consider that you have a life-time of work ahead of you, so why not choose something that you really love to do? If you love computer programming, go for it, but if you love art and writing, why not, especially at this point in your life, explore some other possibilities? Here are my thoughts for the art section of your question.

I was able to combine my love of art with teaching. I really enjoyed being an art teacher because I got to share my enthusiasm, skills, and knowledge about art with kids. So education (for art or language arts) one career path you might consider.

There are other careers that combine art with making a living. Typically you won't become a millionaire, but you can definitely make a decent living and be able to raise a family. Here are just a few

--Graphic Designers---they work in advertising, entertainment, publishing, product packaging, web design, and anywhere words need to be read.

--Illustrators and Photographers--they work in publishing, web design, businesses, news organizations, and anywhere words are not enough. (Typically, they are self employed, "Freelancers", but not always.)

--Interior Designers--they work with private and corporate clients to make interiors look good; choosing wall colors, furniture, fixtures, fabrics and so on.

--Product/Industrial Designers---they design how the things we use everyday look, your cellphone, your toothbrush, your toothpaste tube, your favorite soft drink bottle, the furniture in your house, your car...

--Fashion Designers--they design what you wear, along with uniforms for businesses and the military, and costumes for theatre, the movies and TV.

So these are just a few of the areas where "art meets a living". You might want to talk to your art teacher for other ideas. I would talk to your guidance counselor at your school (if you are in high school) to talk about your future career. If you have a career center at your school, visit there for more information on books or websites about careers in art, or you could always go to your local library and talk to the librarian about your career search.

Best wishes!

When I was in college, the advice I was given was to take classes that I enjoyed. However, I ended up with a non-job specific degree in sociology.  Fortunately, this major was beneficial in understanding humans and their interactions, and statistical analysis. I was able to use my problem-solving skills in a retail environment, then in telecommunications (customer service operations). It may be a struggle to work full-time in a career in art, but having a solid career in programming will allow you to express your creative side on your downtime! Or better yet, save your money so you can afford to take some time off to write!