<p>I want English/Writing as a B.A. but I get mixed results. Some describe English as an enjoyable major that offers a wide range of jobs. Others say it is a 'useless' degree. I don't plan on teaching English but I would if I couldn't find a job. I would rather pursue something involved in technical writing or publishing. So as much as I want to major in English, I now might consider becoming a registered nurse-mostly because I know there is pratically a guranteed job if I become a nurse. It's not my first choice but- I don't know.
Which should I choose?
Another thing is that I never envisioned my life as rich and successful. I don't plan on getting married or having kids. I see myself as a loner, a traveler- working, writing in a cafe, reading, maybe traveling. So I'm not in it for loads of cash. I just want a salary I can live off of.</p>
<p>Nursing is sort of a calling. Even though you’re not in it for “loads of cash,” you’re looking for a guaranteed job, which, IMO, as someone who finally realized that nursing is the job for her, is a little disappointing to hear. Only do nursing if you really want to do it and feel passionate about it.</p>
<p>In the end, it seems like a lot of the things you’re thinking about involve money and other people telling you that what you want to major in is useless. First, don’t take that crap from anyone. If someone tells you your major is useless, then whatever, that’s what they think (and it’s really none of their business). Why don’t you take some time to think about what you really like to do? There must be something.</p>
<p>Not to be cliche, but follow your dreams… Ahah.</p>
<p>Seriously, I wanna’ be a lawyer, but there are so many lawyers these days that unless you graduate from a T14 law school, it’s hard to find a job. That doesn’t mean I should just become a nurse or an engineer instead, just because it’s easier to get a job… I mean, what if FDR had been an engineer, what if Frank Lloyd Wright had been a lawyer, what if Einstein had decided life would have been easier as a music major? What if JK Rowling had been a nurse, or Voltaire a cobbler? Do what you want to, it’s your life.</p>
<p>As a side note, I have an uncle who did his undergrad in English… Then got a masters in engineering, then a Ph. D in linguistics… He just retired at the ripe old age of 55, but before that he worked as an editor… So his English degree probably ended up doing him more good than his engineering degree from Georgia Tech. You really never know how life will unfold, so it’s best to do what you want to and not worry about it.</p>
<p>You said, “I don’t plan on getting married or having kids. I see myself as a loner, a traveler- working, writing in a cafe, reading, maybe traveling. So I’m not in it for loads of cash. I just want a salary I can live off of.”</p>
<p>If that is the case, I have the perfect career for you. Get your English degree and get a certificate in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and also technical writing. Then apply for the many jobs for qualified applicants to teach, translate and do technical writing overseas. This will allow you to live and travel and earn a legitimate living AND very importantly, qualify for work permits and work visas in many countries.</p>
<p>I have a former student that does exactly that and travels the world on other peoples money and gets paid for it. He is also writing his own books and stories and self publishes with all his travel experience adding the color of his experience. He has lived in Japan, China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic), Latin America (Brazil?), etc. If you are willing to teach and be a good technical writer this may be the answer. Find a program like this one: [Certificate</a> In TESL, Linguistics, CSULB](<a href=“http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/cla/departments/linguistics/certificate/]Certificate”>http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/cla/departments/linguistics/certificate/)</p>
<p>Anyway, if what you really want is what you described above, man is there a great career for you!</p>