<p>I wouldn’t say I majored in what I loved, just what interested me the most and what I thought I could do the best at.</p>
<p>At 18, I (and most guys in my social group) didn’t have a “love” for anything academic. I loved parties, girls, sports, ect. I always enjoyed US history, and for a teenager I kept up with current affairs better than most (at least for a jock), I also wasn’t a bad writer. History seemed like the most logical choice, but I felt like it would open any doors for me and I would be stuck teaching HS (which just isn’t for me).</p>
<p>If I could do it all over again, I’m can’t say I wouldn’t have picked something more practical (money). I would have really liked to major in Architecture, but I was never real strong in math so I didn’t think it was a smart move. I wish I would have at least taken the chance though. </p>
<p>I figured Poli Sci was the best route to the government, but now I know I could have majored in just about anything and still get hired by the Fed. </p>
<p>I think the idea of majoring in something you love is a common concept in younger people, and it fades as you get older. Priorities change from doing what you love to having security and a steady paycheck. After you have a couple kids, that becomes even more important. Now you are planning how to pay for their college tuition, and their needs. Struggling financially when you are young and single isn’t that aweful. You still have responsibility, but you’re primarily the only one affected. After you get married and have children having to struggle finacially can really wreck havoc on yourself. The stress is overwhelming and you can’t help but put intense pressure on yourself. I’d consider that when choosing my major, because if doing what YOU love creates an un-secure life for your family, then you are just being selfish.</p>
<p>Ideally, you’ll love something that provides a good quality of life. </p>
<p>Also remember this, you can major in something you love but not end up working in the same field. For everyone History major that went on to be a professor, write a book or work at a museum, there are 100 who are working in fields not related to History at all, often times with bleak financial outlooks.</p>
<p>Another thing I notice as I get older is that it’s really not what you are doing that makes you happy, but the environment in which you do it. Meaning, you might not be in love with the work, but if you are paid adequately, have a good boss and co-workers, and work at a company that treats you well and provides you a quality of life that allows you to flurish outside of work, then you are going to be pretty happy even if you don’t truly love, or even like the work.</p>
<p>Adversely, you could get a job doing what you “love” and still become miserable. If even you love the work, you will be one unhappy camper if you have a boss that mistreats you, work at a company that has a rude culture, can’t get buy on your pay, or you become overworked - you’re not going to enjoy life, regardless of your passion for the subject.</p>
<p>My first job out of college was a field that I was always interested in and thought I would “love” - boy was I wrong. I still found the work interesting, but I can’t tell you how unhappy I was. I was overworked, under paid, had superiors who were down right rude and had no respect for my personal life - it was a mess. I learned really quickly that if doing what I “loved” meant being treated like that, then I had no problem doing something else.</p>
<p>When I left that job, I felt like a giant weight was lifted off of my chest. Walking out of that building for the last time was one of the best feelings of my life. It took alot of restrain to walk out like a gentlemen, because I would have loved to tell the whole management team what I thought about them, lol…I’m getting steamed just writing about it!</p>
<p>I met my wife for happy hour to celebrate and I felt relaxed for the first time since I started that job. I couldn’t believe the difference in how I felt after I quit. I slept better, was happier, was a better husband and I found “myself” all over again. Instead of worrying about work and being over-stressed, I started fishing more and focusing on other things I really did love. Everything changed, I ate better, had more energy and was just a more optimistic and up-beat person. It wasn’t till then that I realized how unhappy that job made me and what a toll it took on me mentally, because the difference was night and day.</p>
<p>Eventually, I got into what I do now, and while I don’t “love” the work, I get through it just fine. It has higher pay, better benefits, more vacation and a much better culture. It doesn’t consume me, I don’t get anxiety over the pressure, I don’t have to worry about them calling me in odd hours and having my wife upset with me for it, ect.</p>
<p>So in my case, I’m happier doing something I don’t love, than I was doing something that I did love. </p>
<p>As far as a major is concerned, if you know that there is a small likelyhood that you will actually be able to work in the same field, than I’d recommend another major and person your interest in the subject in your own time.</p>
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