<p>I've been on CC for a while now and I've seen many amazingly passionate students with goals that they want to pursue. I'm an extremely ambivalent and indecisive person so I struggled a lot trying to figure out what I want to do in life. The thing is, I don't think I can just go "chase my dreams" like everyone else. I don't know if anyone else could relate but my parents are extremely hardworking immigrants earning very little to support the family. They have to work hard and struggle so I could be the one who will get a good education and succeed. This is a very heavy burden and I feel obligated to get a well respected career that pays 6 figures, even if it sacrifices my happiness and mental health. I know I should do something that I like but there are many other factors to consider such as the pay and risks. I can't think of anything that will give me both happiness and a good pay.... I thought about becoming a doctor but I don't want their lifestyle. I love art and designing but the art field is pretty risky. I just don't know anymore....</p>
<p>Is it just me that's totally indecisive about career choices?</p>
<p>Do they define success just in terms of how much money you end up making? I mean, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be homeless or starving even if you never end up making six figures. Is there anything between “artist” and “doctor” (in terms of risk/pay) that you might be interested in? </p>
<p>Are they pressuring you a lot because they expect to pay a lot for your college education? Would it be different if you found colleges where you’d get a lot of grants/merit aid and it wouldn’t cost them as much?</p>
<p>Are you just assuming they expect you to earn six figures? I think most parents such as yours just want their kids to have the opportunity to do what they want, not relegate themselves to earning as much money as possible. Earning six figures doing something you don’t like is, if you think about it, similar to your parents working hard and earning little money. The only difference is, you’d be making more money, which is utterly pointless if you’re not happy.</p>
<p>@halcyonheather My parents do not pressure me at all. Actually, they told me to do whatever I want. But I just can’t seem to be completely free with myself because I’m just so afraid of failing and regretting my choices. I’m known as the biggest worrywart in school haha. As for grants/merit, I’m going to pay off all my loans on my own when I get a job.</p>
<p>@CE527M I’m actually moved by what you said. I’ll keep you words in mind!</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about financial aid, but you shouldn’t be dismissive about it…it’s important to think about how you will pay for college before thinking about anything else (especially if you plan on going into something where you won’t make a lot of money). You’ll still need a cosigner unless you’re just taking out government loans, which are limited. </p>
<p>@halcyonheather That’s true… I never thought much about financial aid. Thanks! Although my grades aren’t the best of the best, I’ll research more about scholarships and stuff.</p>
<p>Most scholarships come from colleges themselves (Fastweb-esque scholarships are usually small and hard to get), so look for safety schools that will give you a lot of merit aid for your grades and/or test scores (or from being a National Merit Finalist, if that applies). And run net price calculators on college websites to see how much need-based aid you’ll get…if you’re low-income you could get a lot of money from selective colleges with large endowments.</p>
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