When determining which major to pursue, should a person in today’s society choose a major that can accumulate financial sustainability or one that sparks their interests? I’m thinking about going into nursing but honestly I’m still undecided because biology, chemistry, etc. does not really excite me and it seems like all the jobs that I would love to have is saturated or can only provide a low salary… that and my parents’ pressure on me to pursue a major related to the medical field is veryy stressful. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life making a lot of money but being depressed by how unhappy I am with my career, yet at the same time, I don’t want to do something that I love, but struggle financially, which will probably make me hate my job
What are you interested in? Nursing isn’t the only “practical” major.
The key flaw in the question is that it’s phrased as either/or. The key is to find a balance between the two. It doesn’t sound like medical is the route for you, especially with all the extra school that’s needed if you will be miserable through and beyond it. I would highly recommend against medical.
What are your interests with saturation / low salaries? Lets start there and find things related to those that will yield better salaries.
The other thing is that your spending habits can be a significant factor in what jobs and careers are financially sustainable. If you live frugally, then you have more options of financially sustainable jobs and careers (and college majors to the extent that they are associated with jobs and careers) than if you live lavishly.
@halcyonheather I’m interested in journalism, psychology, fashion, and somewhat accounting… not very good majors in today’s economy 
@PengsPhils I’m interested in journalism, pyschology, fashion, accounting, and (I forgot to mentioned above) teaching. And thank you for your advice~ I also don’t think medical is the right route for me
@ucbalumnus I completely agree… thank you for your advice 
Since you’ve listed what you’re interested in, can you think of any jobs that may support you? Also, have you tried having a conversation with your parents?
If I were you, I would take a look at all of the different fields/majors you’re interested in and try to figure out what aspects of it are the most appealing and least appealing to your in order to figure out what you are really interested in. For example, Psychology. Do you like the human brain? Thought processes? Do you like hands on experiences like research, or do you prefer the idea of talking with someone and trying to dissect their thoughts? Do you want to work independently, alongside people, for people, or teach?
If you figure out what you are drawn to, maybe you can find a career path that blends a couple of your interests, or a entirely new field you hadn’t thought of. It seems like you have a wide variety of interests, what with fashion and psych and accounting, but perhaps there’s about all of them that appeals to you.
@NurseAlyssa I have tried talking to my parents, however they have the mindset that seems to believe that the medical field is the only way to success… its very stressful because they are making it really hard for me to choose any other major. I have thought about many jobs that seems convincing, but I’m not sure if I want the risks that goes along with it
@SandyScrubs thank you for the suggestions~ I’m currently thinking about all of those things- I can definitely feel the pressure because by August, I will be applying for college… >.<
Double major? That’s what most people in your situation do. One for fun, one for employment.
I started out as a premed, and had the opportunity to do a university hospital visitation program shadowing doctors. It was then that I realized I’d be listening to sick, dying people whine for the rest of my life. I switched majors junior year and never had a day of regret for quitting medicine.
Don’t trap yourself into something you’re really not interested in. Don’t believe for a second that medical school is the sole path to a happy life and a financially & intellectually rewarding career.
“You can’t complain when you can pay your bills and do your thing.”
It’s not always feasible to find something that you’re interested in AND will land you a job post-graduation. Depending where you live, the economy is rough right now. I’d be most concerned with finding something that you can tolerate and will nearly guarantee you a job after graduation. Don’t waste 4 years and tens of thousands of dollars on an education that might not get you a job.
Regarding post #12: Common sense should prevail. I wasn’t suggesting a degree in 15th century meso-american basket weaving.
That’s tough, but you need to tell them what you want to do or else you will be unhappy. 