First of all thank you to whoever decides to take the time to read/reply to this. It is very much appreciated. Here is the thing, I graduated community college almost two years ago now with a graphic design degree. Prior to graduating, I had job shadowed graphic designers and realized it is not at all what I want to do with my life. My last semester I was panicked, confused, and incredibly depressed. I ended up not transferring anywhere and decided to take a year off. Now it’s been two years and I AM still on that boat. All I do is live at home and work at a grocery store. I feel like a constant embarrassment and failure to myself and my parents, and the last thing I want to do is be a part of the stereotype that kids who take a break from college never go back. I suppose my time off has helped a bit. I decided if anything I eventually want to try to make a side shop off my art skills by making enamel pins, stickers, ect. I realized I do enjoy art, but only when it’s my own creations, not as a job if that makes sense? So graphic design- out.
What now? I have a semi interest in health/ nutrition but I am terrible at science/math courses so I couldn’t pass classes like that. I have interests in cooking, baking, ect. and have always liked the idea of owning /working in a vegan restaurant/ bakery, however that’s not something you really major/ make money in. Do I just do something broad like communications? I was thinking about that until multiple people told me it’s a joke major. Please give me some guidance. I am once again missing deadlines to transfer and feel like an idiot. I used to talk to a career advisor but I had gotten depressed and stopped communicating with her in October. I wish I did not do that because now I feel it is way too awkward to contact her back, especially since deadlines are up. Any advice? Thank you so much.
What about possibly majoring in something geared towards business and concentrating in finance and then creating your own business? Maybe you could open your own vegan restaurant. I would recommend taking you degree and doing a full time job to make sure you are financially stable but why not try and open your own place? If not, feel free to reply and I can try and think of some more ideas
I wish you all the luck in the world :)))
If you still like the “visual communication” aspect, but just not the churning-out-contracted-work aspect, then I would say you shouldn’t write off the entire communications field so quickly. It’s true that a general communications degree can sometimes be regarded as “fluff”… but you say you’re interested in health and nutrition, so how about a focus on health communications? You could end up using your skill-set at creating effective visuals as part of a role in health communications/education.
How’s your GPA from community college? What state are you in?
Communications is not a “joke” degree - I’m fairly certain that the majority of people who say that didn’t major in communications. Do those people actually hire anyone? It really depends on the college you go to and their approach towards it. But if you want to major in communications, then do that.
If you really do want to return to finish your BA, the most important thing is that you find something that YOU really like and would want to study for four years - because studying what you like will make it easier for you to finish, since you’ll want to finish.
Secondly, if your depression is interfering with your regular ability to live your life, you may want to see a mental health therapist about that.
AS for your career advisor, don’t worry about that. They deal with students who come in and out all the time. Just mention that you were dealing with some health issues that prevented you from pursuing your schooling, but now you are ready to continue and you’d like her advice.
