Which career is right for me?

Parents Forum
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<p>I am currently a liberal arts student who is a Sophomore and I am confused as to which major I should transfer to next year. My problem is that I don't know what my passion is and everything I have a gift for does not have a good salary. </p>

<p>I like English, but I'm more than likely going to end up teaching which I'm not interested in because I don't want to deal with bored, rude or lazy students and parents. I also feel that everything I learn in the classroom, especially when it comes to English, I could learn on my own by researching on the Internet or going to the library. I already spend hours at a time in libraries absorbing as much information about novels and their analysis as possible. In high school, I was known for knowing trivia about literature and even awed the teachers.
I was also thinking of pursuing a career in research psychology, but I don't know what I would do with the degree. Also, it's getting expensive these days to pursue the PhD. I was never one for hands-on research anyway. I like reading and studying the research rather than doing it because I'm not creative enough to make any new discoveries. Lack of creativity is also the reason why I'm scratching off careers in Fashion and Advertising off my list. As for clinical psychology, I can't deal with the stress and I would hate to make a mistake that influences the life of others.
Philosophy is the most favorite class I have ever taken in my college career, but there is no money in it at all. Also, I figure that I could read the texts of philosophers in my spare time anyway.
Journalism? I'm not interested because I would probably have a difficult time meeting a deadline for something I'm not interested in writing about. The odds of writing for Time and The New York Times is low to begin with, let alone writing a topic you actually have an interest in those publications.
Law? I've heard many testimonies from people who worked at law firms or went to jury duty and they say that being a lawyer is very, very boring and stressful. I've also read a very interesting thread on CC about the parents here who are lawyers and what I've read turned me off. </p>

<p>I am not good with interpersonal relationships. I could never do anything in retail, sales or management. I've tried retail before and it was an absolute nightmare. I was diagnosed with mild Asperger's Syndrome, so there is a significant problems with communication. </p>

<p>I'm not very good at math or science and when it comes to technology I know no more than your average person, which is weird considering my AS diagnosis.</p>

<p>I guess I could give Economics a shot, a few days ago I read a very interesting article in Anthropology about economic globalization and whenever I hear about the stock market situation in news I am interested. I would not mind learning more about it. Would I have to be good at math? I'm sure I could pull a decent grade in math if I work very hard.</p>

<p>My point is that I want to be practical when it comes to choosing my career. The economy is terrible right now and if I get into any financial trouble in the future, my parents would have a difficult time bailing me out. I know that the roughly $70,000 my dad makes a year is considered wealthy, but we live on Long Island so the expenses are high. My Mom owns a small hair salon and she usually makes $1000 a week, but sometimes she could make hundreds of dollars less or more depending on how good the week is. Basically, we're doing fine, but no one could afford to make financial mistakes or spend frivolously. </p>

<p>To be blunt, one of the reasons I want to be wise in choosing a career is because there is plenty of snobbery and rivalry between my immediate family and my extended family. My extended family looks down on my immediate family because we don't have careers or salaries to brag about like they do. They've looked down on us for not being as highly educated as well because while some people in my immediate family either didn't finish college or go to college, I have distant cousins who went to HYP and one of them is a lawyer. One of my Aunt's is a millionaire.
I know it is not good to choose a career over how others perceive you and your family, but I just want to get rid of that burden and make my immediate family proud. That's all. </p>

<p>I also don't see the point of college if I don't get a comfortable lifestyle out of it. I might as well drop out and become a carpenter/plumber/electrician if I'm going to make a similar salary anyway. The types of jobs that people find tedious, repetitive or boring, I enjoy. I like a predictable and organized workplace, I seriously like menial tasks to focus on. As strange as that sounds, that's how I'm like.</p>

<p>Sorry for making a long post. Sometimes it's hard to explain my point.</p>

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<p>Have you thought of interning in different areas during your Summers? You may find that you really like some careers that you haven't truly had a chance to explore.</p>

<p>I would apply to journalism or communications internships in NY. Check out how they turn out before you cross them off your list.</p>

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<p>That is a good idea. I didn't think of that because I was so set on making a decision on what I exactly wanted before looking for an internship. That sounds very interesting though.</p>

<p>I'm curious as to why you pointed out journalism or communications internships in particular?</p>

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<p>You may also want to look into Library science as a career. It is ideally suited for some mild "aspy" types. I would suggest that you plan on "boneing up" on your technology skills, because you will need them with any sort of "academic" career, such as Anthropology, Economics etc in the future.</p>

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<p>Really? I did not say I was completely technology illiterate. I just said I knew enough to do my school assignments and get through the day. I know how to use the many functions of my cell phone, PDA and mp3 player.
Is there anything else I may have to learn? Like web design?</p>

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<p>The first thing that jumped out at me was Communications (until I got to the part where you mentioned that you felt that your communications skill were lacking). It sounds as though you are very creative, with a strong sense of wit, good writing skills, and a love of philosophy). Actually, I have a son who is a Communications major with a Film, TV, Radio Concentration. He's in his freshman year so he hasn't had the opportunity to experience the "meat" courses in his major yet. He's the kind of kid that is really good at everything yet tends to get bored when the creativity in the subject becomes mundane. As a Communications major, he sees his future employment options endless. If he's lucky enough, he could actually work in the film industry (imagine the possibilities of channeling creativity with psychology, philosophy, creative writing, politics, etc. in film). He could work in public relations in a company, writing sitcoms, behind the scenes in newsrooms, advertising, etc.). </p>

<p>Another field to consider is Library and Information Science. I agree that it is a great field for aspie's. Based on your original post--I think you're a great communicator.</p>

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<p>^ I felt that you implied that my communication skills are not as bad as I say they are and I'm underestimating myself. Sometimes I surprise myself when someone compliments a facet of my social skills such as being very polite or having eloquent speech.
In my Speech class I was commented on my loud, attention grabbing voice and the business-like way dressed for the presentation. Yet the speech fell apart when I ended getting really anxious, used lots of filler words and barely looked at the crowd as I fidgeted. I now realize that my problem with communicating with others is a lack of self confidence and not enough practice.
When I mean that I cannot communicate well, I mean that I do not hold conversations or have deep friendships. I do manage to have acquaintances though.</p>

<p>Come to think of it, when I was in high school, I was complimented by my classmates several times when I did school presentations. Even days after the presentation was over, someone would make a nice comment. All I did was write what I was going to say on flash cards, there was no theatrics unless you count my clear voice. So therefore I do fine when I'm not extremely nervous and have confidence. Another factor is that I was prepared and knowledgeable most of the time.</p>

<p>Thank you for helping me realize this, nysmile. </p>

<p>Your son's concentration seems very interesting. If I decided to be a Communications major (which is most likely) I would have a concentration on film, TV and radio too. The possibilities you mentioned for a career in Communications looks very interesting, even enticing and is exactly what I would love doing.</p>

<p>Thank you for telling me I'm creative and witty, that really surprised me as I hardly perceive myself as either. That really made my night.</p>

<p>Everyone gave great suggestions so far. All input is appreciated!</p>

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<p>You'll find your way. It takes time to figure it all out. Hell, it takes a lifetime to really figure things out. I have two sons. One discovered his passion early in middle school and has never wavered. 9-11 had a big impact on him (we live in NY) and he loves politics. His concentrations are in World Affairs and Public Policy. He loves the idea of working in National Security. He's currently a Junior and I have no doubt that a career involving Political Science is in his future. My second son is more laid back--so darn smart that he confuses his philosophy professor during discussions. He's naturally smart but doesn't flaunt it. He's my communications major. Whether he's discussing politics, teaching himself how to play an instrument, entertaining his dorm mates with an improv skit in the lounge, or writing a short story, he's happiest when he can use his intelligence in a creative way. He has always said that can't see himself working the typical 9-5 desk job because he would be bored to tears.<br>
My only advice is to try a variety of classes next semester that may help you to narrow down your major. Find something that you love and hopefully it's something that you're good at. Worry about your career later. Right now--spend your time finding a passion. If we're lucky in life, a passion can lead to a career.</p>

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<p>Other careers that might interest you in the English field (other than library science), are technical writing and publishing. Technical writing is a great field if you have good writing skills and a specific field or interest. One of my friends who majored in English works at a publishing company, where she reviews and edits manuscripts before they get published. She likes her job quite a bit. Another friend who majored in English works at a nonprofit dedicated to improving children's literary and plans programming for them.</p>

<p>Also, I noticed you mentioned psychology, and I wanted to let you know you can do psychology with a masters level degree (an MA in counseling or an MSW). I'm an MSW graduate student, and like you I have an asperger related diagnosis (nonverbal learning disability). I've found, in part due to my own problems that I've worked to overcome, that I have natural skill working with others who have trouble with social cues, such as the autistic spectrum, the developmentally disabled, and the severely mentally ill.</p>

<p>You're still young, though, and you have lots of time to try out different careers through summer jobs, internships, and volunteer work. I agree with the other posts that you should take the time to explore the careers you think might be of interest.</p>

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<p>Also remember you are in college to get an education and that your future jobs may be totally unrelated to your major. Choose something you actively like for a major, not one that will impress the relatives or seems prestigious. Remember that grad students often have money from being a RA or TA. You need to visit your school's student services for jobs available with various majors. Your school's health or counseling or such center should have some career planning materials and testing you can do to find fields that fit your interests, personality and abilities. Some tests involve seeing how you match up with people in various fields based on your answers to a multiple choice test. People often change careers so the one that seems right for you in your early twenties may not be the one you are in in your thirties. Regarding dropping out- getting your degree is somethiung you do for yourself, something no one can take away from you- any job can be lost, and you would be surprised at how hard it is and how long it takes to qualify in the trades- don't knock plumbers, electricians et al.</p>

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<p>^ I didn't mean to knock those in the trades, I was just worried if I was wasting my time in college. You convinced me that I'm not though. Thank you.</p>

<p>I will look into student services for tests. I always found those interesting and even took one in high school which suggested I should be a librarian or lawyer. I heard that sometimes they give you the meyers-briggs test. I've always wanted to take an official version of one. According to the online tests, I'm an INFJ. </p>

<p>It's odd how one doesn't end up in a job that is unrelated to their major sometimes. Oh well. I guess that's why you have to explore all of your interests in college.</p>

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<p>This was what came to my mind also.</p>