1. Everyone assumes you want to be a teacher
There is a stigma that every English major has aspirations to teach. This is simply untrue. There are many who wish to teach, but there are a vast number of possibilities for English majors other than teaching. So next time you're asked the age-old question, "So you want to teach?" simply smile and be pleasant.
2. Your classes are predominantly female
You don't seem to find too much testosterone in your English classes. There aren't a lot of guys who are actively looking to read, write and talk about topics like Romantic poetry. As a result, there are a substantial higher number of women. To all my fellow male English majors, keep doing you man.
3. Everyone wants your help with writing or editing their papers
Everyone respects and admires your skill and ability with the English language, consequently everyone thinks you have all the answers. Whether it is how to spell a word, grammar or punctuation, or more complex issues like citations, you are everyone's go to guy. Sure it can get annoying, but you know it is a testament to your abilities, and sometimes it's even fun!
4. You laugh when you hear people complain about "long papers"
Pounding out 4,5 or 6 page papers consistently is no big deal to as an English major. This what we signed up for. So hearing people complain about their so called "long papers" is humorous. We just simply smile and sympathize, while knowing full well they have no idea how much worse it could be for them.
5. You don't have traditional exams
You aren't going to have fill in Scantron bubbles, there will be no memorization of formulas or theorems, you simply have to do what you do best, write! As your fellow students are cramming to memorize and retain vast arrays of different topics, you can sit back and trust in your abilities.
6. You have LOTS of reading
Every college student will have plenty of reading, but as an English major you have it on a whole other level.There will be nights you're reading upwards of a 100 pages, and not fluffy easy-reading either. Hemingway and Shakespeare, Henry James and Charles Dickens are not quick and simple. You have to really buckle down and actively read. Read, and write, read, and write, the endless cycle of an English major.
7. You don't have to buy expensive textbooks
Unlike most math and science courses, English classes don't require big expensive textbooks that really break the bank. You just have to buy a lot of smaller books that you can find very cheaply. Buying four or five $12 books is far preferable to one $300 mammoth of a textbook. Just one of the many perks of being an English major.
