When I started college my freshman year, I had declared a Health Science (Pre-OT) major. I had struggled to determine which major to declare when filling out my application: Psychology? English? Education? I couldn't decide -- I'm not great at one thing. But I eventually settled on Pre-OT because somebody at my church had told me that the job offers would roll in after graduation.
As I continued to grow through college, I changed minors so frequently that I didn't even have time to update them on my social media accounts. I changed my primary major to Pre-PT because I thought it would be a better choice for me. I added a second minor. I declared a second major, English, because that's what I'm truly passionate about.
People often asked me why I was a double major. My answer always remained the same: English is what I'm passionate about, and PT will get me a job after graduation. I think I'll enjoy it, don't get me wrong, but if I had one major, it would be English.
Everyone understood -- it's all too common that people choose their majors based on job stability before taking into account their passions. It's understandable; people choose money over happiness because of what they feel that money can provide. However, if you go for a job that you hate, you'll be miserable -- even when pursuing that career through your major.
Here's the thing: I have never been great at science and I don't even really like science. It frustrates me. So why did I think I could get through four years of science classes and then at least two more during grad school? Even if it was possible, it was draining me of my energy. Every time I would study for a chemistry test, I would get snippy and lash out at my friends, even (especially) those who were trying to help me. Pursuing a major that I had no passion for was draining, frustrating, and not worth it.
Before I went to college, a family friend gave me this advice: Do what you love. Your major in undergrad isn't always (or even often) as critical as you may think. The truth is, it isn't as hard to find a job in the English field as some people assume. A lot of English majors go to law school or into the business field.
I can find stability and happiness. It might not happen as quickly as it might in another major, but at least I won't question every day if I am making the right decision for myself and for my future.
If I later find that I want to go into another field, I can go back to school. People do it all the time now; if I really decide that I'd rather be doing something else, I can find a way to make it work.
I'll leave you with a quote attributed to Confucius that I find suits this topic: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
