As a recent high school graduate, and consequently a soon-to-be college student, I have found myself increasingly vulnerable to the constant barrage of questions about my plans for the future. It seems like the default question that pops into people’s heads when they see me is “what’s next?” More often than not, before I can even open my mouth to greet them, they’ve already managed to ask me what my major is, how I plan to make money with that, and what I’m going to do when I can’t find a job in that field. Not only is it incredibly rude to question someone’s life choice into oblivion, but it is also disheartening and not at all beneficial to their mental stability. People who have been brave enough to choose a career in the arts are especially privy to this because apparently, if you’re not majoring in computer science or something equally promising, you might as well be getting a degree in mouth breathing.
Like a lot of young people and, well people in general, I don’t have it all figured out yet, so this onslaught of questions has been especially challenging for me. I've learned being able to deliver a satisfactory answer while also not getting too specific about your nonexistent plans takes cunning skill and practice. And, while I might not be getting that fancy degree which absolutely guarantees me a job straight out of college, I do feel I’ve at least earned a degree in maneuvering around unwelcome inquiries into my future plans, but, unlike U.S. colleges, I won’t charge you tuition for the information. Here are a few tips on deflecting those invasive questions about your future:
“What’s your major?”
This can be as easy as simply telling the other person your major or a daunting as having to tell them you haven’t decided yet and then having to endure the usual follow up question of “well, what are you interested in?” because everyone thinks they can lead you to some breakthrough in which a ray of light hits your forehead and you suddenly know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. To avoid this, I’ve found that its usually just easier to say marketing and go about your day.
“Is that really what you want to do?”
This question usually comes from people who want to project their own insecurities and doubts onto you or people who just want to make sure you’re secure in your important life decisions. Either way, it’s important to not let them get in your head and infect you with self-doubt. Stand strong in your decisions and don’t let the doubts of others make you doubt yourself.
“How are you going make money with that?”
This one is usually aimed at people in the arts, however I’m sure people majoring in communications have heard this one a few times too. There really is no one perfect answer because most people fail to see there are many different jobs available in the arts and not just the generic “rock star” or “painter” (although these are just fine too). When people ask me how I’m going to make money with a film degree, I usually just shrug it off because if they’re not open minded enough to embrace the vibrancy of the art world, then they’re usually not worth the effort. However, you may be a better, more patient person than I am, and therefore more willing to sit down with them and explain that a career in the arts is not the golden ticket to the homeless shelter that everyone thinks it is. Go for it. Also, a gentle reminder that money isn’t everything is always welcome.
"Isn't that really hard?"
For my S.T.E.M majors, you may get a thrill out of seeing people become physically sick when you tell them your majoring in something like bioengineering. For others, people constantly reminding you of your impending uphill battle may be discouraging. However its important to not let people who failed college algebra deter you from pursuing your passion. The world needs you and all the late nights spent hunched over a calculator or lab table will pay off. Plus, it's kind of fun to watch people shriek in terror at the thought of you doing calculus.
“Won’t robots be able to do that?”
The answer to this question is usually yes. I’m sorry, they’re coming for us.
