Majoring in English has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. However, there are a few people who haven't been so kind about it, and I know my fellow English majors can relate. This is a list of the most common things we hear from others regarding our choice of education...which are actually quite annoying.

1. “So, you’re going to teach?”

Does this mean I can safely assume that a history major will go into teaching? Or that a biology major is going to work in medicine? Ooh, or that a finance major will become a bank teller?! This seriously grinds my gears.

Teaching is NOT the only option if you want to major in English. There’s marketing, publishing, communications, technical writers, medical writers, freelance writers, and so on. Don’t get me wrong, teaching English is a great plan, but it’s just not for me. I’ll stick with my concentration in writing, thank you.

2. “You know you’re not going to get a well-paying job, right?”

I beg your pardon, what? When I was asked this question for the first time, I went ballistic. First off, a job in this industry may not make one rich, but it’ll make enough to have a nice financial standing. Second, and most importantly, why do we need money to have a great life? I’d prefer to be happy and stable, rather than loaded and miserable.

3. “English majors have it easy!”

Wow, hilarious. Being an English major is not a walk in the park. Scratch that, college in general is not a walk in the park. We have to do just as much work as everyone else. In fact, why don’t you try reading Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre in a week’s time, on top of reading twenty poems by Tony Medina and writing a detailed poetry analysis essay on his style? I double dare you.

4. “Can you edit my papers for me?”

As much as it would thrill me… no. I’m sorry, but I’m not your personal proofreader. I’m not being rude; I just can’t add another paper to the five other papers I have to write. Besides, you’re better off getting assistance from a tutor or your professor. They are there to help you out.

5. “You get to read all the time. Must be nice.”

Whoa, time out. Yes, we do read a lot, and it’s sometimes nice. However, not all of us are huge bookworms, and it’s not like we get to read whatever we want. In fact, some of the things I've read have been extremely painful to even skim (*cough* Vermeer's Hat *cough*). Carrying all of these books have done a number on my back, too.