I have a BA in history. I'm going back to college for a BS in nursing and an RN. After recently reviewing my earliest college transcripts, I don't know why I got a degree in history; I did far better in my math and science courses than I did in my liberal arts studies. I've been kicking this idea around my head for the past couple of weeks to try and understand why I did this. I've realized that for as long as I can remember, I was told I need to be a lawyer, or failing that a teacher, neither of which I actually want to do. These were my mom's preferred occupations, not mine. But I adopted them as my own. It's kind of depressing to realize I did this, but I can only go forward.
It's not that I don't like history or even regret my decision to get a degree in this subject. I could get a job as an office drone, but I wouldn't enjoy it. And any office job I got wouldn't pay enough to cover the cost of child care, at least not initially. I want a career where I can work flexible hours, interact with different people, feel like I'm making some small difference, and, preferably, don't have to wear a suit. I could simply take an office job with a nonprofit or other agency, but I don't enjoy an office setting (been there, done that, I hated it).
I would love to study music, but I know I would have to advance a lot to be able to make any kind of a living in that field. I'm with Kay on this front. I love music and playing piano, but I'm not good enough to do so professionally, and I don't want to teach.
I think the arts/liberal arts are important, and should be valued in and of themselves. I don't rank the sciences above arts, they're in different columns, and it takes both to advance society. I do value education for education's sake. The more you know... I also value feeling rewarded and fulfilled from one's job. I think more people should work to be fulfilled, not just earn a paycheck. Which makes what one studies a wholly personal decision, as everyone has different criteria of what would make them feel fulfilled.
The cost of college is high, too damn high! But a high school diploma just doesn't cut it anymore. Which indicates to me a disconnect between the job market and the US's educational system. Either a high school diploma needs to be able to get one a good career or college costs need to come down. Blue collar work has become too devalued in American society. I have a cousin who is a mechanic and works on big rigs. He enjoys his job, it's a necessary function, and it pays well. No matter how advanced of a society we become we will need mechanics, plumbers, electricians, builders, etc. These jobs need to shown as viable options to kids. Technical and vocational schools should be considered and not underrated.
TL;DR: Follow your joy. If you have a job that you love, you never work a day in your life. It takes all different kinds to keep society running, and they all deserve credit for keeping us moving forward.
It's not that I don't like history or even regret my decision to get a degree in this subject. I could get a job as an office drone, but I wouldn't enjoy it. And any office job I got wouldn't pay enough to cover the cost of child care, at least not initially. I want a career where I can work flexible hours, interact with different people, feel like I'm making some small difference, and, preferably, don't have to wear a suit. I could simply take an office job with a nonprofit or other agency, but I don't enjoy an office setting (been there, done that, I hated it).
I would love to study music, but I know I would have to advance a lot to be able to make any kind of a living in that field. I'm with Kay on this front. I love music and playing piano, but I'm not good enough to do so professionally, and I don't want to teach.
I think the arts/liberal arts are important, and should be valued in and of themselves. I don't rank the sciences above arts, they're in different columns, and it takes both to advance society. I do value education for education's sake. The more you know... I also value feeling rewarded and fulfilled from one's job. I think more people should work to be fulfilled, not just earn a paycheck. Which makes what one studies a wholly personal decision, as everyone has different criteria of what would make them feel fulfilled.
The cost of college is high, too damn high! But a high school diploma just doesn't cut it anymore. Which indicates to me a disconnect between the job market and the US's educational system. Either a high school diploma needs to be able to get one a good career or college costs need to come down. Blue collar work has become too devalued in American society. I have a cousin who is a mechanic and works on big rigs. He enjoys his job, it's a necessary function, and it pays well. No matter how advanced of a society we become we will need mechanics, plumbers, electricians, builders, etc. These jobs need to shown as viable options to kids. Technical and vocational schools should be considered and not underrated.
TL;DR: Follow your joy. If you have a job that you love, you never work a day in your life. It takes all different kinds to keep society running, and they all deserve credit for keeping us moving forward.
