Urgh.
Over time, I've started to hate hearing someone ask me that question. It's not that I'm ashamed of what I majored in; it's the way that some people obviously start to judge me in their heads. Here's an example:
Person: "So, what did you major in?"
Me: "I majored in psychology."
Person: "Oh, okay."
(Pause for a few seconds)
Person: "So um, what do you want to do with that?"
Now on paper (well, in this case on computer), that whole conversation seems innocent enough. However, in person I can pick up slight body language and/or tones that alerts me that the person is thinking something else. In this case, I sense that the person is thinking this:
Oh, psychology. I was expecting accounting, science, or information systems. What can he do with that major? Not looking to make money probably.I don't like acting paranoid thinking that everyone who asked me that question proceeds to think in that manner, but I know for a fact some people have. Most of those people have been older aquaintances or relatives, some that don't even know what psychology is ("So, do you read minds or something?", my aunt once asked me). In a lot of ways, their judgmental attitudes have made me feel like I've made a bad decision for choosing my major.
Look, going through college I already knew the limitations of a psychology major. Unless I went into grad school, I knew it would be very hard to find a great job that relates to psychology. I think my
friend Tricia, a fellow psychology major, put it best: "I have the most useful useless degree ever... I can do anything and nothing at the same time... yay for psych!"
Indeed, I have encountered a lot of obstacle since graduating. Even though I graduated magna cum laude with tons of honors and experiences, I've had a hard time finding a job in something I want to do with just a B.A. in psychology. Of course a part of it has to do with the economy, but I know a part of it has to do with my major as well.
With all that being said, I do not regret the decision to be a psychology major. I firmly believe that I wouldn't be the understanding and empathetic person I am today had I done something else. I'm pretty sure that had I wanted to, I could have majored in science or computers and would have done well. However, I knew that in the long run I wouldn't be happy doing stuff like that. Sure, money might be better, but I prefer to deal with the more human aspects of life. Given the chance, I would choose something I'm passionate about over something that can make me tons of money. In my mind, happiness trumps monetary reward any day.
At the moment, I'm still pursuing a job working for the USTA. It may not make the most money, but I would be doing something I love (tennis) while getting the chance to travel across the country. As a back-up, I'm still planning to attend graduate school in the fall to become an industrial/organizational psychologist (which, surprisingly, makes pretty decent money). The only downside with that is the cost of attending graduate school, as well as the fact that I would be returning to school (papers and exams again? Yuck!).
Given the chance to go back in time, I would definitely choose to be a psychology major all over again. It can be a harder and longer path to success, but I know that in the end I would be the happiest doing this over something else. I just wish I didn't feel the need to be so defensive about it all the time.
Comments (383)
Psychology is so broad with so many different uses, I love psychology :P
@JetaimeMing -
It didn't help that my aunt's daughter ended up being a doctor X_X . Ah expectations...@Dylan_Disast3r -
Exactly, there isn't anything wrong with it persay. I guess it's because it's not known for it's job potential, at least with just a bachelors degree.I'll trade you degrees.
@Roadlesstaken -
ugh i hate that, my parents want me to become a doctor too but i'm like no mom no, then they tell me that there's no point in me going to school if i'm not gonna become anything lol but whatever, it's what you want to do :)so, are you good at picking up some chicks with your psychology abilities now?
HAHAHA.
anyways, when will you attend community college for two years to get a degree. it wouldnt hurt to be a physical therapist?
What about when you meet people your age? Do they tend to back off a little bit too, because they automatically think you're analyzing them?
I have regrets about my major and I'm starting to feel like it's not practical and I'm a science major!
Could be worse, you could have majored in Philosophy. No option there but to teach or start a cult. DONT DRINK THE KOOLAID!!!
to me psychology is the most normal major ever. like, one of the main ones to make the parents happy and be on the road to a good job... but, im coming from the perspective of music major....
I hear you 110%. As you know I'm a psych/english major, and I have gotten all sorts of out-there comments like "what, are you going to be a poet"? or "wow--you must be good at reading minds". Yeah...psychology NOT psychic..haha. Anyway, I am a big advocate of following your true passions and talents (something I want to touch upon on my new Xanga coming soon!!), and I am a firm believer that you can never go wrong if you go with what you truly enjoy (ie. Tennis). Yes money is always a motivating factor, but the money will always be there no matter what, and I can attest to that. A degree does not guarantee income--but it can open doors. More importantly who you are, and your experiences combined, is a better indicator of where you will go.
And based on what I know--all the liberal arts majors I've ever known are intelligent, flexible people with the ability to communicate effectively and think critically--very important skills to have in this world right now and tomorrow!