Should I be a teacher or physician assistant?

What Should I Major In?

• What Should I Major In? OK, so here are a few of the majors I have considered -psychiatrist -pediatrician -pharmacist -social worker -marketing -business management -construction worker -athletic trainer -fitness instructor -lawyer -high school teacher (history)/football coach -middle school teacher (history)/football coach -pastor -professor of history or philosophy -politician -biochemist -physician's assistant -biologist -clinical psychologist -school counselor -career counselor I have seriously considered all of these career paths. I want to choose a major that can get me to one of them, but I cannot decide what I want to do with my life. I understand that I am not alone, but it sure would make college easier if I knew my direction. Honestly, I do not really appreciate math and science too much. However, I am good at it when I apply myself. I seriously consider those fields, because I want a career that can support a family someday. Same thing with business. I am not interested in it at all, but it has potential to provide a meaningful career if I follow through with it. If my future career wasn't in the picture, these are the areas I would love to study--the areas I would excel in, and already do excel in: -history (passion) -philosophy (don't know to many high school students who absolutely love the topic) -english -psychology Basically, I am a liberal arts guy. The problem is that I hear liberal arts majors are not really looked for in today's economy. Things could change over the next 4-6 years. If I had to, I could manage getting good grades in math and science, but look at what I already excel in: -english = 4.0 -social studies = 4.0 -science = 3.5 -math = 2.0 (not what I excel in; albeit, I took advanced classes and did not have a proper calculator for two years, because we were to poor to afford one) So I excel in liberal arts classes, and I love to think about the deeper issues in the world. I love discussing those issues. I love writing about them. I am also a proven leader. I was captain of the football team my junior and senior season. I was also elected homecoming king (which, if you ask anyone who voted probably has to do more with my leadership in the classroom and on the field than my social status or popularity). Besides football, history, and deep thinking, I don't have any other strong passions. I do enjoy writing, but would never pursue journalism as a career, as has been suggested. Also, I want a career that will directly help people. I understand that it might sound selfish that I want a high paying job. However, I guarantee that if I did not plan on having a family, my career choice would be much easier. I have grown up in a very poor family, and I know how hard it is to constantly maintain a happy life. I also do not want to be like my father (whom I greatly respect) who is going on 50 and still works grueling 14 hour work days as a floor installer. I want a well paying job to support my future family, but I also would be most happy in a setting where I helped people. I am a high achiever. I am not worried about if I will excel. I am worried about my passions transferring into a well-paying career to support a family. I do not want to hate my job. I find that people are most successful if they follow their passions. I do not know how to go about doing that, though.

• Answer:

  Sounds like history and philosophy are the areas you are most interested in. If you think of your college experience as time to prepare to make a living, you should choose something "practical." But, if you think of your college experience as a time to prepare for making a LIFE, then your major should be what interests you and not what is likely to make you a lot of money.