Should You Follow Passion or Practicality in Choosing Your College Major?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dilemma of choosing between a practical degree, such as electrical engineering, and a passion-driven field like astronomy or planetary science. The participant expresses a preference for studying astronomy despite recognizing its potential lack of employment opportunities. The consensus suggests pursuing a degree that offers good employment prospects while using the income to support personal interests, such as astronomy. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing passion with practicality in educational choices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of degree options in STEM fields, particularly electrical engineering and astronomy.
  • Knowledge of the financial implications of attending college, including tuition and living costs.
  • Awareness of job market trends related to various college majors.
  • Familiarity with the concept of balancing personal interests with career choices.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research job prospects for electrical engineering graduates versus astronomy graduates.
  • Explore financial aid options and scholarships for local versus out-of-state college attendance.
  • Investigate ways to integrate personal interests with career paths without compromising job satisfaction.
  • Learn about the impact of student debt on long-term financial health and career choices.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for prospective college students, career advisors, and individuals contemplating the balance between passion and practicality in their educational and career decisions.

Holocene
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Okay, I had posted before about possibly pursing a degree in electrical engineering. However, I have a confession to make. My only reason for that, is that I would be able to attend school locally, and not have to pay high costs for room and board if I moved away.

However, if I could choose anything at all, I would much rather study something such as astronomy/planetary science. Now, I fully acknowledge that this degree probably isn't as "useful" in terms of finding actual employment, as is the engineering degree, but it's just where I feel my real interest lies.

Given the choice, would choose to save money and get a degree locally, but have it be in something other than your true interest, or would you rather study something you definitely have an interest in, but have to deal with moving away and paying much higher costs?

I mean, I'm starting late at age 24, and frankly the whole idea of living on a college campus makes me sick. Just looking for opinions, as I'm torn on what I should do.

Thanks.
 
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Get a degree in a field you LIKE and has good employment aspects. Use that money you earn to support your interests you LOVE. You can use the money you earn to get a telescope and some books on astronomy.

For the majority of the people out there, mixing hobbies/interests with work/jobs does not work. I love to play PC games, but hate making them. Myself, I don't like making careers and money out of my hobbies. The point of my hobby is to GET AWAY from working and release that stress.
 
fizziks said:
Get a degree in a field you LIKE and has good employment aspects. Use that money you earn to support your interests you LOVE. You can use the money you earn to get a telescope and some books on astronomy.

For the majority of the people out there, mixing hobbies/interests with work/jobs does not work. I love to play PC games, but hate making them. Myself, I don't like making careers and money out of my hobbies. The point of my hobby is to GET AWAY from working and release that stress.


Great advice, thank you.
 

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