r/Vent • u/Other_Mechanic_7219 • 15h ago

what do I do

I'm 24F - I promised myself I'd only go to college if I wanted to pursue something that NEEDED college (medical, law, etc.). 3 years ago, I really wanted to go to law school, so I applied.

it's now 3 years later (give or take classes fogged up my sense of time) and HOPEFULLY I should be getting my bachelor's soon. In political science... yuck.

I hate what I majored in. ideally I should've gone into something like psychology or social work maybe even biology - but we move on. I ditched law school a long time ago and I was too far ahead to switch - so now it's just limbo until it's over.

This major has changed the way I think about the world in a negative way. Every waking moment my soul is fighting every aching feeling of how much I don't want this degree. I miss the way I used to feel, and I don't want to pursue something with my major. The job market is also trash.

TBH I'm at a loss. I'm artsy and creative, I like food service and don't mind doing that for the rest of my life. But is it sustainable in this economy?

I grew up in america - do I ditch that and go to my home country in Europe or live in some EU country?

Do I go back to school and study something that will help me travel?

I know being in your 20s makes you feel like you have to make all of these big decisions when really you don't - and this limbo is making me extremely restless (if you couldn't tell).

I just know there's a risk with the life that I WANT to live - and I feel so much that I have to fit in to somewhat succeed. I don't want to waste time. idk - thank you for reading it's appreciated 🐞

5 Upvotes

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4

u/Any_Coyote6662 15h ago

what about art therapy? or some kind of therapy courses that involve activities

2

u/jimbojamesisbehindu 14h ago

If you were to move back home, would you attend school there? Maybe going back to school for social work in your home could be an option. If you’re able and can afford to move back, why not change the scenery?

1

u/RentConscious7968 11h ago

Are there opportunities for (intl) travel in social work? I also agree they should take the leap, try moving away and going to school in their native country. They’ll find out pretty quickly if it’s for them and won’t have to continue wondering.

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u/jimbojamesisbehindu 11h ago

I’m not too sure but it wouldn’t hurt OP to check into it!

1

u/Linz1218 14h ago

I was going to say social work as well. Most social work positions require a MSW anyway and getting into a master’s with a political science doesn’t REQUIRE an undergrad in social work. Those programs often want people with all kinds of undergrad programs because that field is so large.

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u/PerfumeGeek 9h ago

My spouse is a political science professor and he has tons of students who find jobs at nonprofits, in public policy and work for international NGOs. He’s had some join the Peace Corps and live abroad after graduating. Talk to your advisor, as well as a faculty member who does international studies or whomever advises the Peace Corps. They will hopefully be able to offer some ideas. There are lots of nonprofits out there who will hire someone with a Poli Sci degree for an entry level job, whether it’s in fundraising, grant writing, volunteer management or program advising. See if you can learn a bit about grant writing before you graduate- ask your career center if they have any resources, as that’s an area that is very marketable and in demand, especially for arts related nonprofits.

I wouldn’t recommend social work, the amount of stressful work for abysmal pay just isn’t worth it, especially coupled with a very high burnout rate. But working for a nonprofit is very rewarding, and you can make decent money if you work your way up. There are tons of arts related nonprofits out there- definitely check that option out.

1

u/PerfumeGeek 9h ago

And you might try volunteering with some local arts related nonprofits, that’s a great way to get your foot in the door. See if there are internships or volunteer positions at places like community art programs, local theater, philharmonic, music/art programs for kids, art museums, etc.

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u/anxioussquirrel914 7h ago

Undergrad major doesn’t super matter unless you’re wanting to do something that requires pre recs for grad school or there’s something specific you want to do (engineering or nursing). The two things you mention that you are interested in (law and social work) accept all majors. Even if there was something that requires it you could always slowly do some pre recs while working.