Crossroads: College and Career

  I’m finding myself at a crossroads in my life.  About 6 months ago, I was certain that I wanted to become a Psychologist.  It seemed like the right career for someone like me, since I rely on my emotions and mathematics feel like an insufferable plague to me.  I enjoy helping people with their problems, and I think I would make an effective mediator or counselor. 

  Well here’s where that easy road stopped.  I purchased The Apology and The Republic by Plato on audiobook one late night last June.  I was amazed by Socrates ability to argue and think critically (obviously there’s no way to separate truth from fiction, being that these texts were written around 400-300 BCE. Nevertheless, they are still great literary works) even when faced with death.  The life of Socrates was inspiring to me as a person, and I feel that it touched on something in my core, something unexplained, yet very real.

  After listening to the texts over and over, checking out various other philosophers (Nietzsche being a personal favorite.), and meditating hard on all of these ideas that they inspired, I had come to the conclusion that I would switch my major to Philosophy.  It seemed like a great idea at the time (how many horror stories start with that very line I wonder?).  However, I am now approaching a cataclysm of doubts.  I wonder if maybe I used too much haste when I made the decision to major in Philosophy.

  It would no doubt be a very interesting path.  But, this path would ultimately lead to nowhere.  Philosophy is more applicable as a hobby, or skill, than as a foundation to a successful, and fiscal, career.  The ironically true joke is “What’s the difference between a philosopher and a bench?” sadly “A bench can support a family.”  For some reason I just don’t feel the need to spend 4 years of my life studying, so that I can better argue with the other philosophy majors in line at the soup kitchen. 

  I’ve come to the conclusion that philosophy, while attractive, is not a very viable major (for me at least.)  I will most likely choose to go back to Psychology; however, I want to look into other potential majors as well.  Whatever I do, I hope it is enjoyable, profitable, and fulfilling.