I was in a nursing last yr, but was just feeling so discouraged and felt it wasn't the program for me, so I transferred into another program (an arts program). I was studying at this uni in the arts program at first (before changing into nursing), so I just continued with the program. But I have to declare my major and I'm not sure which to choose. I could either do Philosophy (which I have the marks for) or Sociology. My parents think Philosophy is a waste and advised me not to do it. They say Sociology is better and can be better applied to more jobs out there. I'm trying to do what's best for me, so I'm trying to make my own decision in the end, but I'm feeling confused at to what to do. To major in Sociology, I have to get 80% or above in the Sociology course I'm taking right now before I can get accepted in the program. I really do not want to do Sociology, but I'm still trying to do well in the course. As for Philosophy, I have the marks needed to major in it, but I'm worried that if I do major in it i'll be unable to find a job when I graduate. I do not want to become a Teacher, so I'm not planning on getting a masters in it or anything. All my peers whom I started uni with 3 yrs ago have moved on and I'm still lacking behind, struggling with what to do. I know these two courses: Sociology and Philosophy aren't the best in terms of securing a job lateron, and that's my biggest fear. I don't want to be in sch for 3 more yrs, graduate and cannot find a job. I have 15,000 in student loans already. I know first hand how it is to have a hard time finding a job, and do not want that after spending 4 yrs in uni. I've been thinking about going back into nursing. I know my family's going to think I'm crazy, but I just want to stick to one thing this time and do it. I'm thinking about applying to another nursing school (not the one I went to last yr) and hope this time things'll be different. But I'm worried that I will not get in because they'll look at my application and see I've been going back and forth with schools and that may show them I'm not a committed person (and I really am, I've just been having a hard time finding where my niche is). Or they may not take me because they'll see I've already completed a yr of nursing at another school, and I say this because I read somewhere that nursing schools want students with no previous nursing experience, and I already have 1 yr of it. If you're wondering why I left the nursing program in the first place, it was the clinicals that I dreaded. I always felt like I was never good enough there and I felt like all the other students i my grp knew what they were doing, except me. I just always felt like I didn't belong. I do not have a problem with the nursing courses itself (tho I find the theory part to be a bit boring), and I loved Pharmacology and Pathophysiology. I loved learning about diseases, drugs, etc. I'm just confused. Should I apply to nursing schools again?? This time I'm going to stick with it. I'm worried about what my family'll think. They'll think I probably need psychiatric help or maybe there's something wrong with me. And I don't want them to worry too much, especially my parents -because they've really tried to be supportive, but this time if I tell them I'm thinking about going back to nursing, they'll be very angry and I really don't want to give them any hypertension. Can anyone advice me?
Hi there. 
It's okay to be confused. Making a choice about your career is stressful, and that's going to making things tough right now.
That said, let's look at the situation so you can move forward.
You have many choices – so many, in fact, that it's stressing you out!
It's interesting that you mentioned your MBTI type in your question – if you're certain that you're an INFJ (and the way you've written your details suggests you are LOL) – then it makes sense that this is causing you so much stress…..your career needs to feel "right" – your career isn't just a "job" to you – it's an expression of who you are
I would advise you, as an INFJ, to look at the big picture ONLY….
What would you like to do in the long run? Do you want to be a nurse? Yes or no?
If the answer is yes, then you should consider looking at nursing schools – if the answer is no, then it doesn't matter how cool some of the courses were – consider other majors, such as philosophy (which you, theoretically, should like), sociology, and psychology….
A third option – a 4-year degree in sociology or philosophy and a master's degree paid for a company – in nursing or business later on?
By the way, don't rule out getting the philosophy degree – and getting a minor in business – or taking a few additional business classes – to get your parents on board, so it makes sense to them. You can get a job with a 4-year degree, even if it's in philosophy – it's a college degree!
Don't rush this decision, but I would not get the nursing degree if it doesn't vibe with you – and would take steps to make a philosophy degree (or if you have to, sociology or psychology degree) more marketable by taking business classes, learning computer skills….
Best of luck!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
WOW thats alot.
Sometimes to make a hard decision you must go somewhere where your thoughts can soar (ocean for me) go to the rocks where you are completely alone and ask your self where you would be most happy.
References :
Hi there.
It's okay to be confused. Making a choice about your career is stressful, and that's going to making things tough right now.
That said, let's look at the situation so you can move forward.
You have many choices – so many, in fact, that it's stressing you out!
It's interesting that you mentioned your MBTI type in your question – if you're certain that you're an INFJ (and the way you've written your details suggests you are LOL) – then it makes sense that this is causing you so much stress…..your career needs to feel "right" – your career isn't just a "job" to you – it's an expression of who you are
I would advise you, as an INFJ, to look at the big picture ONLY….
What would you like to do in the long run? Do you want to be a nurse? Yes or no?
If the answer is yes, then you should consider looking at nursing schools – if the answer is no, then it doesn't matter how cool some of the courses were – consider other majors, such as philosophy (which you, theoretically, should like), sociology, and psychology….
A third option – a 4-year degree in sociology or philosophy and a master's degree paid for a company – in nursing or business later on?
By the way, don't rule out getting the philosophy degree – and getting a minor in business – or taking a few additional business classes – to get your parents on board, so it makes sense to them. You can get a job with a 4-year degree, even if it's in philosophy – it's a college degree!
Don't rush this decision, but I would not get the nursing degree if it doesn't vibe with you – and would take steps to make a philosophy degree (or if you have to, sociology or psychology degree) more marketable by taking business classes, learning computer skills….
Best of luck!
References :
Lots of experience.