Changing my major = starting over..

[apryllraye87]

Ohh if only I had known how hard being a full-time employee, mommy & part-time student at the time same would be. It's a good thing I knew everything at 18

I am 4 semesters away from my degree, and guess what.. I don't want to spend the rest of my life doing what my degree is going to be for. Fun right? Now I realize I'm not the only person in the world to change their major, however, I've already been in school for 4+ years. I have been looking around at other options and the type of career I am interested in is so far from what I'm currently going for that I would basically have to start all over.

Right now my two options are either finishing this degree and getting a job I don't like. Or, starting over and go back to school for another 4+ years. Mike thinks I should finish this degree anyway since I "only" have 4 semester left. Four semesters doesn't seem like much but it is about a year and a half.

What if I start another degree and 4 years from now I hate that one too? I'm exhausted and burnt out and I never feel like I have a chance to just breathe and relax because school or work is constantly on my mind. I definitely do not want to stay in the position I'm in now. I just feel lost and stuck right now.

[irish]

I hear ya hun, I'm pretty much in the exact same boat as you. Somedays I'm glad that I'm going to school for the degree that I'm getting, other days I question it. But, I have no clue what other degree I would go for! I wish i was one of those people that knew exactly what it is I wanted to do, and already had my degree for it lol. I don't really have any advice for you, but just wanted to let you know you're not alone. I know that if I were to change my degree and start over, my family wouldn't be too happy with me!! Go with your gut...there's no point in spending another year and a half just to get a degree that you do not want. Why not put that money towards starting a new degree? Good luck Apryll, I know it's a very difficult decision!

[doeeyedgirl]

Oh man, sorry to hear that Apryll. How frustrating. I don't blame you for being burnt out. I am in the same boat as far as school/mommy/full time work. Can you take a semester off to think about this? Or is it something that you need to continue on immediately?

[apryllraye87]

I keep going back and forth on whether or not I want to take a semester off. I was planning on taking Spring off.. then I thought about taking 2 classes instead of 3.. now I'm back to just taking it off all together.

It is really helpful to know that I'm not alone.. And I agree that I wouldn't want to waste another year on this degree when I already know that I don't want to spend my life in this career.

[mickeymk]

What is it that you want to go to school for or do rather? I have found so often that people go to school and get a degree and don't like what they would be doing. I have also found that if you have a degree you are better off than if you didn't have one period. I would say finsih the one you are on and then see what you can do.

[apryllraye87]

I'm currently going for Accounting and I want to switch to something along the lines of Psychology or Sociology. I am very interested in drug and alcohol counseling.

The thing is school is already going to take me forever so if I spend another 1.5 years finishing this degree when I'm not even going to use it feels like a waste when I could be spending that 1.5 years working toward my new degree. :/ BUT then again if I finish my degree I could possibly get a better paying job in the mean time.. but that's also not a guarantee in this economy. I keep going back and forth in my mind but I can't make a decision.

[JazzyMaxie]

I hate when that happens! I completed a 4 year degree, worked in the field of under a year, and realized that it was not wanted I wanted to do! I stuck it out for two years…then moved on to other things…(but I can’t say that they were bigger and better). Allow me to be blunt here, IMO, you are better off financially with an accounting degree; rather than a sociology/psychology degree. I would finish the Accounting degree, and then look in to possibly getting in to a Master’s level Psychology program. Yes, you may have to complete some undergraduate work to be admitted in to the Master’s program…but it won’t be another 4 year degree. Also, I have seen psych /soc majors getter better jobs with a Master’s rather than a Bachelors.

[laurac]

It sounds like Jazzy knows what she's talking about. I talk to you almost every day, Apryll and it sure sounds like you could use the smallest of breaks! I know earlier you had said you wanted to take a semester off and I think that sounds perfect. Life is way too short to not be happy.

[slufoot]

My friend just finished her exams to be a licensed social worker in Illinois. She had to get a master's if she wanted to practice in IL. Check into the requirements for MN, but Jazzy might have the best plan if the requirements are the same here. And honestly even with her being licensed, there's not a lot of jobs out there right now.

[supermommy]

I am just like you except finished my degree already and wished it would have been in social work or counseling. I would have to start from the very beginning as well....maybe someday later down the road I will go back. Good luck figuring it out but I would say quit now and start over...don't waste anymore on the accounting degree.

[apryllraye87]

I talked it over with Mike last night and I think financially it would be the best decision to finish my degree in accounting first (especially considering I've already spent so much money towards my degree). Even though I know that I don't want to stay in accounting for the rest of my life I pretty much know I'll be able to find a job even in this economy and make decent money. Once I get an accounting job maybe I can consider going back.

Eventually I'd like to get a degree in something that I love but right now I feel like I need to put aside my own feelings and work with the decisions I've made for my family's sake. I'm still going to take the Spring semester off but I'll be back at it starting in the summer. Thanks for all of your advice ladies.. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in these things!

[sarahisis]

My husband has his MBA in Finance, but is now an sr. accounting manager at UHG... He always talks about how he should've done this, should've done that.. pertaining to his career and education... until he realizes that he's in a GREAT company, with great job security that pays really well!! I think you're making the right decision about finishing your accounting degree! Then like Jazzy said, you could always pursue a masters in Psych and not have to go another 4 yrs!
Good Luck!! (and keep United Health Group in mind if ever looking for accounting jobs.. hubs said that even in this job market; they always seem to be hiring!!)

[dara1012]

Apryll- My younger brother has his undergrad in finance & accounting and his MBA ....he has worked for Target as a property tax accountant and has never loved his job. But he makes good money and has always had a job. I think getting your degree is a good idea. Once you have your undergrad you can also look at doing certificate programs for drug and alcohol counseling. My friend just finished one and started working at a rehab center. Once you have your degree you will have options for master's programs, certificate programs etc and in the mean time you could work in accounting and just focus on going to and from work and being wife and mommy and not worry about school too...I took 10 years after my undergrad to decide and go back for my master's so glad I waited...I love my program!

good luck!

[apryllraye87]

It seems to be the norm for people with accounting degrees to not love their jobs, but make good money. I think one of the main reasons I decided to get into accounting in the first place was because of the job security. I worked as an assistant to our accountant at my previous job and I liked helping her so I doubt that I will hate my job, I just know that I won't love it.

[jlschlangen]

I went to school for business and never used that or what I went to school for only b/c no one would hire me b/c I had no experience.I like one part of the business aspect. I think you should finish your degree then take a short time off.