Why I am changing my major from English/Creative Writing

 If anyone has noticed a slight change in my about me page, you may have seen that I am no longer majoring in English. Before, I discussed beginning this summer with taking a few basic classes to start my degree in English. I was planning to major in English Education with a minor in Creative Writing. 

I have always heard two paths of advice when it comes to choosing a degree in college. I have always heard to A.) Choose your passion and study it or B.) Choose what makes good money. 

I have slowly found that a combination of these two pathways is a more realistic approach to college. I am by no means discouraging someone from majoring in what they love. If someone loves physics or psychology, go for what you love of course. But I think there is a difference is something you want to pursue as a career and something that brings joy to your life. 

I love writing--it is one of my fundamental hobbies and joys in life, to create stories and to create new worlds. However, I have learned that an English degree is not what I want in life. While I could choose to simply major in English, it is not a lie that the job market for English degrees is hard and often broader than one specific job. Some people may like that flexibility, but I am trying to find something more self-sustaining for my life choices. 

That's why I have changed to a Biomedical Science track to transfer into a Genetics pathway. I know Biology degrees/some science majors can have a hard time finding a job as well, but I have found when it comes to college, I enjoy science more than I love the heavy literature classes. I enjoy reading but not for a grade. I enjoy writing but not for an assignment. 

If someone wants to major in English or Creative Writing, that's totally fine! Just know the pros and cons of choosing this major (which you should do when choosing any major really), but also know if you change your mind, that's fine as well! I still plan to minor in Creative Writing, but I also am glad to have an open mind when it comes to choosing my degree in college. 

Remember, it's okay to choose something solely out of passion, but it is also fine to choose something for more stability. Just don't spend your college years being miserable.