I am a college sophomore and still don't know what to do. How do I get my parents to calm down?

I'm feelling stressed because my parents are on my back, constantly asking me what I'm doing. I don't know what to do. They think that if I become a nurse, I will get a good paying job automatically. That may be true, but I just don't think it's for me. They are driving me nuts. I am afraid that I will end up being the family loser. Everyone else will be doctors, lawyers, and engineers, and I will be the one who wasted time to go to college but never graduated. What should I do? Should I listen to them and just do nursing or go to med school even though I don't like it? How do I find out what I want to do? And where would I find information about good paying jobs?

You should join the military. That would drop a bomb on your parents, but it sounds like they need a reality check.

There are many great medical jobs in the military, especially the Air Force, and you'll have plenty of time to grow up, see the world, and put things in perspective. Plus, you'll get $40,000 for college from the GI Bill (which I get now and it is fantastic). But you didn't mention college money, so maybe the GI Bill isn't useful for you which is fine.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Every college has "career counseling" services. That is a good place to start. You can also talk to your professors. If you are doing well in a class, and also enjoying it, talk to your professor about careers in that field. Most people decide about careers on the basis of the courses they took and did well.

Well, first of all, YOU need to calm down a little bit. Are you going to school for them or for yourself?

Second, tell them that you aren't sure what you want to do yet, and that you have another year or so before you need to make that sort of decision.

Third, you do not need to major in something that you are not interested in. However, taking an introductory cours ein nursing or medicine may be beneficial for you. YOu may enjoy it, but no actually know it yet. Most schools offer an Introduction to Nursing class to their students before they apply for the full program. Check with them about that.

Fourth, choosing a major is not an easy thing to do. Most people change their major 4-5 times within their first 2 years of college. I changed mine about 10 times...cause every class I took piqued my interest and I wanted to do that forever. :-) Of course, I found myself back at my first major, which ironically is nursing, because it is what all of the other classes allowed me to do.

no matter what you choose as a major, you will pull from EVERY class that you have ever taken. Choose something you are interested in, not what your family thinks you should do. Money isn't everything...you will enjoy a job more if it is fulfilling. If Nursing or Medicine is not fulfilling to you, then look for something else!

My Dad, who is now deceased, said, "Life is too short to spend it doing something you hate to do."

Start out by trying to shake off the family pressure. I know it's hard.

Then, with a clear mind, think about all the things you really enjoy, and enjoy doing for long periods of time. If it's music, great. Major in music...learn how to play some instruments. You may never be a celebrity, but your talent will always be in demand, either in local bands or orchestras, and always in teaching music.

If it is teaching that you love, do it. Pick your subject. Every subject is taught at one level or another. If you want to teach in college or grad school, you'll have to get an advanced degree. But at least you know where you are going.

Don't let someone else decide what is right for you. You be the decider. Find what you enjoy. And do it. All those around you will think you are wonderful, and you will be happy.

Do something that you like. If you don't want to become a doctor, then don't. Your parents shouldn't have to force you into doing something that you hate. There are lots of good paying jobs out there.
If you don't want to see patients, but are still interested in the medical tract, you can become a medical researcher.
Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. - Confucius
http://www.salary.com/ might be able to help you out.