I am stressing out over school.....?

..because I have no idea what I want to do.First I was interested in nursing but decided it's not for me because I could not deal with sick people every day and stress over it too. I'm an emotional person and other people's problems become my problems too. I don't feel like being in college for 10 years because to be honest money is not everything to me. I'd rather be happy and love what I do than stress out over a job that pays alot. I am currently enrolled in a community college and I have no idea what to choose as a major. So far I took general courses such as English, Math, Sociology, etc.The past few weeks have been hell. I cried myself to sleep almost every night because it's so stressful. My parents, who are paying for my school are really upset too because I keep changing my mind so much, but I am so unsure of what I want to do. So far I thought of majoring in criminal justice, early childhood education..something where I could help people. I appreciate everyone's advice. Thanx

I am not quitting school because if I do I will probably never go back. I just have to stop stressing out and decide on what I want to do.

First off, don't panic. Most people don't figure out what they want to do in school until their 3rd or 4th year - sometimes even later than that.

Changing your mind about your major is not unusual. Most people I knew in college changed their majors at least once. Sometimes finding out what you want to do isn't just as easy as choosing a degree program. A cousin of mine graduated with an engineering degree, and immediately informed his parents that he wanted to go to culinary school and become a chef.

What I would suggest you do is continue thinking about potential careers that interest you and then research those. Also, don't exclude related careers. For instance you mention criminal justice, which could include being a (defense) lawyer, or working in forensics, or even being a detective or investigator.

While many careers are going to require at least a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college, many programs have the same basic pre-requisites - math, some hard science (biology, chemistry or physics), 2 years of a foreign language, etc. So taking these sorts of classes right now will help when you transfer. I would also recommend classes on communication - writing and speaking/presentation skills are important no matter WHAT job or career you end up working in.

Finally, your educational background doesn't necessarily lock you into a particular set of careers. I've known computer programmers who were English majors in college, for instance.

Hope this helps some. Good luck.

Um, sweetie, did you ever stop to think that college might not be the best thing for you right now?

Some kids just aren't ready for the stresses of college life the moment they're out of high school. You might think of quitting for now, get a job, take a break from school. Then go back when you're a little older.

k well first off, criminal justice takes other people's problems and makes them yours. so i dont suggest going down that route. have you ever tried something called 'path finder' it's to do with connextions. they can help advise young people such as yourself. Your college may already have pathfinder on their computer. It has a range of questions and gives u a list at the end with most suited careers. you probs get the point.
anyways, I have always admired ppl who go into nursing and I myself wish to go down that route next year by applying to universities to do a deploma course because I dont have high enough education to do degree, however i can work my way up to that level.
There's no use you being in a college if you're that unhappy - education isnt for everyone. If you are that stressed you WILL NOT learn. So it's best if u tell your parents exactly how you feel so ur not wasting your time & their money.
Ever thought of an apprenticeship?
Have a think of what interests u. Make a list even of likes & dislikes. It may become clearer

Hope this helps! good luck with whatever you choose to do

xxx

Lauren

Social work?

Public Policy?

Political Science?

Just a few suggestions. Each of these revolve around helping people; you'd be their advocate in the latter two, and would help disabled (in whatever way) families in the first one.

Instead of all this advice, I'll tell you what I did. You should try an INTERNSHIP at one of the careers you're interested in and give it a real chance. See what your managers do. See if you could possibly enjoy what they're doing.

Don't just settle for something. Try substitute teaching or being a teacher's assistant. Try working for a lawyer/prosecutor or government agency. Go out there. You'll never know what it's like for you until you see it.

which classes have you enjoyed? what are you hobbies? picking a major is really hard, I finished my undergrad 3 years ago and I'm already considering going back to pursue a completely different career. so I'm 25 and have no idea what I want to do! if you're not sure what career you want to end up in, just focus on school and which classes you enjoy the most, and major in that. I felt the pressure to graduate in four years, so instead of listening to the voice in the back of my head that I should take an extra year to major in something I really liked, I just stuck it out to finish the major I had already started. at least your parents aren't spending tuition at a private 4-year college while you figure this out! I wish I had started at a community college so I could have taken more time to figure it out. Oh well live and learn.