10 Reasons Why It’s O.K. To Get A Degree In An ‘Unemployable’ Field
We have all heard it before, “Don’t study music unless you want to be unemployed”, “The only thing an English graduate can be is a teacher”, “You can’t make a living writing”, “Just study something in the medical field, there’s always jobs there”, the list goes on and on. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you don’t dream of being a nurse or any other of the perfect degree to career combinations your parents wish you would choose. So if you are looking for ways to convince your parents you are on the right track or need inspiration and confidence to pursue the creative field you love, look no further. Listed below are ten reasons to get a degree in an unemployable field.
1. You will be a better student.
You know that saying, ‘If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life’, well it applies to schooling as well. If you study a field you are genuinely interested in, most likely you will devote more time to your studies, making you a better student, and setting you up for success in that field later on… think honor student and internships.
2. You will be more likely to Graduate.
It’s simple, if you love your major, you probably won’t bail on school 2 and half years in.
3. You will save time… and therefore money.
If you choose the subject you want to study right out of the gate, you won’t have to play that time wasting game of changing your major 2 to 3 times before caving in to what you wanted to study in the first place. This also saves you money by not piling up random courses along the way that don’t meet your field’s requirements.
4. Times are changing.
The truth is, the job market is always changing, developing with time and technology. The fields that were once in demand are now obsolete, and the new fields are emerging every day. While you can and should research careers that need your field of schooling, you can’t predict exactly what the job market will look like in 4 years, so you might as well study your passion.
5. The Internet has changed the game.
Everyone knows the internet has created massive amounts of technology based jobs, but they seem to miss the explosion of creative demand it has caused. From bloggers, to graphic designers, to brand managers, to photographers, the list goes on and on, and the best news is, these are jobs being filled by those educated in the Arts.
6. You will find your people.
This may seem a little off subject, but it’s worth mentioning. One of the best feelings I had when I switched to being an English major, was belonging. The people in my classes liked the same things I did, had similar goals, and even tended to think in the same way. This not only made me feel like I made the right choice in switching, but also resulted in lifelong friendships.
7. You will be willing to hustle for that post-graduation job.
Getting a degree in a field most people view as ‘unemployable’ prepares you for the struggle that follows graduation. Not only will you accept that it may take some time to find a job, which is true regardless of your degree, but you will be more willing to go the extra mile to be the best candidate out there.
8. Success will mean more to you.
When you work, or work towards a career, in a field where jobs are scarce, every success, big or small, will feel like a victory because you’re moving towards something most people don’t even attempt; making a living from their passions.
9. You can make it fit.
It is actually rare that a person gets a degree which leads directly to a certain job. Sure, if you get a BA in nursing, you become a nurse, or if you go for gold and get a P.H.D in clinical psychology, you’ll probably become a psychologist, but more often than not, a degree can fit into a variety of careers. For example, an English degree can lead to a technical writing position, a grant writer, an editor, or even a correspondence expert for a large company. The point is, if you are determined to use your degree and are willing to work in various positions, a career will follow.
10. You won’t live with the ‘What If?’ question.
Say you follow the advice of those around you and get a degree in something like engineering or environmental science. You even have a good job with a great salary. Do you love it or do you still have some other dream job that you’ve pushed to the back burner and labeled a hobby? Take the chance, pursue your passion, and that question will never enter your mind.
What are your thoughts on getting a degree in an unemployable field?! Let us know down below.
