Graduates Feel Pressured to Choose Career Paths

“Hi everyone, just thought I’d come on here and share about an inner career conflict I’ve been going through and could definitely use some advice on. I majored in music + was pre-med and planned to go to med school. However, I pivoted right before applying at 23 because I felt like music was my biggest passion and I knew I’d have to sacrifice that almost entirely for med school and wanted to give it a try professionally since I’d never done much outside of my school environments. I worked in musi”

“Hi everyone, just thought I’d come on here and share about an inner career conflict I’ve been going through and could definitely use some advice on. I majored in music + was pre-med and planned to go to med school. However, I pivoted right before applying at 23 because I felt like music was my biggest passion and I knew I’d have to sacrifice that almost entirely for med school and wanted to give it a try professionally since I’d never done much outside of my school environments. I worked in musi”

“I'm 18, and I'm torn between two things I love. The ocean fascinates me. I could spend hours studying how marine species behave and how their ecosystems work. But the sky feels like freedom to me. I love the idea of flying through it and being the captain who brings people to where they're going. I'm equally good at math and science, and both careers are very challenging, but I believe I can achieve either one. Still, I can't decide between them. I'd really appre”

“I chose a more science-based degree over my passion because I had a job lined up after it. I don’t want to be stuck in the same company, with experience in only a singular field, in a job that I’m not exactly passionate about. The subject I wish I’d taken is English. This was always my favourite subject, I was top of my class and would be far more stimulated in English classes than my current classes. I feel like I’m not making the connections/network I need to be making for myself. I do not con”

“I’m feeling extremely lost right now and need some guidance that might help make this decision a little easier for me. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and seen myself as one. Biology used to be my favorite class and I’d get full marks in it all the time. My parents saw this passion in me and started encouraging me constantly as well, commenting about how well it fits me, sending me videos about doctors and just revolved my whole being about pursuing medicine. I was hoping I’d get a full schola”

“Medicine to tech? I have done mbbs I didn't enjoy it I have pure ocd so ambiguity scares me like medicine is an ambiguous field no correct answer so many times so many unexplained theories So much variety and variations in patients Working with incomplete data. So i thought of mba even started preparing for entrance Realize business is even more ambiguous as I was continuously battling with real.life business or economics questions came to mind all by themselves because of pure ocd I think I”

“I dropped out of college recently because I just couldn't continue with being part of a sheep race and wanted to study something that aligns with my interests. However, most of my interests don't quite pay well. I'm interested in physics, philosophy, history, animation, theology, cosmology, literature, psychology and geology. I think I have somewhat of an interest in a medical career too but I don't think I like the practical aspect of it. I'm more interested in theory or res”

“What are some careers in science that offer similar pay to those in nursing and medicine but don’t require patient interaction? I don’t want to be anything in the medical/healthcare setting but I know the pay is really good especially in nursing after only a few years of school. I am interested in genetics, research, dry lab setting, epidemiology, etc., but I’m just starting my career out of a masters program so im not exactly sure what exactly I like since I don’t have much exposure. I feel lik”

“As a first year in college, I've been pushed to pursue the medical field and I'm starting to realize, I hate it and would be downright miserable going through medical school. My parents say it's the smart decision to make a ton of money early and then retire early to spend and then I get time to do what I want. I'm still skeptical about spending another 20 or so years doing something I would hate, not even sure if doctors can really quit after just 10 ish years like they're s”

“Initially, I wanted to do something related in Engineering or Physics because from a young age I’ve always been gifted at Maths. But as I grew up, my interest for that field began to fade away. Another career option that I was considering was medicine, I’ve always had a passion for doing something related to neurology or cardiology, but I feels like every time I bring it up, my parents try to pressure me instead of support me. Instead of acknowledging my thoughts and feelings they dismiss anythi”

“I am still in high school and I can't figure out my dream career. I always wanted to be in the medical field. I used to want to be a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, but after this year I realized it would be too much stress for me. My current thought is becoming a radiographer, but I am not sure if this is my dream job. I am quiet and prefer not interacting with lots of people or patients, so I hope there is a medical job like that. submitted by /u/Chi9749 [link] [comme”

“I’m in my early 20s and I’m trying to figure out if I should go into Diagnostic Sonography for the money and stability or should I try just an find a path in PR, Marketing because I love the idea of being creative and working with a team? I went to school for Psych to get a masters in marriage and family therapy. However, after I graduated with my BA, everyone told me I would never make as much money to pay off the debt a masters would cost and live comfortably. So, I've finally given in and”

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“I’m a high school senior trying to figure out what I want to study in college. I honestly don’t know if I want to become a doctor, work in a lab, or pursue research, but I know that I love biology. I’ve realized, though, that I enjoy learning about astrobiology much more than general biology, especially topics involving the origins of life, and the possibility of life beyond Earth. I’m considering majoring in astrobiology because it’s something I’m genuinely excited to learn about, but I’m worri”

“Im a doctor. I studied medicine because i wanted to be useful and told myself that i would like it. I did sometimes, but not enough. I had a tendency to shy away from big responsibility; adapted myself to taking it anyway. Most of all, i find myself thinking about my true interest: green innovation. Coming up with an idea that will improve everyone's life instead of "helping" one person at a time. I am 30 and starting a new degree is financially impossible for me. I will have to li”

“Sophomore high school here, i take bio and chem, I've always wanted to have a career in the medical field and help people, at first i wanted to be a surgeon but then i realized it's very complicated and take a lot of time. and now I want to pursue in dentistry/nursing (kinda lean more towards dentistry) But i keep seeing a lot of dentists and docs in general say how they wouldn't recommend it to their children and how big med school debt can be and u won't get exactly get good mo”

“I was thinking international business for college, but after doing research, I feel like that's not really helpful in the long run. I want to travel and/or live abroad continuously after school. If you have any advice on careers, (nothing medical or engineering, please!), degrees, or remote work that has worked for you, I would love to hear it. My main interests are languages, anthropology, or something cross-culture communications related. but I'm ready to hear almost anything that will”

“I'm unsure if this is the right sub to post this but i can't find a specific sub for this so please lmk ur thought. Hiiii I feel like my entire life I've been surrounded by people who were in the medical field. But recently i came across this article talking about a career in bio design. I didn't think much of it as my og goal was work on becoming a PA, etc. etc. But i was just searching different programs and found smth that has aspects of bio design. (some background info is i”

“Last year I studied history for college; I didn't like it, and this year I'm studying a sports related field. It's going pretty good so far, but I'm a little worried about my career options after this, because though I can picture myself doing some of these, I'm worried that it may not be very fulfilling on a personal level (and financially). And there's been this idea over my head for a long time about medicine; all my family on my dad's side works in medicine, I lik”

“Hey everyone, I’m in a huge dilemma. I got an offer for med school, but I can also choose pharmacy. My heart is telling me to choose medicine. I’ve worked so hard for years just to get this opportunity, and walking away feels wrong. But logically, my brain tells me pharmacy is the safer option. The reality of being a doctor—the crazy long shifts, residency, the blood, the massive responsibility, and the long years of studying—genuinely scares me and makes me second-guess it. I feel like studying”

“I’m currently a junior studying biochem, and I’ve been having a difficult time trying to decide and figure out which career path to head towards. Many of my friends have gone down the premed track but Im still undecided. I’m sure that I wouldn’t like to do lab work or research, as it doesn’t seem as interesting to me or exciting. I have thought about possibly industry but not sure what exactly. As a last result I’ve decided maybe PA or nursing but don’t wanna lock that in. Money is something tha”

“I want to do a career in science where I do research but I don't do chemistry right now. I do biology and physics,I'm also pretty good at maths.im doing my leaving cert now, i just started 5th year so if I want to do chemistry now I need some advice now.i want to do research/ do esperiments but is there jobs or courses for this that don't include chemistry? Or let me know what other jobs that are bio/physics/maths based that won't make me age 10 years every day submitted by”

“I'm a second year undergrad student in biology, and I'm still undecided for my future career, which is hard because it's hard to be motivated in school when you have no clear end goal. I really want to go into health or public health. I know most of these jobs have high patient interaction, but I was wondering if there are careers with little patient interaction. I'm fine working with coworkers, just not super interested in having to talk with patients, since I'm introverted”

“Hi everyone! I'm torn right now deciding on which step to take next. I'm about to finish my degree in biology and I have a research job lined up for when I graduate that will give me some time to decide what to do next. I'm studying for the MCAT right now with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. I love medicine, I love the idea of being a PCP but I'm open to specializing as well. The only problem is, residency is a grind, and with the timeline I have set up now, I'd probably”

“I need help deciding a career. I come from an affluent family and I hope to maintain the lifestyle I’m currently living after I graduate from university and start a life of my own. I love nice things, I love being in nice places, I like travelling and I don’t enjoy STEM too much. I love doing my hair and makeup and getting pretty, I absolutely love socialising especially internationally. I am currently moving to the US for my undergraduate studies but I haven’t fully decided a degree or career p”

“I’m Australian and graduating very soon with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Immunology and Microbiology. I originally posted this in some Australian subreddits and thought I’d cross-post here to get a broader range of perspectives. I honestly have no clue what I want to do afterwards. I know academia/research is an option, but from what I’ve seen it’s pretty competitive and the salary progression isn’t amazing, so I’m interested in hearing about other options, even if they aren’t science rel”

“Hello everyone, I'm kind of in a stuck place and could use some advice or help regarding where to go in my life from here. I graduated from university with a degree in biology a year ago, and I realized near the end of my degree that I did not really want to go into a patient-facing role as a health professional. I geared a lot of my resume towards that field, gaining experiences in research and health, so I've been trying to gain new experiences since then (I am aware that biology major”

“I’m curious about people who went through a period where they genuinely didn’t know what career suited them or what direction to go in. What did you actually do to try to figure it out? Did you try things like career counselling, personality/career tests, courses, changing jobs, talking to people in different industries, etc? What actually helped you, and what turned out to be a waste of time? Mainly interested in hearing what people actually experienced rather than general career advice.”

“Hey everyone! I’m 25 and a mom to a young son, I’m currently taking an online human biology class for fun while balancing childcare. I know without a doubt I want to do something involving oncology or forensics/bones. For multiple years, I’ve had the idea that, I want to be a surgical oncologist or a forensic anthropologist, but the 13–17 year timeline feels impossible with a kid. How did you guys pick between the OR Vs forensics, and are there any other moms out there who went the Surgical Tech”

“Two years ago, I chose the biology stream because I had a lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. I prepared for the medical entrance exam, NEET, for two years, followed by one drop year, but unfortunately, I performed really badly. Like many others in a similar situation, at that point I decided to take up BCA, followed by MCA. It was never something I was passionate about, but it seemed like a safe and practical career path. However, over the last 2–3 years, AI has grown so rapidly that now even”

“I chose to get a bachelors degree in a general life sciences related course because I was always told to do something you have an interest in and everyone I knew supported me in that choice. Not one person told me along the way how awful the job search, average pay, and boom-boost nature of the industry is. I watch some of my friends in finance and even engineering earn way more money for jobs they find enjoyable and have never had to struggle much with finding work. Most don’t even have a Linke”

“I’ve honestly been feeling really confused about my career path lately. Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor because I knew I wanted a career where I could help people and make a difference. When I got to college, I started leaning more toward becoming a PA because it still gave me that opportunity to work in healthcare and care for people, but it felt like a more realistic direction for me. While I was in college and actually experiencing healthcare, though, I started to feel really burnt”

“I’ve honestly been feeling really confused about my career path lately. Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor because I knew I wanted a career where I could help people and make a difference. When I got to college, I started leaning more toward becoming a PA because it still gave me that opportunity to work in healthcare and care for people, but it felt like a more realistic direction for me. While I was in college and actually experiencing healthcare, though, I started to feel really burnt”

“I am not proud to say I am 40 years old and possibly going through a mid-life crisis. I tried to figure out what career to go into at a young age by taking career tests in high school only to be placed in the Arts/Entertainment category. I thought by now I would have life figured out and it frustrates me that there is no direction. Most of my life was spent in healthcare and there were some great parts I liked and still do, but I am burnt out! I thought I would be able to push through like most”

“Hello all, I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my career at the moment and I was hoping some of you might be able to offer advice. My original plan was to start pre-service coursework for a biology certification in California and then apply for HS science jobs in the spring 2027 hiring cycle. Also planning to take the chemistry CSET at some point for dual certification. Well, now I’ve heard from HR in my target district that a science teaching position is currently open and they would potentially be”

“I’m really struggling right now. I’m a freshman in college & I already know I’m one of the dumbest ones here. I don’t go to an Ivy or anything (T50 when I applied) and everyone in my classes seem like they know what’s going on already. I’m in Bio, Chem, Psychology, and Calc 2 & it’s already so incredibly hard. If I get A’s it would genuinely be a miracle. I want to do this but another thing is I am a very anxious person (I suspect I have social anxiety.) There was the activities fair yes”

“Guys should I choose my career based on my strengths (requires a lot a theoretical work like law , pyschology, biology ) or should I choose based on my interests (require maths' , physics like mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering?? submitted by /u/Much-Lie7175 [link] [comments]”

“I’m currently choosing my A-Level subjects and I’m leaning heavily toward the science/maths route rather than commerce. I’m considering: Option 1: Chemistry + Physics + Biology + Maths Option 2: Chemistry + Physics + Maths (without Biology) I’m pretty sure I don’t want to go into medicine, and I’m not really interested in the typical commerce career paths either. I’m also someone who really wants a career where I won’t be doing exactly the same thing every day . I like learning new things, solvi”

“Hi, so I'm considering going to med school. I've been going back and forth about what I want to do career-wise, and I've always been interested in the medical field. My "career path" my high school made students do was medical/nursing, so I've been taking medical classes since then. Im specifically interested in psychiatry. However, im worried I've messed myself up before I've even begun. For some background: My first year of college was really rough on me. I ha”

“I know that there are options, but im moreso talking money. I came into college doing cell biology because i wanted to be a dentist, but im realizing that its just not for me. I want to be comfortable with money and my school doesnt let me switch my major to any type of engineering or tech based degree, the most i can even maybe get is a minor. i really want to do well, but more than that i want to be happy and i dont want to continue with something im not feeling. if anyone was in a similar sit”

“So I (26F) have a Bachelor's degree in Biology I earned in 2022, and had originally intended to go into Wildlife Biology, but I've found that it's a very difficult field to get into and I don't have the resources to continually take seasonal jobs. So I've mainly worked in the veterinary field, which I've enjoyed for the most part because I do love working with animals, wild or domestic. However, I have rent to pay and the veterinary field does not seem promising as a long”

“I’ll try to keep this as short as possible, but I’m 26F and growing up I never really knew what I wanted to be, so when it finally came up in conversation as to what I wanted to be, it was basically either lawyer, doctor, and basically any of the basic first-go-to careers the majority of people probably think of that will ensure a good pay. This was when I was in high school. I knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer, but I did enjoy science and math, so doctor just seemed like a better match. So I ju”

“Hello! I am currently taking the last prerequisite for med school, and As time goes by, I realize I have some doubts about this career and sometimes I even think that I want the degree without the sacrifice that everyone seems to be putting in. I'm wondering if I could even have the same satisfaction if I choose a different career in the medical field, just don't know where to start. For context, I did veterinary medicine for 2 years in my country and I honestly didn't like the struc”

“I am pursuing my bba in healthcare management. People I know have mostly suggested me to do mba after graduating. But I feel like going for a master's in biostatistics as I have biostatistics as my allied subject. But I'm not sure if I'll get a good job after this. Also I would love to pursue a PhD but later, first I would love to have a job. I'm not sure if I'll even get a job after this master's degree. If anyone is from this field do help me out and share your experien”

“a couple days ago i came to the realization that maybe i want to go into aerospace instead of doing molecular bio. i'm still in the very early stages of figuring this out so... i have no idea what to do... AND i'm a junior end me all of my ECs are molecular bio/biology related. i'm aware that i can switch my major in college, but at some places it's a pain to do so :/ i also don't have much experience with coding and i'm just average at math. for what it's worth i rea”

“Hi!! New to Reddit and would love some advice. I’m a bio graduate who originally wanted to go to school for genetic counseling but changed my mind because it’s seriously expensive. I’ve been working in medical offices as admin for a bit now and realized I really like working with billing and insurances and not as much with patients so I thought medical coding may be a good career path to transition to. I’m just scared to pay for a course only to find out the career is not hiring because of AI an”

“Hello! I am a college sophomore, I am thinking of switching my major and getting into pathology. it seems very interesting but I don't know where to start. what bachelors is best suited? Is there a major difference between all the branches of pathology and why is it seen as a disliked profession? how can I start getting a leg up early? I don't mind being in school for a while and I enjoy challenging classes. Any advice is needed as I am not sure what I'm getting into. thank you! &#32”

“I'm going to lose over 40k in scholarships if I don't figure out a career path!!! I've been researching associate's programs (not interested in any bachelor's programs) but can't find one that interests me. The main criteria is that I want a role that I can transition into freelance consulting or even build up enough experience to buy and operate a small business. It would be okay if the job paid mid to high six figures too, since that would give me enough to invest to FI”

“I’ve had countless peers in class AND professors tell me “since you’re so smart and get good grades, why not just do medical school?” as if it’s that easy…it kinda feels like a slap in the face because nursing isn’t “good enough” and to be honest it makes me doubt my own self and what I even want. I like school and I like studying and I obviously work hard for my grades but people look at me as if i’m some sort of wizard when i’m doing good in school?? I picked nursing after transitioning from p”

“I know I have to work hard in any field if I want to secure my future, but still...Being a Biology student, what career should I pursue that will give me a good salary, job security, and peace, apart from medical fields? And what if, in the future, I want to leave India and move overseas? It sucks that I realised so late that Biology students can struggle here. Well, I guess it’s understandable since we are still developing, but is there any career that could help me move overseas when I want to”

“For context, I just graduated undergrad this spring and am applying to immunology PhD programs this fall. Throughout the latter portion of my undergrad and continuing today, I have seen a trend of dissatisfied, scientifically-inclined undergrads pivoting toward careers in medicine over research, engineering, etc. If you are one of these people, there is absolutely nothing innately wrong with this, but there is an important question that you need to ask yourself: why do I truly want to become a d”

“I’m a graduating student and the youngest in our family. I’m currently job hunting, but to be completely honest, I’m having a really hard time deciding on my career path. Lately, I’ve realized that so many of my decisions in life were only made because people expected them of me. I tend to do things just so others see that I have it together, but truth be told? I don’t have a dream job. I just want to earn enough to travel, experience life, and be comfortable but I have responsibilities to contr”

“I (25F) have a bachelor's in biology degree witb 2 published thesis and 3 internships. I moved to a new country about a year ago, coming from Brasil. I'm doing research assistant work in a university lab with psychology and psychobiology right now, mostly because it's the only thing my current language level lets me do, not because I necessarily want a research career. I don't. I thought I did, but after seeing how it would actually look like (no stability, bad pay, no fixed work”

“I (25F) have a bachelor's in biology degree witb 2 published thesis and 3 internships. I moved to a new country about a year ago, coming from Brasil. I'm doing research assistant work in a university lab with psychology and psychobiology right now, mostly because it's the only thing my current language level lets me do, not because I necessarily want a research career. I don't. I thought I did, but after seeing how it would actually look like (no stability, bad pay, no fixed work”

“I (25F) have a bachelor's in biology degree witb 2 published thesis and 3 internships. I moved to a new country about a year ago, coming from Brasil. I'm doing research assistant work in a university lab with psychology and psychobiology right now, mostly because it's the only thing my current language level lets me do, not because I necessarily want a research career. I don't. I thought I did, but after seeing how it would actually look like (no stability, bad pay, no fixed work”

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“I just am really confused I don't wanna do anything just for money and my parents aren't forcing me choose any either ( they aren't good don't take it as them being caring or something) I thought I wanted to be a professor but I can't even decide which subject Or maybe i should just become a therapist for higer pay I am just really really confused Just tell about how you choosed you career or if anyone is changing there's is my career supposed to be life long or just some”

“I'm about to graduate and go to university. Originally, the plan was to go to medschool, but I'm not so sure it's the right fit. I love the theoretical part of it, but not the mandatory human interaction I will have to have on a daily basis. So I thought: "hey, research sounds great!" I'd love to study something like neurogenetics or work in a pharma related field, like help develop/improve/test medication for certain neurological diseases, something along those lines.”