Will College Support Your Passion?

[Kal Di]

Wouldn't more people be happier if they get a degree in a niche they'll enjoy, even if they may make less money throughout the lifetime of their career? 

I saw this video recently and enjoyed their discussion about considering if college supports your passion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW7rXancBrM

[bjcheung77]

Yup, I know a gal who has a Computer Science degree and she really didn't like jobs related to this industry as they don't deal with people. She tried changing positions within the agency to be more "people centric", but still... They quit their high paying Computer Science related development/programming job and became a financial advisor for a bank making much less than before, that's because they're chatty/personable, and really like to converse with their clients, if she stayed at the previous company, she said she'll get bored with repetitive work... Many industries may pay well, but there's always "something" missing, people search for a better position all the time, some like to move up and others make a lateral move...

[dfrecore]

It's not necessarily a choice between one or the other: see if you can find something that makes good money AND that you enjoy. Having a job you enjoy going to sure makes life easier, but so does making a good living. I'm not going to limit myself to choosing just one of those options.

[vetvso]

I also think people's interests can change over time. I was very focused on Field Service Engineering and then Technical management. I now research history, anthropology and now visit those areas and write/create digital media of my interests. So for me, it's a personal responsibility as to what you do, and sometimes what you start in can finance a change later in life. So be flexible would be my advice. and do what you enjoy even if your finances change.

[Kal Di]

Many industries may pay well, but there's always "something" missing, people search for a better position all the time, some like to move up and others make a lateral move...

I agree. After all, if you're going to spend 40 hours a week (or almost 3 months a year) at work, the salary shouldn't be the only good thing about the job. If so, a lateral move could be a better option.

It's not necessarily a choice between one or the other: see if you can find something that makes good money AND that you enjoy.  Having a job you enjoy going to sure makes life easier, but so does making a good living.  I'm not going to limit myself to choosing just one of those options.

I don't think no one wants to limit themselves, but sometimes it's not always possible. It's harder to find a job that satisfies both options in some parts of the USA. Some people can afford to relocate to areas with better opportunities and others will have to wait until they're in better financial conditions. For such people left to choose, picking passion over profit may suffice if they still can earn enough to take care of themselves and/or their family.

I also think people's interests can change over time. I was very focused on Field Service Engineering and then Technical management. I now research history, anthropology and now visit those areas and write/create digital media of my interests. So for me, it's a personal responsibility as to what you do, and sometimes what you start in can finance a change later in life. So be flexible would be my advice. and do what you enjoy even if your finances change.

I agree. Regarding the change in interests, it happened to me too. I can't remember the name of the study, but there was one that showed overall happiness rises for most people up until $75,000 USD a year. Once a person has made more than that, their happiness no longer increased.

If one is fortunate, he/she can work remotely for a company in their native country, while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In such case, such person wouldn't even need $75,000 a year. Even a $40,000 a year salary would suffice in many countries around the world.

[Alpha]

It's not necessarily a choice between one or the other: see if you can find something that makes good money AND that you enjoy.  Having a job you enjoy going to sure makes life easier, but so does making a good living.  I'm not going to limit myself to choosing just one of those options.

I basically agree with this and I'll use a classic example to illustrate what I mean.  If my passion is to be a professional artist I can go to art school and get a BFA/MFA but I've just got to know that very few people can make a decent living at being a full-time artist.  One solution would be to get a business degree and use that knowledge to promote my art business.  Or I could get a degree Graphic Art and go into advertising, etc.  The point is that there are hybrid solutions to that problem, it's not really a black or white problem.  I once knew a guy who was a musician, had a good band, but they couldn't quite get themselves to the point were they could all leave their day jobs.  He worked in a hospital delivering supplies to all the units.  It was a job that required attention to detail and good social skills.  He had that covered.  He and the band played nights/weekends in the Boston area for years.  Eventually I lost track of him but he was pretty happy with that sort of arrangement.  It's all well and good to pursue your passions but sometimes it gets pretty old living in your moms basement.  At the same time, if you let go of your passion to make more money then you can become resentful/bitter.  Plus, as another poster said, people go through different stages in their careers and can often times find ways to combine aspects of those two worlds.