Which Degree Should I Choose?
Hey everyone, I’m a 20-year-old feeling incredibly stuck about my future career path.
I deal with a significant anxiety disorder, and it often feels like no matter what I choose, I’m doomed to fail or be replaced by AI eventually. I’m not naturally ambitious and prefer jobs with a regular routine.
I considered trades, but unfortunately, my chronic illness would make that too physically demanding. I’ve narrowed my choices down to a few degrees, and I could really use your input to help me decide!
Health Information Management
Pros: In demand, good salary potential, diverse opportunities, stable, and offers flexibility.
Cons: Requires ongoing education due to regulatory changes, certification costs, tech-heavy environment, and some risk of automation affecting routine jobs like medical coding.
Business Administration (with a focus on supply chain, human resources, or data analytics)
Pros: Wide range of career options, solid salary potential, transferable skills, and always in demand.
Cons: Limited networking at my school, competitive job market, prone to automation, and fluctuating job market conditions.
Applied Psychology
Pros: Diverse career opportunities, growing demand, and strong focus on interpersonal skills.
Cons: Limited growth opportunities with just a bachelor’s degree, potential for low salaries in some fields, and varying job stability.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Pros: Stable job outlook, quicker entry into healthcare with a 2-year degree, and less patient interaction.
Cons: Physically and mentally challenging, irregular working hours, limited salary growth without further advancement, and some risk of automation.
Please share your thoughts and advice to help me make a decision!
It sounds like you’re feeling a lot of pressure regarding your decision, which is completely understandable given the options in front of you and your concerns about the future. Here are a few things to consider regarding each option:
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: This field seems to align well with your desire for a routine-style job. While there are aspects of the job that can be tech-heavy and may involve ongoing education, the job stability and flexibility could be beneficial for managing your anxiety and chronic illness. You can find positions in varying environments, and the growth potential is decent.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: This is a broad field that offers a variety of pathways. If you’re drawn to areas like human resources or data analytics, those can be more stable and routine-oriented. However, if competition is a concern for you, it might create more anxiety. This option does offer transferable skills, which is a plus if you find yourself wanting to pivot later on.
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: If you have an interest in helping others and understanding human behavior, this could be a fulfilling choice. However, you mentioned concerns about job stability, and if you are looking for something more structured, this might not fit your needs as well since entry-level positions may be limited.
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN: This option allows for a quicker entry into the workforce and offers more stability in the healthcare field. However, it sounds like the physical demands of the job might not align well with your chronic illness, which is an important consideration.
Next Steps:
1. Consider Your Priorities: Think about what matters most to you. Is it job stability, work environment, salary potential, or something else?
Research Each Field: Look into job descriptions, potential work environments, and even connect with professionals in each area to gain insights about their day-to-day experiences.
Explore Supportive Resources: Many schools offer career counseling services that can help you navigate your choices based on interests and strengths.
Take Your Time: It’s okay to take some time to explore and even try a few classes in different areas before making a final decision. This can help alleviate some pressure and give you a better sense of what you enjoy.
Focus on Your Strengths: Be kind to yourself and recognize that you have unique strengths; finding a path that aligns with them can ease your anxiety.
Ultimately, there’s no one right choice, and taking a step toward what interests you most now is far better than feeling stuck. You’ve got this!