I’ve reached the halfway mark in my degree, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed about my future.
I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development, but I’m concerned that this path might lead to a dead-end office job. I’ve been browsing job listings, and the experience requirements for even basic junior positions seem unrealistic. It looks like many companies expect you to start as an intern and work your way up before you can even think about applying for a junior role—all while potentially earning a salary that isn’t sustainable.
Although there seem to be more job opportunities in web design compared to development, I’m not sure if focusing more on design will truly benefit my career. I’ve noticed that front-end development has higher salaries and better prospects than back-end, yet the barrier of unrealistic experience expectations remains disheartening. It makes me anxious about finding a job by the time I graduate.
Additionally, most of the opportunities I’m seeing are concentrated in large metropolitan areas, which can be prohibitively expensive to live in. I’m also not the kind of person who thrives in a big city, and I doubt I’d be happy there. Remote job options seem scarce compared to a few years ago, which was my original goal when I started this degree.
I’m worried that I won’t find fulfillment in a traditional office job in a busy city, but I feel stuck since this seems to be the main path for my degree. The job market in web design and development appears chaotic right now, which adds to my uncertainty. I don’t have a solid plan B, except possibly considering trade school, but I’m unsure of what direction to take.
I took a gap year after high school to explore my options, but my parents influenced me toward coding for financial stability, and my grandparents emphasized the importance of having a degree for job security. With almost 63 credits earned (by the end of this term), I’m starting to truly grasp the reality of my situation. I fear investing too much time and money into this degree only to find it doesn’t lead to the outcomes I’m hoping for. Yet I also feel compelled to finish it to have a degree, as that seems to be the priority for many people around me.
Is pursuing a career in web design and development still worthwhile? Is obtaining a degree overall still a good investment? If not, what should my next steps be? How do I determine what I genuinely want to do without the influence of others? Am I justified in feeling like I might be working toward a dead-end office job? Should I continue this degree and see where it leads me, or should I reassess my path? I need to make decisions soon since registration for my summer and fall courses is due by April 1st, and I don’t want to waste resources if I decide to make a significant shift in my career plans.
Ideally, I’d love to work in a field related to the outdoors, wildlife, or the environment—something hands-on that allows me to avoid a desk job. However, I’m not particularly strong in science and math, and I don’t want to stay in college indefinitely or incur excessive debt for a degree.
I’m feeling lost and discouraged, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
(Note: I previously shared this in r/CollegeMajors and r/CollegeRant, but I found the responses to be quite negative.)
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It’s completely normal to feel lost and discouraged, especially as you reach a pivotal point in your degree. Many students face similar dilemmas, so you’re not alone in this.
First, it’s great that you’re reflecting on your interests and future career paths. Web design and development can lead to fulfilling careers, but it’s essential to align your studies with what you genuinely enjoy. Since you mentioned that the design aspect interests you more, focusing on web design could be a good path. There are growing opportunities in that field, especially as businesses look to enhance their online presence.
That said, it’s understandable to be concerned about initial job prospects. The job market can be tough, and entry-level positions can often come with high expectations. However, many employers value a portfolio of work, so consider working on personal projects or freelancing to build your experience while you finish your degree. This could also help enhance your resume and give you a taste of the job responsibilities without the pressure of a full-time office position.
Regarding your concerns about big cities, remote work options have shifted significantly, and while they can be fewer, they still exist. Consider looking for remote-friendly companies or smaller firms that may not be in metropolitan areas but still offer interesting opportunities.
It’s also okay to explore alternative paths, including the outdoors or environmental fields, even if you think you might not excel in science and math. There are various roles in those sectors that may align with your interests but don’t require heavy science skills. Look into internships or volunteer opportunities in those fields, as they can provide valuable experiences and help clarify what you’d like to pursue further.
Ultimately, it might help to talk through these concerns with a career advisor at your school. They can offer insights specific to your situation and help you navigate your options. Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. It’s okay to take your time, explore different paths, and make adjustments.
You’re making progress by identifying your feelings and seeking advice, so keep pushing through, and remember that it’s okay to change direction if that’s what will make you happiest in the long run. Good luck!