Feeling lost in life right now
I’m currently a Junior majoring in Computer Science, and honestly, things aren’t going well for me. I’m beginning to think I might not enjoy my major at all—maybe it’s just the classes that are the issue? Who knows at this point? While my friends are enthusiastic about their major courses, despite the challenges, I dread mine every single day. I can’t recall a single Computer Science class I’ve enjoyed—not even one. I can only imagine what you’re thinking: “He should definitely switch majors and find something he loves.” That would be ideal, wouldn’t it?
I can’t tell if I’m just 21 and feeling lazy, or if I’m genuinely depressed, leading me to dislike my classes, or if I actually dislike the coursework. Dropping my major feels like it would waste all the time and money I’ve invested, but this doesn’t feel like a phase. It feels like a looming dread about my future in Computer Science. I worry that if I’m just unmotivated and down, it could be a temporary state. On top of that, I’ve poured so much effort, mental energy, and emotion into this major; I’d hate to see that go to waste.
If I stick it out, I’ve only got two more semesters until graduation. My dad thinks that’s the sensible choice. Just having a degree, they say, will open many doors for me. I just have to tough it out for these last two semesters, and then the opportunities will be limitless. I should mention that I actually have clear goals for my life: I want a family in the upper middle class, a spouse, at least one adopted child, and some pets. This degree, I believe, could help me secure that future.
On the flip side, if I were to drop my classes, my life would feel completely off track. I could switch to an online university studying something I’m passionate about, but the downside is that I’d lose financial support—plus, my main source of income is my CS internship, which I doubt I’d be able to keep if I switched paths. Would that risk be worthwhile if it meant I could enjoy my daily activities for the next year?
I’m feeling lost and confused, and I could really use some advice. One thing to keep in mind is that I do know what I’d like to pursue: something like writing, video editing, or concert light design. I have a good amount of experience in those areas for my age, and I genuinely love them! The challenge is that there aren’t many job opportunities in those fields (though I know CS struggles with that too, but at least I have an internship there, which isn’t bringing me joy anyway). Thanks for reading my quarter-life crisis if you’ve made it this far!
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time right now, and it’s completely okay to feel lost and confused about your path. Many students face similar struggles, especially when it comes to choosing a major and trying to navigate their future.
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings. It’s clear that you have invested a lot of time and effort into your Computer Science major, and it’s hard to confront the idea of possibly shifting gears, especially when there’s a fear of losing that investment. However, your well-being and happiness should come first.
Here are a few things to consider:
Explore Your Feelings: Take some time to reflect on what it is about your classes that you dislike. Is it the subject matter, teaching style, or perhaps the environment? Sometimes, the issue might not be with the major itself, but rather with how it’s being taught or the specific classes you’re taking. If you can pinpoint what’s bothering you, you might be able to seek out a different approach or different electives that align better with your interests.
Talk to Advisors or Professionals: Consider reaching out to a career counselor or an academic advisor at your school. They can help you evaluate your options and guide you through the decision-making process. If possible, talk to professionals in fields you’re interested in, like writing or video editing, to get a sense of what their experiences are like.
Look for Overlap: You mentioned that you have a passion for writing, video editing, and concert light design. These skills could potentially complement your CS background in interesting ways. For example, game design requires programming skills as well as storytelling abilities, and many tech companies seek creative individuals who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical roles.
Evaluate Your Financial Situation: If changing your major would lead to financial repercussions, it’s essential to weigh that against your happiness and career goals. Sometimes, staying in a secure position for a short time can give you the breathing room to explore your true passions more freely later on.
Consider the Short Term vs. Long Term: If you can finish your degree while keeping an eye on your interests, that could provide you with a safety net. Once you have your degree, you may find more flexibility to pursue what you love, even if it’s not directly related to CS.
Think About Mental Health: If you suspect you might be experiencing depression, consider talking to a professional about it. Your mental health is crucial, and seeking help could provide clarity on why you feel the way you do and help you deal with those feelings.
Above all, remember that it’s okay to change paths. Many successful people took non-linear routes to arrive at their careers. Life is about exploration, growth, and finding what resonates with you. Don’t rush your decision, and give yourself the grace to figure it out at your own pace. We’re all rooting for you!