Slave to the Grind

I do NOT want to work a
nine to five
the rest of my life!

Going into college, young people are asked to make a life altering decision in the form of a "declared major."

With this question hanging heavily in the air, all of your dream jobs from childhood are put into perspective. "How realistic are my aspirations when trying to find a corresponding college major?"

When I was a wee tike, I desperately wanted to be an entertainer --- a singer/actor/dancer. I even told my Mom that as a back-up career, I would go to school to become a teacher in case my artistic aspirations didn't pan out!
But by the time freshman year of college rolled around, becoming a teacher no longer held the same allure and even becoming a famous entertainer failed to tickle my fancy. I desired financial independence and after researching my future tuition costs, I decided the only way to make the next four years of education pay for itself was to go Pre-Law.
It seemed like a good idea at the time; I was a skilled public speaker and loved to argue!

So I punked out on pursuing my childhood dreams
in order to begin building a "financially secure future."

Two weeks into my first college semester, I realized the Pre-Law thing wasn't going to work out (LOL). I removed myself from the program but kept my English major and declared a writing specialization (essentially a major within a major.)

Now that those four years of analyzing Charlotte Bronte and Beckett are finished, I feel like a college freshman all over again. The only difference is that now I have the added stress of wondering if

maybe I have a degree in the wrong thing.

These days I have a very carpe diem attitude towards my career and future. And this new 'tude has me considering going into graduate school to educate myself on the things I have genuine interest in. Despite what my transcript reads, reading, analyzing and mimicking the work of dead authors doesn't really rock my socks. What I really want to know more about is the music industry and talent management.

The cost and worth of continuing education is best saved for another day, but I do strongly believe that anything worth having is worth fighting for. And having a "dream" career is not a luxury reserved for children, so I'm preparing for battle and fighting for my dream! Even in our twenties, we have an abundance of time to start working towards a lifestyle and career that truly satisfies us.

If you have already finished or will soon finish undergraduate school and are toying with the idea of a enrolling in a master's program as I am, my suggestion is to take your time with the decision. Graduate school will not cease to exist in the time it takes us to properly research and decide whether it is something we want to pursue. Let's make this a wise decision for our betterment!

I have known it since I was a child that I am not cut out for the daily grind of a nine to five; my heart is set on a much more atypical lifestyle. And I know my childhood dreams are indeed achievable if I only give myself the chance!

Do you think graduate school is worth it? Leave a comment!