How to Survive With a Degree You Hate
Do you lust after the idea of going to work and actually loving what you do? Did you think that was going to be your life before actually getting into the field and realizing it wasn’t what you expected? Are you just trying to survive with a degree that led you towards a career path you hate? Unmet expectations are hard. And thinking of making a change is equally hard. When you decide what to major in during college, you never expect to change your mind but it happens far more often than you may think. However, changing your dreams is possible and so is re-aligning your goals.
In your professional life, choosing to change your goals or even your entire career can be downright terrifying. You may be feeling uncertain about what’s next or whether your hatred is strong enough to warrant such drastic action. No matter what processing looks like or where you’re at in your decision-making, we believe in your right to feel passionate about your work.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
When you realize you’re not happy with your career
Realizing that your chosen career isn’t what you wanted it to be can happen at any point, so let’s go over some of the most common ones. From the first step to the thousandth, it’s never too late to pick a different direction.
Below you’ll find one action item and one affirmation for three of the most common pivot points in re-aligning yourself with your professional path.
Realizing You're Not Alone in Feeling Lost
Many individuals studying fields like computer engineering come to the realization that they don’t enjoy their chosen degree, often later in their academic journey. It's common to experience frustration, isolation, and negativity when pursuing something that doesn’t align with personal passions. Whether due to family pressure or a disconnect with peers, these emotions are shared by many, especially those who feel their degree or career path isn’t fulfilling.
During your degree
No matter what stage of life you’re at when you’re deciding what you want to be when you grow up, it’s not a choice you’ve taken lightly. It doesn’t feel awesome when you’re trying to figure out how to survive a degree you hate.
Whether it’s day one or the day before graduation, professional regret before finishing your education weighs heavily. Anxiety, stress and even shame are emotions that come up for many people who discover during school that this path isn’t their ideal one.
Your first step now is to make an appointment with the wellbeing office or student advice center at your college or university. Let them know how you’re feeling, and allow their expertise to work for you now. Together, you can make a plan for next steps on changing your major, or setting you up for success in a different field with similar strengths.
Your affirmation: Each path offers many possibilities.
The Pressure to Finish a Degree
A recurring theme for many students is the pressure to finish a degree, particularly when a family financially supports it. The guilt of not completing a degree can feel overwhelming, leading many to push through, even if they dislike the path they’re on. This highlights a common struggle: balancing personal satisfaction with meeting family expectations and responsibilities.
After graduation
So you’ve just turned your tassels and let your hair down in your graduation gown when the realization sets in. Heavy like a boulder, you know that this degree is not going to mean what you once thought it would.
Feelings of hopelessness, frustration and regret are common at this stage and it’s completely understandable. You just worked really hard (and maybe accrued a lot of debt) for something you no longer want and it’s got you feeling like a fish out of water.
Your first step after graduation should be LinkedIn. A little unconventional but right now, you aren’t looking for answers. Hope will be key to creating some meaningful power in this moment for you. Look around at others who have similar qualifications and see what they’re doing. Do any of these things appeal? Unconventional applications of degree strengths can bring new life to this dud of a degree you’ve got. Instead of figuring out how to survive a degree you hate, you’ll be DIYing your ideal life with what you’ve got on hand.
Your affirmation: Just because it’s what’s expected does not mean that it’s required.
Taking Time to Reflect
Taking time for self-reflection is crucial, particularly during breaks like summer holidays or after graduation. This allows for the rediscovery of personal interests and passions that might have been overshadowed by academic or career pressures. Using this time to explore different hobbies, interests, or even work opportunities that resonate with your values can lead to personal growth and a clearer sense of direction.
While working
You may be months or years into a career when you realize that your ambition is now ambivalence. No matter when it happens, it can leave you feel cold and lost. Dread, frustration and burnout are familiar headspaces for people who no longer feel fulfilled by their work.
It’s particularly difficult to realize you’re feeling directionless after dedicating your time and energy to growing professionally where you currently are. These feelings are likely amplified if you’re feeling under- or unappreciated. Experiences like these negatively impact the mental health of women in the workplace often.
Your first step when you realize the spark is gone at work is to look inward. Think critically about your life and skills—what brings you a sense of accomplishment? Consider what motivates you as well as what makes you feel joyful and present. In whatever way you like (a spreadsheet, journaling, whatever), assess your skills, joys and dreams and then sit with them while you think about what’s next.
Your affirmation: I can make change for any reason I choose because I am worthy of joy.
Should I quit if it’s affecting my mental health?
There is no easy answer to this question, but it’s an important one to begin asking. Considerations like your monthly expenses, safety and balancing your current risks and options are all a part of figuring out the answer for your own life. For women in the workplace, whether you’ll be taken seriously if you ask for accommodation or support is also a factor.
If you feel unsafe or unable to cope in your current headspace, do not wait to act. Reach out to a licensed mental health professional (and if you need one, Luna Joy is here for you) or someone involved in employee support to let them know where you’re at and explore your options to access support today.
You deserve support during these transitions
No matter what you’re feeling, you have not made a mistake. Learning what you don’t want from life is still a valuable lesson. It’s your next steps that will help you to recalibrate your direction and create new purpose with the energy of this emotional bomb.
Feeling some type of way about work can really do a number on your mental health. You don’t have to sit with that by yourself. If you are looking for a therapist near you, Luna Joy supports clients across the United States. Click your state to get started today!
