What to study when your only interests are in the 'useless degree' bracket?
Hello all,
This might turn into a long-winded tale, so I apologise in advance for any potential wastage of your life minutes.
I feel in a little bit of a dilemma. I am currently a twenty-six year old, who works full-time in this sort of pseudo audio-visual slash IT job. Most days I find it pretty mind-numbing, or I will pretty much wallow away most of my day doing as little work as is possible, before I clock out and go home. I have no interest, desire or inspiration to succeed in this particular field. The work I do is a little bit niche, no formal training has been given, and in the future, is unlikely to progress that way. So, in a lot of ways, I feel like I am making my job up as I go along. All the work I do feels sort of amateuristic, but because I do lack the desire to be some sort of video editor; IT geek; or a technician, then I am never going to end up at any point where I feel that I am doing a professional job, or in anyway fullfilled by the work I do. Over the past few years, I have tackled with severe bouts of depression due to my job, with constant anxiety that I am wasting my entire life and may end up living a fruitless existence. Phew! That's the basic backstory premise out of the way!
For years I have always had the desire to go to university and study something to a high level. I feel that, given my class status and rather average intellect, that my dreams of becoming some sort of academic in my ideal subject are out of grasp, and fit somewhere in that unreachable cloud of gradinosity in the sky. So my ideal position in life of becoming a lecturer or Professor of Asian Studies, History and Culture may be a litle bit pie in the sky, and should be left to when I take up screenwriting as an additional hobby.
But lets get down to the main reason I started this thread. Feel free to ignore all the hazy, purpleness of the aforementioned. I simply don't know what I can study, to feel like I am enriching my life with something I am passionate about.
So I am expecting that there will be a lot of replies (or none whatsoever!) inferring that other people cannot tell me what my passions and interests are. I know where my interests lie but the sad truth is that they are all unemployable, and some would consider, irrelevant useless degree subject matter. I'm also at an age, where chosing a degree now, means making a very real implication of knocking myself out of a full-time job, and potentially making my life much worse. My current job also is on a salary, whilst not mega-bucks, but in the approximate region of £22,000 which seems to be more than a lot of graduates are on these days, due to lack of employment opportunitise.
Language studies in Chinese, and studying the pre-modern China would sound like a pretty amazing deal. But outside of taking my studies on to a PhD level in an attempt to facilitiate an academic way of life, which wouldn't be possible due to my lack of funds for such an idea, then it woud seem like a bad decision to make. I probably wouldn't be able to compete at such a higher intellectual plane in order to make it that far in studious activity. Simply finishing a BA in a foreign language after 4 years would not really make me applicable for anything remotely related to the subject, because I have no real skillset. At the end of 4 years, my Chinese would probably be intermediate at best, compared to the millions of Native-Chinese who speak fantastic English.
I have never been talented at math or science-based subjects. I was an 'E' grade student for GCSE mathematics, and basic Cs for duel-science. I have never had any interest in how 'stuff works', so a degree in Engineering wouldn't be wise whilst coupled with my brilliant prowess in maths. I wish I could force an interest in these subjects, as they seem to be the only place where the decent livelihoods come from, aside from liberal-art miracles.
I have thought about studying English and TESOL, but I don't know if I am really a born teacher. I'd probably be studying that subject, only to barter my way into an Asian region. Not exactly the semi-selfless personalities that go with those who enter the teaching profession on true values. I'd probably find that most of my time would be spent designing lesson plans, and teaching, rather than having an opportunity to do any of my own research work or real infusion of the culture and language.
I seem to be one of those people who extremely high expectations, and dreams. But they seem to be too grandiose to be considered realistic. I'm just not sure what I should do. I know I am just stuck, feeling miserable in my life though. I want to change and have something as an extension of myself. A job and a career I can be proud of and a real feeling of achievement.
This might turn into a long-winded tale, so I apologise in advance for any potential wastage of your life minutes.
I feel in a little bit of a dilemma. I am currently a twenty-six year old, who works full-time in this sort of pseudo audio-visual slash IT job. Most days I find it pretty mind-numbing, or I will pretty much wallow away most of my day doing as little work as is possible, before I clock out and go home. I have no interest, desire or inspiration to succeed in this particular field. The work I do is a little bit niche, no formal training has been given, and in the future, is unlikely to progress that way. So, in a lot of ways, I feel like I am making my job up as I go along. All the work I do feels sort of amateuristic, but because I do lack the desire to be some sort of video editor; IT geek; or a technician, then I am never going to end up at any point where I feel that I am doing a professional job, or in anyway fullfilled by the work I do. Over the past few years, I have tackled with severe bouts of depression due to my job, with constant anxiety that I am wasting my entire life and may end up living a fruitless existence. Phew! That's the basic backstory premise out of the way!
For years I have always had the desire to go to university and study something to a high level. I feel that, given my class status and rather average intellect, that my dreams of becoming some sort of academic in my ideal subject are out of grasp, and fit somewhere in that unreachable cloud of gradinosity in the sky. So my ideal position in life of becoming a lecturer or Professor of Asian Studies, History and Culture may be a litle bit pie in the sky, and should be left to when I take up screenwriting as an additional hobby.
But lets get down to the main reason I started this thread. Feel free to ignore all the hazy, purpleness of the aforementioned. I simply don't know what I can study, to feel like I am enriching my life with something I am passionate about.
So I am expecting that there will be a lot of replies (or none whatsoever!) inferring that other people cannot tell me what my passions and interests are. I know where my interests lie but the sad truth is that they are all unemployable, and some would consider, irrelevant useless degree subject matter. I'm also at an age, where chosing a degree now, means making a very real implication of knocking myself out of a full-time job, and potentially making my life much worse. My current job also is on a salary, whilst not mega-bucks, but in the approximate region of £22,000 which seems to be more than a lot of graduates are on these days, due to lack of employment opportunitise.
Language studies in Chinese, and studying the pre-modern China would sound like a pretty amazing deal. But outside of taking my studies on to a PhD level in an attempt to facilitiate an academic way of life, which wouldn't be possible due to my lack of funds for such an idea, then it woud seem like a bad decision to make. I probably wouldn't be able to compete at such a higher intellectual plane in order to make it that far in studious activity. Simply finishing a BA in a foreign language after 4 years would not really make me applicable for anything remotely related to the subject, because I have no real skillset. At the end of 4 years, my Chinese would probably be intermediate at best, compared to the millions of Native-Chinese who speak fantastic English.
I have never been talented at math or science-based subjects. I was an 'E' grade student for GCSE mathematics, and basic Cs for duel-science. I have never had any interest in how 'stuff works', so a degree in Engineering wouldn't be wise whilst coupled with my brilliant prowess in maths. I wish I could force an interest in these subjects, as they seem to be the only place where the decent livelihoods come from, aside from liberal-art miracles.
I have thought about studying English and TESOL, but I don't know if I am really a born teacher. I'd probably be studying that subject, only to barter my way into an Asian region. Not exactly the semi-selfless personalities that go with those who enter the teaching profession on true values. I'd probably find that most of my time would be spent designing lesson plans, and teaching, rather than having an opportunity to do any of my own research work or real infusion of the culture and language.
I seem to be one of those people who extremely high expectations, and dreams. But they seem to be too grandiose to be considered realistic. I'm just not sure what I should do. I know I am just stuck, feeling miserable in my life though. I want to change and have something as an extension of myself. A job and a career I can be proud of and a real feeling of achievement.
Could you perhaps study a distance learning or part time degree in Asian studies so you could keep working while you study? If you're not sure about Chinese perhaps you could try an evening class and see if you enjoy it before taking it further.
If this is your passion, you should pursue it. Be positive and you will succeed. My friend recently spent 6 months studying in Beijing where he learnt some Mandarin and had a great time. You're still young and could change career now if you're not happy where you are.
Best of luck with your decisions.
Posted from TSR Mobile
If this is your passion, you should pursue it. Be positive and you will succeed. My friend recently spent 6 months studying in Beijing where he learnt some Mandarin and had a great time. You're still young and could change career now if you're not happy where you are.
Best of luck with your decisions.
Posted from TSR Mobile
I suppose my biggest question is this. What would I be able to do with it? I suppose without completing the subject to PhD heights, then it is just another 'humanities' student with those latent, transferable skills that don't really transfer to any job of real interest.
Sadly, I have looked into it, and there are no distance degree courses. The subject matter is far too niche, that finding more than 3 universities that have a department for it is hard enough. Open.ac.uk has always had little in the way of choice so it is a bit of a tough one.
I don't think I have the personality for teaching, as I am highly introverted. Ah, I dunno. Why did I have to be born with idiotic interests, and mindless idealism? Ha.
Sadly, I have looked into it, and there are no distance degree courses. The subject matter is far too niche, that finding more than 3 universities that have a department for it is hard enough. Open.ac.uk has always had little in the way of choice so it is a bit of a tough one.
I don't think I have the personality for teaching, as I am highly introverted. Ah, I dunno. Why did I have to be born with idiotic interests, and mindless idealism? Ha.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that a vocational degree would guarantee a job. Very few degrees are directly vocational, and those that are will rarely let you walk directly into a related job without starting from near the bottom or going through additional training/induction periods.
If you want a good degree result, the best way to give yourself a head start is to do the degree which interests you the most. Where you go from there is something you can't anticipate at the moment, any more than you know what you'll be doing in three years' time if you stay in your current job.
The very act of being in university, surrounded by people teaching and talking about your subject, might open up opportunities that you haven't considered or aren't yet aware of. Despite being an introvert, you won't be able to avoid talking to your lecturers and fellow students, and sometimes it's those contacts which bring opportunities rather than just the degree.
If you want a good degree result, the best way to give yourself a head start is to do the degree which interests you the most. Where you go from there is something you can't anticipate at the moment, any more than you know what you'll be doing in three years' time if you stay in your current job.
The very act of being in university, surrounded by people teaching and talking about your subject, might open up opportunities that you haven't considered or aren't yet aware of. Despite being an introvert, you won't be able to avoid talking to your lecturers and fellow students, and sometimes it's those contacts which bring opportunities rather than just the degree.
Sounds like you're verging into the negative side of perfectionism if it's that difficult for you to find more than 3 courses that you'd want to do.
If you're interested in study don't just read off the course title, look at the module choices and try find something with perhaps a more generic titled BA that'd let you do some modules and a dissertation in your favourite area,
Otherwise try either changing jobs or moving up where you are now
If you're interested in study don't just read off the course title, look at the module choices and try find something with perhaps a more generic titled BA that'd let you do some modules and a dissertation in your favourite area,
Otherwise try either changing jobs or moving up where you are now
Original post by Joinedup
Sounds like you're verging into the negative side of perfectionism if it's that difficult for you to find more than 3 courses that you'd want to do.
If you're interested in study don't just read off the course title, look at the module choices and try find something with perhaps a more generic titled BA that'd let you do some modules and a dissertation in your favourite area,
Otherwise try either changing jobs or moving up where you are now
If you're interested in study don't just read off the course title, look at the module choices and try find something with perhaps a more generic titled BA that'd let you do some modules and a dissertation in your favourite area,
Otherwise try either changing jobs or moving up where you are now
I think my problem is that I have a very specified interest group. I don't seem to have 'wide' areas of interest. This is where I feel my dull-headedness comes into the equation. If it isn't directly linked to my interests, I kind of don't even have any regard for it or an exceptionally small attention span. When I tried to give maths and science a go, I wanted to stab my eyes out with a compass.
Unfortunately there is no progression in my job, since there is nothing for it to evolve into. I never want to be a manager of people, or have the word 'manager' or 'king of the technicians' on my occupational title. I also couldn't probably deal with making the subject matter of my job a lifetime ambition.
Could you clarify what you mean by a generic BA?
Like business studies or something? Original post by Leigh1
I think my problem is that I have a very specified interest group. I don't seem to have 'wide' areas of interest. This is where I feel my dull-headedness comes into the equation. If it isn't directly linked to my interests, I kind of don't even have any regard for it or an exceptionally small attention span. When I tried to give maths and science a go, I wanted to stab my eyes out with a compass.
Unfortunately there is no progression in my job, since there is nothing for it to evolve into. I never want to be a manager of people, or have the word 'manager' or 'king of the technicians' on my occupational title. I also couldn't probably deal with making the subject matter of my job a lifetime ambition.
Could you clarify what you mean by a generic BA? Like business studies or something?
Unfortunately there is no progression in my job, since there is nothing for it to evolve into. I never want to be a manager of people, or have the word 'manager' or 'king of the technicians' on my occupational title. I also couldn't probably deal with making the subject matter of my job a lifetime ambition.
Could you clarify what you mean by a generic BA?
Like business studies or something? you appear to be attracted to 3 courses because they have hyper specific titles
if you can only find 3 courses that are of interest it's imo a sign that you need to broaden your search.
if you got onto one of those courses you'd probably be dismayed by the number of generic modules with titles like 'research methods for social sciences' shared with other courses you'd be doing, especially in the first couple of years.
highly specific degree course titles are imo largely a marketing tool to push generic modules by packaging them with some specialised 3rd year modules. you might find mostly similar content by looking at joint honours or major/minor frameworks without the packaging.
I would have thought a language degree in Chinese would make you pretty employable. In addition to teaching, there's translation and interpreting, of course, but I think it would be valued in many different business sectors. Tourism, finance, sales, law and international organisations like the UN are all potential employers for people with good language skills.
When you have a strong passion for a particular academic subject, as you seem to have, it's almost certainly the right thing to do. Studying what you love is easy.
When you have a strong passion for a particular academic subject, as you seem to have, it's almost certainly the right thing to do. Studying what you love is easy.
Just so you know, there aren't any really 'useless' degrees, just useless graduates. A dear friend of mine will be on a (UK-based) banking management graduate scheme this year having just completed a degree in French and Spanish at a mid-range university. If that isn't 'useless' I don't know what is. **** graduates have **** prospects. Certain courses attract more **** graduates, that's all.
Chinese is a reasonable sell, particularly as, although you aren't Chinese and don't speak Chinese to the standard of a native, you are British educated and you'd speak Chinese better than 99 (.999..)% of British people. And you probably speak English better than 99(.999..)% of Chinese speakers too. Understanding of the culture and history is going to be helpful as well (indeed, a major concern of international employers is finding people who understand cultures and techniques of their destination country).
Regardless, you'll still be in a better position than most fresh graduates anyway, with several years' experience in a proper job. Even if you end up back in nonspecific employment it's no bad thing, and you might have a few more doors opened by the piece of paper.
In all likelihood, in three years' time you might have a totally different outlook anyway. Solipse's advice of trying out an evening course is excellent advice, but of course be sure that you don't waste degree funding options in doing so - pick cheap courses subsidised by local councils, etc.
Chinese is a reasonable sell, particularly as, although you aren't Chinese and don't speak Chinese to the standard of a native, you are British educated and you'd speak Chinese better than 99 (.999..)% of British people. And you probably speak English better than 99(.999..)% of Chinese speakers too. Understanding of the culture and history is going to be helpful as well (indeed, a major concern of international employers is finding people who understand cultures and techniques of their destination country).
Regardless, you'll still be in a better position than most fresh graduates anyway, with several years' experience in a proper job. Even if you end up back in nonspecific employment it's no bad thing, and you might have a few more doors opened by the piece of paper.
In all likelihood, in three years' time you might have a totally different outlook anyway. Solipse's advice of trying out an evening course is excellent advice, but of course be sure that you don't waste degree funding options in doing so - pick cheap courses subsidised by local councils, etc.
You're 26, you want to go to uni and you write well. So go. The end result will always be different - uni is about much more than the subject you choose. You'll broaden your horizons in a real way: you'll see what you're capable of, your confidence will soar (seriously) and you just don't know where it might lead. Sounds like you dread the inertia of doing nothing, that you know where you'll be in 4 years time if you don't change tack. If you go and get a higher education, who knows where you'll be in 5 years, or 10? Don't worry about doing an esoteric degree - it's about setting your mind on fire. You'll have ideas you could never have had without going. And Chinese can't hurt, jesus!
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by WBTroglodyte
You're 26, you want to go to uni and you write well. So go. The end result will always be different - uni is about much more than the subject you choose. You'll broaden your horizons in a real way: you'll see what you're capable of, your confidence will soar (seriously) and you just don't know where it might lead. Sounds like you dread the inertia of doing nothing, that you know where you'll be in 4 years time if you don't change tack. If you go and get a higher education, who knows where you'll be in 5 years, or 10? Don't worry about doing an esoteric degree - it's about setting your mind on fire. You'll have ideas you could never have had without going. And Chinese can't hurt, jesus!
Couldn't have put it better myself. I am 40 and I start my degree in September. I have no background in my chosen subject but I do have a burning desire to become learned in it. My dream job would be working for ESA. My last job was as a cycle courier! I have no concrete plans beyond studying so I'm just going to make it up as I go along.
In broad terms there's no such thing as a 'useless degree' and although your interests may be considered quite niche that probably means that if you look hard enough there are going to be opportunities. However if you're really worried about whether Chinese is what you want to do perhaps, as someone said, you should look into an evening class or even like a Rosetta Stone course. If it's at all possible I would also suggest visiting China.
My friend is going into university in September to study Chinese and Arabic. Her boyfriend is Chinese so she already speaks intermediate Mandarin. She plans to become a teacher. However, there are other career options available for language degrees. You could become an interpreter or turn around entirely and go and teach English in China. I know several people who have done so with less qualifications and they have enjoyed it immensely. I understand with not being sure which interest is worthy of pursuit but you could always look into combined honours degrees, something along the lines of Asian Studies with International Relations or something. If I was you though I'd look more into career options surrounding Chinese, Asian studies etc and see what appeals to you. If something jumps out that makes you excited I'd say go for it- in the long run you have nothing to lose. You're only 26.
My friend is going into university in September to study Chinese and Arabic. Her boyfriend is Chinese so she already speaks intermediate Mandarin. She plans to become a teacher. However, there are other career options available for language degrees. You could become an interpreter or turn around entirely and go and teach English in China. I know several people who have done so with less qualifications and they have enjoyed it immensely. I understand with not being sure which interest is worthy of pursuit but you could always look into combined honours degrees, something along the lines of Asian Studies with International Relations or something. If I was you though I'd look more into career options surrounding Chinese, Asian studies etc and see what appeals to you. If something jumps out that makes you excited I'd say go for it- in the long run you have nothing to lose. You're only 26.
Original post by russellsteapot
Just so you know, there aren't any really 'useless' degrees, just useless graduates.
Hmm, I must admit this has been in my mind every time I've read those "useless-degree-bashing" comments on forums and blogs recently. It's good to know my thoughts are shared by others and I'm not just seeing it how I want to see it. A good friend's then gf (now wife) graduated a decade or so ago with a Philosophy degree, which is just about as 'useless' as it gets. She went on to a well-paid job and subsequently into working with him f/t on their business, which is thriving. I'm sure there are plenty of others who graduated around the same time with 'proper' degrees who've gone on to achieve substantially less. The crucial thing is she's bright, efficient, versatile and hard-working so generally makes a success of things she tries (albeit that there are plenty of areas well beyond her skillset, but then that's true for all of us).
I'm at a similar phase to the OP (not in field that I like, wanting to study, wondering whether studying what I really want to, as opposed to what I 'should' do, is sensible) and so not been through the experience (yet), but when I read comments from graduates bitching about how they can't get a job despite graduating in X, Y, Z, I can't help wondering how many are the types who are lazy and think they should/will be able to simply walk into their job of choice once they've got their degree.
I'm (fairly) sure that hard work and conviction will get you at least somewhere in and around the right area, even if not to exactly where you want to be. I suppose there are exceptions - the more lofty your goals the harder it becomes to achieve them, and some 'dream' jobs you just have to be utterly hellbent on doing and have the right combination of talent, self-awareness and downright craziness to succeed (e.g. professional sports, fiction writing).
Now I've just got to convince myself I should have the balls to study what I want...
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