Not enjoying my economics degree(2nd year), considering dropping out.
I'm just starting my second year in uni as a bachelor in economics and I really don't like what we're studying. I feel like I have no interest in any of the stuff that we're learning, such as micro, macro, accounting, statistics. As it's literally the first week of this academic year, I'm considering dropping out of uni.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
Edit:
Firstly, thank you all for the advice and recommendations. It truly means a lot to me.
I've been thinking a lot about this and talked to my family and to a friend.
One problem I have is that right now I feel very tired and am not sure if I can keep on going with this. I'm flying back home for about a week to rest and to try and clear my head. That might help.
Right now, even getting out of bed isn't easy.
Also, I feel like a job that is more physical, and that I feel directly helps other people/the world, and doesn't force me to sit in a building all day would be a must for me. But even thinking about this tires me out. I've never felt like this. I'm guessing this is probably a phase. But it's hard.
I feel so tired/burnt out that even thinking about academic work and studying makes me want to throw up.
I know that some part of this is JUST being burnt out, but also that since the mid-end of last year I've felt that this doesn't interest me at all. I just thought that I would be able to put up with it. But I've realized that I couldn't do this for another 2 years, at least that's what I feel. The problem then is what should I do. I want to find something that interests me, for which I do have ideas(like maybe law enforcement), but I'm so tired/unmotivated that just thinking about them makes me feel like I couldn't set out on the path for them.
I know it gets better, but it is hard.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
Edit:
Firstly, thank you all for the advice and recommendations. It truly means a lot to me.
I've been thinking a lot about this and talked to my family and to a friend.
One problem I have is that right now I feel very tired and am not sure if I can keep on going with this. I'm flying back home for about a week to rest and to try and clear my head. That might help.
Right now, even getting out of bed isn't easy.
Also, I feel like a job that is more physical, and that I feel directly helps other people/the world, and doesn't force me to sit in a building all day would be a must for me. But even thinking about this tires me out. I've never felt like this. I'm guessing this is probably a phase. But it's hard.
I feel so tired/burnt out that even thinking about academic work and studying makes me want to throw up.
I know that some part of this is JUST being burnt out, but also that since the mid-end of last year I've felt that this doesn't interest me at all. I just thought that I would be able to put up with it. But I've realized that I couldn't do this for another 2 years, at least that's what I feel. The problem then is what should I do. I want to find something that interests me, for which I do have ideas(like maybe law enforcement), but I'm so tired/unmotivated that just thinking about them makes me feel like I couldn't set out on the path for them.
I know it gets better, but it is hard.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by jason234I'm just starting my second year in uni as a bachelor in economics and I really don't like what we're studying. I feel like I have no interest in any of the stuff that we're learning, such as micro, macro, accounting, statistics. As it's literally the first week of this academic year, I'm considering dropping out of uni.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
Hi @jason234
You are right, having passion for a field or job is quite important. After all, you'd be working in that field for years or significant portions of your life so it's best to feel comfortable and happy in the chosen sector.
In terms of the degree overall, have you tried out the club your brother mentioned to you? Maybe joining that might be helpful so you can determine whether you have some interest or none at all.
It's great that you excelled in the first year and achieved great grades but enjoying what you learn is important too so I'd recommend you give the club a try and communicate with your family/Personal Tutor or even Career Support Staff at your University so you can talk it out with others and come to a decision. Hope that helps 🙂
~Zaynab
University of Bradford
Reply 2
Original post
by jason234I'm just starting my second year in uni as a bachelor in economics and I really don't like what we're studying. I feel like I have no interest in any of the stuff that we're learning, such as micro, macro, accounting, statistics. As it's literally the first week of this academic year, I'm considering dropping out of uni.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
If you want to change course completely, I'd speak to someone at your university and discuss your options asap.
Reply 3
Original post
by jason234I'm just starting my second year in uni as a bachelor in economics and I really don't like what we're studying. I feel like I have no interest in any of the stuff that we're learning, such as micro, macro, accounting, statistics. As it's literally the first week of this academic year, I'm considering dropping out of uni.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
Hi @jason234 ,
If you are considering dropping out, I would recommend talking to your personal tutor/academic advisor if you have one of these as they will help you with this. You should be able to make an appointment with them and you can talk through how you are feeling with your course and see if there is anything they can do to help you and what support they can offer you. Or, they can explain what your options are in terms of dropping out or changing courses. You could also speak to your university support team about this as they are there to help you and will be able to help you with this and give you some advice.
If you think it is the learning from the textbooks that you don't like, you could have a look at the upcoming modules on the course and see if it is all going to be like it is now, or if you get any opportunities to do some more practical work. Or, joining a club where you get to try some more practical based work sounds like a good idea as you might just not enjoy the learning from books aspect of the work which will be different when you have a job!
Maybe also see if you can talk to some people who are in third year at your university as they should have quite a good idea of what is coming up on the course and see if they enjoy it. Some people might have the same experience as you and they might have some good advice for you about this.
I would say that you need to consider all of your options carefully. You have just started second year so if you do want to drop out, it would probably be a good idea to do it sooner rather than later to save you some time and money. However, this is not a decision that you want to rush and it is important that it is what you really want as you have already done a year. If you think it is just the theory work you don't like, have a think if you could stick it out for another two years as once you have your degree, you can always do a conversion course or there will be multiple jobs you could get with your degree. Your mental health is important though, so if you feel you can't do any more of the course then think about changing courses!
Talk to your friends and family about your decision too- they know you best and they will be good people to talk to and can offer you their advice!
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂
Reply 4
Original post
by jason234I'm just starting my second year in uni as a bachelor in economics and I really don't like what we're studying. I feel like I have no interest in any of the stuff that we're learning, such as micro, macro, accounting, statistics. As it's literally the first week of this academic year, I'm considering dropping out of uni.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
Hi @jason234,
I'm really sorry to hear you're struggling with whether or not to continue your Economics degree. It's always difficult to realise you might want to pursue a different path in life than the one you initially thought, but it's good to see that you're considering all of your options.
The first thing I would recommend is speaking to your personal tutor or a lecturer you're friendly with on the course. Not all students who graduate with the same degree end up in the same line of work - for example, they might know previous students who've gone into non-finance fields but still use their economic knowledge in their day-to-day work. Are there any fields outside of economics that you feel particularly passionate about? Do you think there's a way you could combine the two?
If you talk to your personal tutor/lecturers and still think it would be best to not continue with your Economics degree, I'd then recommend approaching your friends/family and brainstorming some ideas of what you want to do next.
Hope this was helpful, and best of luck with your decision!
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Reply 5
Original post
by jason234I'm just starting my second year in uni as a bachelor in economics and I really don't like what we're studying. I feel like I have no interest in any of the stuff that we're learning, such as micro, macro, accounting, statistics. As it's literally the first week of this academic year, I'm considering dropping out of uni.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
I feel burnt out but also I feel like I haven't been honest with myself. I thought working with numbers, maths, calculations, or learning economic theory interests me, but now I've realized that while some people might like these, this is really not for me.
I'd like to note that I had pretty good grades last year, because I wanted to see if I'm just being lazy and that's why I don't find it interesting, but even after studying these topics I felt no interest at all.
My brother who is a banker told me to join a club at the uni where they organise events in which 'theory meets practice', so I would be able to see whether it's the learning from textbooks part that I don't like or that I really just have no passion for this type of work at all.
I think that in the past the reason I chose this path was because it was 'secure' and would guarantee making more money than a lot of jobs, but now I realised that there is more to life than just having a secure, well paying job, because you actually have to have a passion for it.
What do you think I should do? Have you been through something like this? If so, what helped?
Thanks in advance.
Hi @jason234
Economics can be very difficult at times, especially when modules are very maths intense.
I have a few recommendations and some advice having just graduated from Econ:
•
At some point in your second year, maybe between second and third year do an internship (Econ is such a broad subject and it feels different at times in the workplace as you can tailor what you want your job to be relative to which areas you prefer- e.g. working in a consultancy/bank/government/charity).
•
As you said before, try and join some sort of Eco society at your uni or an investment society, to get a feel for it or a club to see how you feel then.
•
Maybe mix it up by doing a language module or something else (whether credit or non-credit) this will give you some rest and help to avoid burn-out.
•
Think of your own topics you might like to research ready for dissertations and essays (often when you get past second year there is more freedom to pick modules and include your own research).
•
If there is an option see whether you can do a year in industry or year abroad next year before your final year.
•
Speak to your careers centre at your university about what sort of jobs you might like to apply for in the future and see if it matches with what you are doing.
•
Speak to your supervisor and ask them for advice.
Please let me know if you have any questions or you would like more advice 🙂
Hope this helps! 🙂
UEA Rep Lucy
5th Year Msc Banking and Finance, Bsc Economics with a Year Abroad
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