Advice for the College Youth

I got an e-mail from Kyle asking about changing majors, and after writing the response I figured this would be decent advice for any college aged youths or youths contemplating college;
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Hi Kyle,

Heh, thanks for reading. I am particularly grateful in that maybe my experience might do some good for a younger fella.

Here's the deal. Anything worth getting a degree in is going to take a lot of math. This means subjects such as engineering, computers, medicine, etc. It is not whether you "like" the subject you are majoring in as (especially in light of this economy) you cannot afford such a luxury. In other words, you may think majoring in something is "tough" but it is a much more difficult route to major in something that you may like and suffering trying to find a job for the rest of your days (consider a nerdy engineer who slaves and tolls to get his degree in 4 years vs. an teenage gangbanger who slacks off, over time the gang banger has a harder more difficult life). Ergo your desire to change majors is great.

As for the major itself, if you are going to go into economics, then don't even bother unless you plan to get your masters. A bachelors will not do. Additionally, being in economics, you will most likely work in the financial services industry which is basically corrupt and based on nepotism instead of skill. Getting a masters will allow you at minimum to teach at a 2 year community college (which is what I did for a while) where the politics and corruption are a mere faction what they are in banking. Do not have any grad illusions of being heard or having your work implemented. You do not have gray hair and you are not the husband of the vice president. You will be a cog in the banking machine (albeit a highly educated one)

If you are not willing to go all the way and get your masters, then a subject such as accounting or engineering or computers is the other routes to go. Those are 4 year degrees that will get you jobs. However, if you want more guidance all you have to do is look at starting salaries. The labor market will tell you what's in demand. Teachers start off at $32,000 per year . Chemical engineers I think are around $52,000 or so.

The final thing I'd recommend is this;

DO NOT WORRY IF IT TAKES YOU ANOTHER 3 YEARS TO GRADUATE. I am explaining this to you so you do NOT make the same mistake I did and therefore can have a better life. Learn from my mistakes, it's immensely cheaper. You may not like school. You may have a plan to get out in 4-5 years, but;

1. Nobody in the real world gives younger folk a chance, no matter how smart or educated you may be. A 45 year old baby boomer does not see a difference between a 22 year graduate and a 26 year old graduate. In their eyes you're all incompetent punks barely able to wipe their own asses (and based on the majority of leftist idiots graduating from college, they're right). Regardless, it is here you are a victim of your generation. An eagle surrounded by turkeys. You may as well spend your time getting a good degree AND ENJOYING IT. No need to rush. Take another 3-4 years in college. It's much more enjoyable. Chase girls, get drunk. And for god's sake, don't worry about your GPA. Just keep it above a 3.0 and you'll be fine.

2. The economy is shit and will continue to be shit. School is an ideal place to be.

Sorry to be so glum, but hopefully that will provide you a little bit of guidance above and beyond what the "student counselors" will.

Cpt.