Having a hard time deciding what to do in college... (sorry, it's long)

~izayummikiwi Mar 20, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

I'm a bit more than halfway through my second semester of college (this is my first year). For the most part, I've been working on my Gen Ed requirements, though I have been taking a few exploratory courses.

That said, I have no idea what I should do. It isn't that I don't know what I want. More than anything else, I'd love to get into the gaming industry in some capacity, be it through actual game design or programming, concept work, or even translation (this is why I've been taking programming courses and courses in Japanese). I know that programming courses are probably my best option if I want to get into the industry, and if the gaming thing doesn't work out I still have something great to fall back on.

But I don't have a passion for programming, and I don't know if one will develop at any point. I like it a lot, but I'm not sure I can take much more of it in an academic setting (the Computer Science professors at my school suck), and I'm not sure that I'll continue to enjoy it as I do.

What I do have a passion for is art, and regardless of the shitty professors I might encounter I can actually see myself sticking with it. But if I were to major in art, I think it'd seriously hurt my chances of getting into the gaming industry, let alone any other industry, as well. I'm also not confident in myself as an artist (or as a person), so, again, it really hurts my chances.

I'm not sure what to do with myself. I know a HUGE part of it is my lack of confidence, but it's also just a bad situation. Do I major in the thing that I love and risk not getting a job, or do I take the safer option, and risk hating my profession (as well as any time I spend in the classroom from here on out)? I'm not sure what to do.

I know that none of you can give me concrete answers or anything like that, and ultimately it'll be a decision that only I can make. But can you offer me any advice? I'm sorry that the above is so long, and that it may not be the most coherent explanation in the world.

You can no longer comment on this thread as it was closed due to no activity for a month.

Devious Comments

~izayummikiwi Apr 2, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

Your problems with your career path sound AWFULLY similar to mine

It's so hard, too. Right out of high school, right out of puberty and I hardly have any idea who I am, and I'm expected to make decisions about who I'll be for the rest of my life. Yeah, you can always switch careers, but who wants to spend their entire life in a classroom?

I'm going to try to stick with college, but all of the pressure, the stress, and the self-doubt are starting to wear on me. I just hope I can take it.

Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me, for telling me about your own feelings. As cheesy as it sounds, you're a wonderful friend

~HorrorEmpress Apr 10, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

If you ever need me feel free to drop by or call. I'll gladly steal you and force you to live with me for weeks on end.

~izayummikiwi Apr 12, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

Thanks, I will

!Smartboy64 Mar 25, 2012

Here's the real thinker ^.^

~JaedanOrion Mar 21, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

It's always great to follow your dreams but remember that money makes the world go round, and sometimes a little contempt for your job can give you that extra motivation and confidence to move onto what you really want. (Example: I want to be a band director but I'm in the military). It's alright to explore a bit in college, but eventually you're going to have to make a decision. I agree with Smartboy64 in that it may be a good idea to try to find a common ground between your two interests. Graphics design may be a good idea as it combines a bit of that technical stuff along with the creative flair of art. Web design and 3-D modeling are also decent choices you may wish to look at.

!Smartboy64 Mar 20, 2012

Since you love art I'd say stay with it and maybe do a dual major to cover the programming aspect for a career? Its not the greatest option and it will probably be tough but it'll cover both career and passion.
And don't worry! You've done amazing before and continue too. Once you get into the world and have showings in galleries everywhere I'm sure there will be many who love it. Just look at all the followers/watchers you have here and deiantart :3

~C-Hillman Mar 21, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

I've got to agree, a dual-major seems to be your best bet that I can see, but ultimately it is your choice.

Details

Statistics

Having a hard time deciding what to do in college... (sorry, it's long)

Devious Comments

The Journal Portal

Polls

What is your preferred drawing software?

deviantART [dee·vee·un'nt·ART]

Keep in Touch!

Deviousness

Add Media

Style