I know exactly the confusion you are going through...except funnily enough I'm EXACTLY the opposite. I spent two years studying animals, the first studying horse husbandry, and the second studying outright agriculture. Having grown up on a farm, as the sixth generation I've always loved animals, I love working at home even though there's bugger-all money in it. All through school I dreamt of working on horse studs, but I knew that would probably never happen since the closest is 2 hours away and I have a commitment to the farm. But I studied none-the less, knowing something would come up. And it did. I found myself a one-day a week job at a big, but understocked horse farm a little closer to home. At first I grumbled about not having enough hours, but as I worked there more I realised it wasn't for me. Now I've done all this studying and all this money (certainly not $20K, but still a decent amount), I've wasted three years of my life to realise I yearned for something I wasn't really cut out for. Now I'm actually thinking of pursuing Psychology...how creepy.

So the reason for that big terrible spiel, was that I think you should sample it before you give up the uni. Can you perhaps get a part time job working with animals somewhere near uni? Just something, even a day or two a week, just to sample working with them. Of course I don't know your background so you might already be comfortable with animals, but working with them full time is a whole other story.

One thought I did have, I know it's another 2 years but if you stick with the Psychology course and get it over and done with...it's there and ready to be used, if only for a back-up. You've come so far, and you're halfway done. Have you ever thought of combining the two? If you get a psychology degree under your belt this might give you a head start if you one day decide on maybe pursuing animal psychology. People are getting so much more attached to their animals these days, and are forking out more and more money to know what they're really thinking. There are courses out there offering this, if that's what may interest you.

Having a chat with your academic advisor sounds like a fantastic idea, you're obviously not taking this decision lightly and I think you should take other people out of this equation. This is your life, and even if your parents are disappointed I'm sure they'll come around, especially if it means spending more time with you and seeing you more. Plus, once they see how happy you've become when you find something you love, surely they'll be happy for you too.

I think in the end, you'll never know if you made the right decision until it's made. As un-helpful as that may be, I think it's the only solid advice anyone on the outside can really give you. It's your live, you have sooo many years left and you want to be happy. So suss out to make sure it's not just you getting cold feet, and follow your heart. :) You know you're more than welcome to send me a PM to talk at any time.

Posted at 6:29 pm on Nov. 4, 2009

As a fellow psych major, I laughed at a few of those comments about how there is nothing to do with it.  I can't tell you how many times people have stared at me blankly when I told them that I was going to major in psych but not do counseling.  The usual response is, "well what the heck are you going to do then?!"  And of course my response is...."well I don't actually know yet "  It is definitely one of those majors where you're kind of taking a chance on getting a solid job, especially if you're not looking to get your masters.  I totally understand that.  I'm actually taking a semester off right now to ponder what the heck I should do with my life before returning to school.  It's not an easy choice!

In terms of your situation, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that one decision is definitely, concretely better than the other.  I'm not you, I don't know enough about your personal feelings and circumstances to make an absolute choice for you.  What I can give you is my perspective on all of it...because a few things came to mind as I read this.

Ok, to start...Option 1: Leave university and go to school for a degree as a vet tech.  The thing I like most about this option is that this seems like something that's concentrating on what you want to do, and what you think is best for you in the long run.  I know you brought up the idea of your family being disappointed when you tell them, however I think you've got to weigh out what's more important.  Your parents very well may be disappointed for a semester or so.  However they aren't the ones that will have to spend years in school studying something they don't truly love, nor will they be the ones that have to work in that field for years.  Their inconveniences in comparison to your sacrifice here is minimal, and above all, I think that you should place your own happiness above their approval.

As far as finances go, I know that the thought of having $20k spent on a degree you aren't going to use is probably physically painful.  At least it is for me.  I know what it's like to be a poor college student, and how closely everyone counts change.  However, I think this is another "the long run is more important" scenario.  You're going to be spending more money on your current degree regardless, because 1. it's more expensive and 2. a masters may be involved.  If I'm not mistaken, programs for an associates degree are generally much cheaper than university.  Add that to the fact that living with your family should cut costs.  In the long run, changing direction may very well be cheaper than trying not to "waste 2 years tuition."  

All in all, the biggest obstacle here (to me at least) seems like it's going to be adapting to living off campus again.  I know after living on campus for a year with absolute freedom, all new friends, unlimited parties, and my own schedule...coming back to live with family was quite a strain.  I think the value of independence is often underestimated.  However, if you've got connections in your hometown (i.e. your boyfriend) that will prevent you from just sitting around the house all day, being bored and missing school.  As long as that outlet is there...I'd think you'd be okay.

Alright, Option 2: Stay in school where you are.  To start, I don't think the psychology program has quite the apocalyptic ending as you're making it out to be (I might be biased though :P)  There are things you can do with a psychology major that definitely don't involve or require getting your masters degree.  I know I've talked about research psychology, criminal psychology, social work, work within the school system. etc all for a psychology degree.  People are willing to train those with a college degree.  You don't have to come out of school with a Masters or PhD in order to function at every psychology job.  /lame shpeal

The health care issue is also a concern.  We have that in the US too, and I hated it.  If you end up deciding that you want to drop school, make sure to get in contact with your insurance company and see if there is anything you can do to keep the coverage.  I did this when I left and after about 4 hours on hold and talking with every customer service rep and their uncle, I did manage to get it put on hold with the possibility for transfer.  The nice thing about insurance is that most plans have more loopholes than old tennis shoes.  I suggest looking into what exactly the plan says, preferably with someone who understand legal mumbo jumbo.

If that doesn't work, some jobs (which you said you're going to look for?) offer health care benefits to employees who work full time.  Even when I was working at my crumby shoe store job they had this...so I don't think it necessarily has to be anything high end.  You could always ask about it in an interview.

That's my collective thoughts on the whole thing.  Like I said, I'm hesitant to sit here and say "you SHOULD pick option __" because I'm not you.  I'm not living your life.  What I do feel is that your happiness in the long run should rank up their on your list of most important things to consider.  Debt, family frustration, and logistical concerns don't last forever.  Picking something that you want to do does.  

Good luck with whatever you choose to decide.  If you ever want to talk or need more help with this feel free to message me anytime :)

Take care

-Isobel

Posted at 5:54 am on Nov. 4, 2009