Monday, October 6, 2025
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Beyond The Classroom - Student Lifestyle Portal

The Student Lifestyle Portal

  
  • HOME
  • WIN CA$H!
    • WIN RM 100
    • Apple Bundle Giveaway
  • y2m TV!
  • MUST READS!HOT
    • Survival Guides
    • Campus Life
    • Discussions
    • Food
    • Events
    • Nightlife
    • Fashion
    • Holidays
    • Sports
    • Tech
    • Automotive
    • Fun Facts
    • More Categories
    Student Accommodation in Malaysia Guide

    Student Accommodation in Malaysia Guide

    16 December 2021
    online shopping app

    Top 9 Online Shopping App Students Visit for Retail Therapy

    16 December 2021
    8 Things You Should Do Before Your First Day of University.

    8 Things You Should Do Before Your First Day of University.

    11 November 2021
    homecooked food for students sambal tempe nasi goreng kampung

    Simple & Cheap Malaysian Homecooked Food for Students

    19 November 2021
    sunway university
    Sponsored Ad

    Sunway University: The Globally Connected & Forward Looking University.

    20 December 2021
    • Survival Guides
    • Campus Life
    • Discussions
    • Food
    • Events
      • Yes2Malaysia Worldstage
    • Nightlife
    • Fashion
    • Holidays
    • Sports
    • Tech
    • Automotive
    • Fun Facts
  • CONTACT US

  


  • HOME
  • WIN CA$H!
    • WIN RM 100
    • Apple Bundle Giveaway
  • y2m TV!
  • MUST READS!HOT
    • Survival Guides
    • Campus Life
    • Discussions
    • Food
    • Events
    • Nightlife
    • Fashion
    • Holidays
    • Sports
    • Tech
    • Automotive
    • Fun Facts
    • More Categories
    Student Accommodation in Malaysia Guide

    Student Accommodation in Malaysia Guide

    16 December 2021
    online shopping app

    Top 9 Online Shopping App Students Visit for Retail Therapy

    16 December 2021
    8 Things You Should Do Before Your First Day of University.

    8 Things You Should Do Before Your First Day of University.

    11 November 2021
    homecooked food for students sambal tempe nasi goreng kampung

    Simple & Cheap Malaysian Homecooked Food for Students

    19 November 2021
    sunway university
    Sponsored Ad

    Sunway University: The Globally Connected & Forward Looking University.

    20 December 2021
    • Survival Guides
    • Campus Life
    • Discussions
    • Food
    • Events
      • Yes2Malaysia Worldstage
    • Nightlife
    • Fashion
    • Holidays
    • Sports
    • Tech
    • Automotive
    • Fun Facts
  • CONTACT US
Beyond The Classroom - Student Lifestyle Portal
No Result
View All Result
Yes2Malaysia Study In Swineburne Yes2Malaysia Study In Swineburne Yes2Malaysia Study In Swineburne
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Discussions

Is It Possible That I Picked the Wrong Degree?

Ever Feel Like You Chosen The Wrong Major? You're Not Alone! The Only Way is Forward & Things Will Get Better!

Idlan by Idlan
3 November 2021
in Campus Life
Reading Time: 9 mins read
1 0
A A
0
Is It Possible That I Picked the Wrong Degree?

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

1
SHARES
19
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

The majority of us anticipate our lives after graduation to be full of joy and spontaneous dance parties.

Yes2Malaysia Study In Monash Yes2Malaysia Study In Monash Yes2Malaysia Study In Monash
ADVERTISEMENT

But, it’s not uncommon to feel like you made a tremendous mistake after graduation.

This sinking feeling isn’t just due to the fact that we’ll be leaving the luxuries of college and entering the real world. Some of us, like guest writer Isabelle Chong, slowly and painfully realise that the job search is far more difficult than we anticipated, and we begin to wonder if we chose the “wrong major” (or if there is such a thing).

We begin to wonder if this is our punishment for pursuing a major that we were passionate about rather than something more practical. That’s how it can feel at times.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Yes2Malaysia Study In APU Yes2Malaysia Study In APU Yes2Malaysia Study In APU

Isabelle talks about how she came to grips with his decision to study in English and how she’s grown to appreciate the experience, even if it didn’t lead to a job after graduation.


Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

For me, college was a difficult experience. I changed majors five times in the five and a half years it took me to get my bachelor’s degree, none of which I finished.

I had nothing that I would consider success over my first two and a half years. I was enrolled in a business programme and was deciding between a few different particular degrees based on what sounded interesting at the time. However, I failed nearly as many classes as I passed.

Despite the turbulence of my academic life at the time, it laid the groundwork for what has turned out to be the most crucial decision of my life thus far. I came to a startling discovery after speaking with an advisor about the classes I’d be taking and how I planned to get back on track.

Maybe that was an indication that I needed a change because I didn’t care about any of the subjects I was taking for my degree and looked forward to any electives I got to take. There was an easy decision when I considered what classes I was looking forward to and what subjects I had enjoyed in high school. I needed to major in English.

This was a terrible notion to contemplate. Everyone has heard the jokes about English or art majors never making money, and when you’re 20 and have never made more than minimum wage, the last thing you want to do is accept your fate of poverty. You want to find a job straight after graduation that allows you to be comfortable and buy great things, or you want to move out of your parents’ house and not have to come home to wash laundry because you spent all of your quarters on petrol for your car. It was terrifying, but I went ahead and did it. I decided that practicality was not worth it in this circumstance, and I would rather pursue satisfaction and happiness instead.

Even as I got closer to graduation and some of the realities of “adult” life became more apparent, I held firm in my decision. I was seeing a growing number of friends graduate and struggle to find work in their field of study.

I quit my retail job shortly after graduating from high school in order to finish college faster without the distraction of a job, and I was tremendously lucky to have my parents’ financial assistance in doing so. However, this was only a temporary agreement, and it was barely enough to cover necessities like gas for my car and the occasional meal, let alone participate in many of my friends’ enjoyable activities. If we went out to eat or drink, I’d order whatever was the cheapest on the menu and call it good, or offer to drive in the hopes that someone would buy me something in exchange—though I’d never ask for such an arrangement out of shame.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

In December 2013, I accomplished something that had seemed impossible at one point during my college career. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. It was a watershed point in my life and one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I advise you to take a step back, take a deep breath, and celebrate yourself when you obtain your degree, regardless of the circumstances.

However, in my situation, this sense of accomplishment was quickly replaced by something else: a sudden realisation that I had run out of excuses for my unemployment.

Yes2Malaysia Study In UITM Yes2Malaysia Study In UITM Yes2Malaysia Study In UITM
ADVERTISEMENT

I began looking for writing jobs, but quickly realised that, for all of its wonderful attributes, Boise, Idaho is not the best place for a writer to make a livelihood, especially one with no background in journalism, technical writing, teaching, or copywriting. Every entry-level writing position I saw required some level of experience, and I received no good responses after reaching out to them. I changed tactics and began approaching the process as if it were a business presentation, and I attempted to market myself to companies. I even confronted some of my deepest social fears by attending employment fairs, but to no avail.

RelatedPosts

5-minute breakfast ideas for students to make on your own

5-minute breakfast ideas for students to make on your own

17 April 2023
5 things you must consider to pick the perfect place to live in Beyond your Classroom

5 things you must consider to pick the perfect place to live in Beyond your Classroom

17 April 2023
5 iconic movies to watch with your friends Beyond the Classroom

5 iconic movies to watch with your friends Beyond the Classroom

17 April 2023
5 theme parks in Malaysia, you must not miss out!

5 theme parks in Malaysia, you must not miss out!

17 April 2023

It had been an excruciatingly frustrating process.

This prompted me to ponder some challenging concerns concerning my major selection. I had been told my entire childhood that college was a stepping stone to a career, but it didn’t appear to be the case in my case. I’d heard all the jokes about starving artists, and I was well aware that my degree was not ideal for making enormous quantities of money, but I still expected more. Everyone I spoke with said that businesses were in desperate need of writers.

In recent days, the vast majority of businesses have begun to use social media and online mass communication, which necessitates the skills of a writer, but these positions appeared to be impossible to come by. I expected to be able to make a decent income in the field I had invested so much time, effort, and money in while in school.

Was my bachelor’s degree genuinely useless? Had I made a grave error by choosing a field that I adored over one that was more practical? Despite having a college diploma, would I have to return to making slightly above minimum wage?

The insight I had was that “worth” in terms of my degree is not simply quantified. It can’t be based on anything other than my own set of standards. If I judged these questions on the basis of employment or monetary return on investment, I’d have to admit that I’d made a mistake. However, by viewing it this way, I would be foregoing the most valuable aspects of my degree, as well as the lessons learned throughout my jobless.

Photo by energepic.com from Pexels

There were very few people I connected with on a personal level or formed friends with outside of school during my time as a business major. Although the people I met in class were pleasant, there was a significant cultural divide. I have no doubt that it has nothing to do with the quality of these individuals, but rather stems from a lack of shared interests or ambitions. It had a lot to do with why I couldn’t seem to get motivated in my business studies. Most of the other business majors I encountered didn’t care about what was important to me, and vice versa.

However, as an English student, I discovered that I was able to interact with folks I took classes with on a regular basis. Although there were a few persons among my fellow English majors with whom I hated or just did not get along, I found that my interests were more in sync with those around me in general. Even after graduating from high school, I consider some of these friendships to be my strongest and most meaningful. In terms of personal value, these are priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for any monetary gain that would have resulted from pursuing a more practical degree.

My decision to change majors and my unemployment had one effect that is perhaps the most important, but also the most subjective: personal enlightenment and satisfaction. While I can put a figure on the friendships I’ve made as a result of changing majors, it’s much more difficult to quantify the changes in myself.

Few things in life excite me as much as the opportunity to be creative, and by pursuing a creative writing degree, I was able to study and polish a creative outlet that I had previously neglected. My first writing workshop gave me a sense that I will never forget. Hearing my peers criticise my writing was difficult, but it was also liberating and rejuvenating to spend time in school studying about something I was passionate about.

However, even after balancing the advantages, the excruciatingly frustrating experience I had looking for a job after college remains a major concern. Is it worthwhile to pursue a degree in a field you enjoy, or should you choose for a more practical option? I believe the only reasonable response to this question is one that is unimpressive.

This isn’t a question that has a universal solution. To put it another way, it depends.

Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels

Financial stability is quite important to certain people. The number of non-traditional students (part-time or community college students) has been consistently rising for some time and shows no signs of slowing down. These students are more likely to be supporting a family or to be in a position where rapid job progress is more important. These are very reasonable places to be in life, and anyone who makes this decision should feel absolutely no shame. If you find yourself in this circumstance, I entirely understand. All I ask is that you continue to pursue those fields outside of your major that you are passionate in. Find ways to study it in any manner you are able, whether it be a creative outlet or a subject you enjoy learning.

For others, though, I cannot overstate the importance of earning a “impractical” degree like mine. College should, at its best, be a place where a person can improve oneself, and I truly believe that this is the case in my case. While I may have had doubts about my degree choice throughout my unemployment, I was never sure that I had made the wrong decision. It was difficult at times, but the benefits always outweighed the difficulties. I’ll leave you with some easy advise if you’re having similar frustrating post-graduate situations.

Rethink how you think about looking for work. I was so focused on finding a career in my degree field that I didn’t look for anything else. It’s fine to keep looking for work in your field while working somewhere else. When I finally landed a job, it was in a profession I never planned to work in, but it provided me with vital experience experiencing life through a different lens, and it was a strong addition to my résumé when I applied for my present job as a technical writer. If you think your degree is worthless, keep in mind that value isn’t exclusively determined by monetary gain. The quest of knowledge and progress is crucial, and you are the only one who can assess the value of your degree.


It’s now your time! Did you, like Isabelle, choose a practical major or one that was more aligned with your interests? What are your current thoughts on your decision? What would you do differently if you could go back in time and do it all over again? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below.

Tags: Choices In LIFE

Hit subscribe to get notified for the latest news on y2m Student Lifestyle Portal.

Unsubscribe
Previous Post

What do students think about online education?

Next Post

How to Make the Most of a Bad Internship Experience?

Idlan

Idlan

Next Post
How to Make the Most of a Bad Internship Experience?

How to Make the Most of a Bad Internship Experience?

Positive Aspects of Online Learning [During Covid-19]

Positive Aspects of Online Learning [During Covid-19]

Discussion about this post

Editor's Pick

5 Important Skills to Learn Effectively Even After Leaving School!

Top 10 Cafes in Klang Valley for Study Dates

13 [Slightly High Budget] Holiday Destination for Students to Visit Together

Ultimate Frisbee in Malaysia? Experience New Heights with New Friends

Top 8 Budget Holiday Spots in Malaysia for Students

Airyco: Story of a Malaysian Student’s Side Hustle Taking Off to New Heights

Latest News

5 Exotic Malaysian Fruits You Need to Try

Avoid the Oops! Essential Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Malaysia

Essential Tips for International Students in Malaysia

5-minute breakfast ideas for students to make on your own

5 things you must consider to pick the perfect place to live in Beyond your Classroom

5 iconic movies to watch with your friends Beyond the Classroom

Stay Connected

Hit subscribe to get notified for the latest news on y2m Student Lifestyle Portal.

Subscribe
Yes2Malaysia Study In UNIMY Yes2Malaysia Study In UNIMY Yes2Malaysia Study In UNIMY
ADVERTISEMENT

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

  • Welcoming Safa to #UniKL! 🎓✨

Team #EMGA had the pleasure of assisting Safa and her wonderful family — her father, mother, and younger brother — who looked fresh and cheerful despite just arriving from Kuwait the day before. 💛

We started the day with her medical check-up ✅, then went straight into a campus tour adventure and accommodation check-in 🏡. Safa’s family radiated warmth and joy, even inviting us to join them for a lovely Indian lunch 🍛🥰. They shared how much they enjoy trying new foods, and can’t wait to explore Malaysian cuisine next!

With 7 days in Kuala Lumpur, they’re especially excited to visit iconic spots like KLCC 🌆✨. We wish them the happiest adventures ahead — and an amazing start to Safa’s study journey here in Malaysia, both in and #BeyondTheClassroom 🚀💙

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #MalaysianKnowsBest #EMGA
  • A warm welcome to Alaa 🌸—beginning her postgraduate journey at #UKM! 🎓✨

Team #EMGA had the pleasure of assisting Alaa with her registration today, followed by a coffee catch-up right on campus ☕💙. After completing her registration, we also supported her at the visa unit to apply for dependent visas for her children.

Alaa isn’t alone on this journey — her three kids are here with her and have already enrolled in an international school, making Malaysia their new home too. 🏡💛 Though she shared that the registration process was a little tiring, the highlight of her day was meeting her supervisor and having meaningful discussions about her studies. 📚🌟

Here’s to a smooth and successful journey ahead, Alaa — both inside and #BeyondTheClassroom 🚀✨

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #MalaysianKnowsBest #EMGA
  • Welcome Aini 🌟—exploring her study options at #MonashUniversityMalaysia! 🎓✨

After her brother Rishaan’s recent registration at APU, it was Aini’s turn to discover what studying in Malaysia could look like. Together with her family and Team #EMGA, she toured the Monash campus, checked out accommodation, and got a real glimpse of student life here. 💙

And of course, no visit would be complete without some local flavors — we introduced them to the classic Nasi Ayam and Milo Ais combo, which was an instant hit! 🍚🥤

We can’t wait to welcome Aini back soon to begin her Malaysian study journey — inside the classroom and #BeyondTheClassroom 🚀💛

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #EMGA
  • Big welcome to Vihaan 🌟—starting his academic journey at #APU! 🎓✨

Team #EMGA supported Vihaan with his university registration, medical appointment, and even helped him explore off-campus accommodation options to ensure a smooth start. 🏡💙

As the only one in his family venturing abroad to study in Malaysia, this is a big step — and Vihaan is ready to make the most of it! He’ll be spending the next few days discovering the sights and experiences around Klang Valley before fully diving into student life. 🇲🇾✨

All the best, Vihaan! Wishing you success in your studies and unforgettable moments both inside and #BeyondTheClassroom 🚀💛

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #MalaysianKnowsBest #EMGA
  • A busy but rewarding week for Aung Htoo Khant at #APU! 🎓💪

Fresh out of one exam and already rushing to the next — it’s definitely exam week hustle mode for him. 💨 Despite the busy schedule, he shared that he’s happy with his studies and settling in well.

We also handed over his #FreeFlightTicket cash rebate 💵✈️ — a little boost to keep the momentum going during this hectic period. Wishing him all the best for the rest of his exams! 📚💪

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #BeyondTheClassroom #EMGA
  • Kicking off a new chapter for Khader 🌟—now pursuing his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at #UKM Bangi! 🎓✨

It’s his very first time studying abroad, and with Team #EMGA by his side, everything went smoothly — from registration to medical check-ups ✅. To top it off, we treated ourselves to lunch at the viral spot in Bangi, Mak Kimbong 🍛🔥 (his second time there in just two days — that’s how good it is!).

Extra special thanks to Ms. Iffah, a proud UKM alumni herself, who shared some insider campus spots and made the experience even more meaningful 💙. Khader was super happy to finally meet us in person, and he left feeling confident, supported, and ready to begin this exciting journey.

He was truly happy to finally meet us in person and very satisfied with the support received. He even said he will definitely recommend Team #EMGA to others 🙌. We can’t wait to see Khader thrive and shine bright at UKM! ✨

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #BeyondTheClassroom #MalaysianKnowsBest #EMGA
  • Meet Anas, Afnanuddin & Ahmed 🌟—kicking off their study adventure at #APU! 🎓✨

Big welcome to Anas, Afnanuddin, and Ahmed, who just touched down in Malaysia today! 🇲🇾✈️ Thanks to APU’s airport pickup team, they were brought straight to campus for registration and orientation.

Despite the long journey, the trio looked refreshed and full of excitement from the moment they arrived. They hit it off instantly — even asking to stay together throughout the whole process. A great start to their study adventure, and surely the beginning of a strong friendship ahead! 💙

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #BeyondTheClassroom #EMGA
  • Starting strong with Hamza at #APU! 🎓✨

Currently in his very first semester, Hamza is settling into university life with excitement and determination. We met up for his #FreeFlightTicket cash rebate 💵✈️, and he couldn’t help but share his gratitude — saying he’ll put it to good use (with a laugh, of course 😄).

Here’s to a great start, new experiences, and plenty of #BeyondTheClassroom moments ahead! 💙

#StudyInMalaysia #MalaysianExperience #EMGA

© 2023 EMGA - Student Lifestyle Portal - Rexpo.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
OR

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • WIN CA$H!
    • WIN RM 100
    • Apple Bundle Giveaway
  • y2m TV!
  • MUST READS!
    • Survival Guides
    • Campus Life
    • Discussions
    • Food
    • Events
      • Yes2Malaysia Worldstage
    • Nightlife
    • Fashion
    • Holidays
    • Sports
    • Tech
    • Automotive
    • Fun Facts
  • CONTACT US
  • Login
  • Sign Up

© 2023 EMGA - Student Lifestyle Portal - Rexpo.

Yes2Malaysia Study In UKM
Advertisement
Yes2Malaysia Study In UITM
Advertisement
Yes2Malaysia Study In Monash
Advertisement
Yes2Malaysia Study In MMU
Advertisement

SIGN UP NOW!

Taylor’s University Medical Programme

Complete the registration form and our counsellor will be in touch with you!

Submit Your Entry Below.

*Terms & Conditions Apply*

SIGN UP NOW!

University of Cyberjaya’s Medical Programme

Complete the registration form and our counsellor will be in touch with you!

Submit Your Entry Below.

*Terms & Conditions Apply*

STAND A CHANCE
TO WIN RM100 WEEKLY!

Categories:

Fashion, Food, Campus Life, Technology, Night Life, Survival Guide, Automotive, Holidays, Sports, Events, Discussion, Others

*Max file size is 5MB. Photo Format Supported - JPG, PNG

*Terms & conditions apply*