DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: After five semesters working toward a biology bachelor’s I’ve realized I am not cut out for the field. My grades are OK, but I just don’t see myself spending the next 20 or 30 years working in a field I do not enjoy. I haven’t told my parents yet that I want to change majors, or maybe take a semester off to figure things out. They have been helping me with expenses and I don’t know how to tell them I want to switch. Any advice? --- NEEDING TO CHANGE COURSE
DEAR NEEDING: Changing direction, especially after investing time and money – not all of it yours – isn’t generally easy, but it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. Be honest with your parents and let them know you feel it would be a waste to continue in a major that no longer feels right.
The option of taking some time off may be your best bet. You could use the break to earn some money, and perhaps chip away at some missing gen ed credits at a local community college as you explore your next steps.