Curiosity

Hello.I guess this topic was inspired by my usual cognitive wanderings.I appear to be incredibly indecisive; I will not leap until I test the strength of the branches. And right now I am currently deciding on a major (narrowed down to, I think, Anthropology or Biology).My question is this: For those who have "tested the waters", have decided a major or career that best suits their interests and abilities, do you ever slap yourself wishing you had taken a different course? You wanted to be a veterinarian but became a loan officer: an author but became a general contractor: a lawyer but now manage a restaurant.If you did follow your ambition, how or when did you know that "this" was your passion manifest? Did an inspiring friend or teacher, for instance, play a vital role in molding your mind?
Is or was your career second on your list to what you truly wanted to taste? your personal, sweet ambrosia? Did you inhibit your heart's calling for something more practical, and efficacious?Lastly, I do not intend to poke or prod into too personal of information, but for anyone who may understand or relate to my garrulous post, I greatly look forward to learning more about the person behind the type, and any and all anecdotes are most welcome.Thank you kindly for your time.

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And right now I am currently deciding on a major (narrowed down to, I think, Anthropology or Biology).

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I always thought I wanted to be a physicist. However, I got a double major in physics and mathematics. Good thing, too -- it turns out that I am better at mathematics, and find it more interesting as well.Even if you can't (or don't want) to do a double major in anthropology and biology, pretend that you are during your first couple of years -- take the prerequisite courses for both majors. During your junior or senior year, it will probably be clear which direction you should take.-

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My question is this: For those who have "tested the waters", have decided a major or career that best suits their interests and abilities, do you ever slap yourself wishing you had taken a different course?

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I took the long way around -- I started out wanting to be a physicist. It turned out that I was better suited to be a mathematics teacher (and enjoyed it much more). Fortunately, one thing I do like about the United States is that it is a land of second chances -- I spent a little extra time for additional training, and here I am.I don't regret my foray into graduate studies in physics -- I feel that I understand mathematics (at least the reasons that the fields developed as they did) much better than I would have otherwise.Don't worry about going in the wrong direction. If it turns out another direction is better, then make the necessary changes, and view the initial path you took as a learning experience.If you are happy doing what you are doing, then do not worry about whether you would have been happier doing something else -- there is no end to that nonsense and you will never, ever be satisfied no matter what you do. Be content if you are happy. Worry only if you are not really happy, and then make the changes necessary.

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"Religion is the best business to be in. It's the only one where the customers blame themselves for product failure."
-- Ellis Weiner (quoted on the NAiG message board)

Hi Chiroptera.Math and physics for you must have been, and continues to be, not only a handful but intellectually stimulating as well, to say the least.This is interesting: Words of wisdom. Thank you, good sir.

I'm one of those people who has broad interests and who is a half "technical-type" and half "artistic-type" (although in my opinion both can be exercised with creativty or without). After studying film, I began work as a children's illustrator, then moved into web/games programming and have now moved into 3D programming and animation in Maya (Film/TV special effects)!Something of a wandering path, but I think a theme can be discerned...;-)There is always time to chop and change, but it does get harder as one gets older. I do feel, however, that the UK education system forces specialization far too early - usually allowing students to do only three main subjects of a similar type for A-level at 16/17. When I was mulling subjects over I was told things like "there's no way you can do Physics if I you are doing Art" and other such nonsense... In the fields I've been involved with a mix of technical and artistic knowledge has been seen as an advantage.Back to the point. If you are considering a career or degree change of any sort and you *know* in your heart of hearts you are willing and able, then I would always say go for it. There's nothing better than career satisfaction and there's nothing worse than regretting not having tried.This message has been edited by rjb, 04-22-2006 01:31 PM

Hey rjb.I agree. The western world often views things, concepts, and the like as either/or, one or the other. If you enjoy art you can't enjoy physics, as was told from your experiences. But you are the exception; a movement away from the either/or toward a union of opposites. Intriguing to say the least. I agree whole-heartedly.