Another Career Path Thread...

[iamchipsmith]

I'm a freshman in college and have been playing bass for about 2 years now. I'm currently attending Clarkson University and am studying Mathematics. I planned on changing my major to a more specific subject area (physics, engineering, chem) once I figured out what I want to do.

Lately I've been having second thoughts about what I want to do with the rest of my life. I'm scared that if I choose a path similar to the one I'm on I'll end up in a successful, demanding, high paying, time consuming job that for the most part I would probably hate. I have considered transferring to a different school and fully committing to music. I know that I'd be quite a ways behind just about anyone in a music program. Up until recently I have only really considered music a hobby, I always assumed my career would not depend on it.

A happy medium might be a good idea, majoring in electrical engineering and looking for a studio engineering position. However I'm afraid that the right opportunity won't present itself and I'll end up in another career just as distant from music. To top it off I graduated high school early and am only 17 and don't really feel ready to make this kind of decision. More than anything I'm scared of choosing a path that I will regret. I could choose my current path and probably live a financially successful and comfortable, but possibly unfulfilled and miserable life. Or I could chose the music path and do something that I love and makes me happy, but maybe unable to support myself let alone a family financially.

This is mostly a rant but I'll consider and appreciate any advice you guys have to offer. If you have any questions about details just ask. Thanks

[jwl]

if you choose music as a career, it will become your job. it may not be as fulfilling as it is as a hobby. just a thought...

peace, jeff

[iamchipsmith]

Yeah, I've taken that into consideration as well. I don't like that thought because it almost leads me to believe that I'll be unhappy no matter what I end up doing, which is pretty depressing, haha.

[Hawaii Islander]

If your not in a hurry to graduate, don't be affraid to change your major. Many college students change theirs at least once.

Another, less drastic, approach is to lighten the major coursework and substitute some interesting courses (i.e., music, engineering electives, etc.). Many colleges and universities allow (and encourage) students to diversify their academic experience.

I have a B.A. in Biology, MS in Microbiology, MPH (Master of Public Health), and three years in as a Ph.D. student in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. I'm seriously thinking of dropping the Ph.D. program and dumping biology as a career path.

[Chad.mundt]

Originally Posted by iamchipsmith

I'm a freshman in college and have been playing bass for about 2 years now. I'm currently attending Clarkson University and am studying Mathematics. I planned on changing my major to a more specific subject area (physics, engineering, chem) once I figured out what I want to do.

Lately I've been having second thoughts about what I want to do with the rest of my life. I'm scared that if I choose a path similar to the one I'm on I'll end up in a successful, demanding, high paying, time consuming job that for the most part I would probably hate. I have considered transferring to a different school and fully committing to music. I know that I'd be quite a ways behind just about anyone in a music program. Up until recently I have only really considered music a hobby, I always assumed my career would not depend on it.

A happy medium might be a good idea, majoring in electrical engineering and looking for a studio engineering position. However I'm afraid that the right opportunity won't present itself and I'll end up in another career just as distant from music. To top it off I graduated high school early and am only 17 and don't really feel ready to make this kind of decision. More than anything I'm scared of choosing a path that I will regret. I could choose my current path and probably live a financially successful and comfortable, but possibly unfulfilled and miserable life. Or I could chose the music path and do something that I love and makes me happy, but maybe unable to support myself let alone a family financially.

This is mostly a rant but I'll consider and appreciate any advice you guys have to offer. If you have any questions about details just ask. Thanks

Something I recommend fully would be tobuy some books on the music biz. I was seriously worried about my financial situation until I started to research it. There is a LOT of money to be made and there are a lot more opportunities than are obvious. Check them out.

[iamchipsmith]

I definitely plan on changing my major regardless of my career path. As far as taking interesting classes, I plan on doing this. Clarkson has a great program with some neighboring colleges and I am able to take some classes at other schools for free, one of which is the Crane school of music at SUNY Potsdam.

Another thought I've had is becoming a teacher. I think this a good option where I could possibly teach math and/or music.

[iamchipsmith]

Originally Posted by Chad.mundt

Something I recommend fully would be tobuy some books on the music biz. I was seriously worried about my financial situation until I started to research it. There is a LOT of money to be made and there are a lot more opportunities than are obvious. Check them out.

Do you think you could point me in any specific directions? Or possibly gice a few examples of the opportunities you are referring to? Thank you

[coolrunner989]

I'm currently a freshman in college, declared architecture major.
I'm also taking two music classes right now (beginning guitar and piano) and am loving it - if I do decide to drop the architecture I'd go for an english major with a music minor or maybe a double major, depending on how much more I'd have to go for it. I really would have no problem staying in school past 4 years to do that (aside from paying for it lol).

just letting you know that you're not the only one in this position, and that its not the end of the world if you dont know right now - you dont have to. I have no idea what I'll be doing in a year, and I just take each day and each expirience as it comes.

good luck choosing, and research to your hearts content.

[coolrunner989]

btw, I've been playing electric bass for 4 years, electric guitar for 2, and acoustic guitar (steel string) for about 1 year. To be a music major/minor at my school I would have to switch to upright bass or classical guitar (nylon string). Or piano, obviously.

so check out if you're gonna have to pick a new instrument - because they are all very different (electric vs upright, classical vs steel stringed).

[iamchipsmith]

I know I have time to make a decision. I'm just a little scared of getting stuck into something and then not turning back for one reason or another.

Ive considered the instrument thing as well. I may try and take some piano soon an have considered trying a little upright. These are things Id probably like to do anyways.

I almost think I'd be a wise use of my time to take next year and take some time to try and figure out what I would want to do. I could take a wide variety of classes at a communitty college or something and spend time on piano and upright and hopefully get a better idea of what I should do. I think doing something like this may be a better use of my time and money. Any thoughts?

[ducatiman]

Originally Posted by iamchipsmith

I'm a freshman in college and have been playing bass for about 2 years now. I'm currently attending Clarkson University and am studying Mathematics. I planned on changing my major to a more specific subject area (physics, engineering, chem) once I figured out what I want to do.

Lately I've been having second thoughts about what I want to do with the rest of my life. I'm scared that if I choose a path similar to the one I'm on I'll end up in a successful, demanding, high paying, time consuming job that for the most part I would probably hate. I have considered transferring to a different school and fully committing to music. I know that I'd be quite a ways behind just about anyone in a music program. Up until recently I have only really considered music a hobby, I always assumed my career would not depend on it.

A happy medium might be a good idea, majoring in electrical engineering and looking for a studio engineering position. However I'm afraid that the right opportunity won't present itself and I'll end up in another career just as distant from music. To top it off I graduated high school early and am only 17 and don't really feel ready to make this kind of decision. More than anything I'm scared of choosing a path that I will regret. I could choose my current path and probably live a financially successful and comfortable, but possibly unfulfilled and miserable life. Or I could chose the music path and do something that I love and makes me happy, but maybe unable to support myself let alone a family financially.

This is mostly a rant but I'll consider and appreciate any advice you guys have to offer. If you have any questions about details just ask. Thanks

iamchipsmith-

my son is a freshman @ clarkson!

IMHO stay @ clarkson, great school which will open a myriad of definite opportunity upon graduation. i know i'll catch flak for posting this here , but you can't depend on the music industry for your long term living. however, nothing prevents you from building a studio, playing, recording...whatever your aspiration are AFTER you settle into home ownership, marraige, family, etc. you've always got music as a hobby and that in itself is therapeutic.
don't ask how i know this...married, homeowner, 2 grown kids , 1 in colloege, at my job 22 years. NO college degree. struggling but......still gigging. playing in cover bands for side money for longer than i care to admit. i practice every nite, band practices weekly and gigs 2-3 times per month. never gonna be rich, but it sure is rewarding! GOTTA have the primary job, though. stick with it! find your course.

IMHO, YMMV.....duc

[BetterBottomEnd]

Originally Posted by Hawaii Islander

If your not in a hurry to graduate, don't be affraid to change your major. Many college students change theirs at least once.

Another, less drastic, approach is to lighten the major coursework and substitute some interesting courses (i.e., music, engineering electives, etc.). Many colleges and universities allow (and encourage) students to diversify their academic experience.

I have a B.A. in Biology, MS in Microbiology, MPH (Master of Public Health), and three years in as a Ph.D. student in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. I'm seriously thinking of dropping the Ph.D. program and dumping biology as a career path.

At least finish the Ph.D. even if you get out of Bio you can still make people call you doctor.

[iamchipsmith]

Originally Posted by ducatiman

iamchipsmith-

my son is a freshman @ clarkson!

IMHO stay @ clarkson, great school which will open a myriad of definite opportunity upon graduation. i know i'll catch flak for posting this here , but you can't depend on the music industry for your long term living. however, nothing prevents you from building a studio, playing, recording...whatever your aspiration are AFTER you settle into home ownership, marraige, family, etc. you've always got music as a hobby and that in itself is therapeutic.
don't ask how i know this...married, homeowner, 2 grown kids , 1 in colloege, at my job 22 years. NO college degree. struggling but......still gigging. playing in cover bands for side money for longer than i care to admit. i practice every nite, band practices weekly and gigs 2-3 times per month. never gonna be rich, but it sure is rewarding! GOTTA have the primary job, though. stick with it! find your course.

IMHO, YMMV.....duc

It's great that you found a balance between family, music, and finances. You found something that works for you and thats really good. I'm scared of not being able to obtain that same balance, or if once I do I still don't feel content. I'm scared of my career just completely taking over my life and intruding on both the music and family aspects of my life. Part of this fear comes from my parents, Ive seen it happen before. Thats part of the reason I'm asking for advice here. I'd like a different opinion. I do understand about what you are saying about not being able to rely on the music industry though. It's the main cause behind my dilema.

[EagleMoon]

I know when I was 17 that I thought these big life decisions had to be made and set in stone. That's not really the way life is. You can always play music, whether or not you get a degree in it or not. I would recommend getting the best degree you can right now and playing music on the side, at least until you get out of school.

As someone who has always had to struggle with math and it's held me back greatly in school and elsewhere, I kind of envy you.

[iamchipsmith]

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

I know when I was 17 that I thought these big life decisions had to be made and set in stone. That's not really the way life is. You can always play music, whether or not you get a degree in it or not. I would recommend getting the best degree you can right now and playing music on the side, at least until you get out of school.

As someone who has always had to struggle with math and it's held me back greatly in school and elsewhere, I kind of envy you.

The grass is always greener...

[ducatiman]

nothing preventing you from finding a balance as well. school first, though. get er done.