So I have a dilemma with deciding my career path..I am going into my sophomore year of community college and plan to transport junior year. Initially, I have planned on becoming a Psychologist, as I really enjoy understanding human behavior and just working with people in general. I even have had the far reaching dream to write a book someday using the principles of Psychology. Over the past week, I have had extreme anxiety about the hard, vigorous work, time, and low financial payoff a career in Psychology may pose. I have questioned whether I am truly up for spending 10+ years in school, as I would have to get my doctorate degree and residency before I can actually begin my job. I have envisioned myself working my way up in the corporate world, being independent by making my own money, living in an apartment with a career in my 20’s, starting a family in my 30’s..however, this “vision” doesn’t exactly coordinate with my plan to become a Psychologist. I have begun looking into a career in possibly marketing or communications, as there is a better job outlook and potential for higher pay (without all the debt of student loans for getting a doctorate degree!). I know I still want to study Psychology in school, possibly double majoring or minoring in it if I chose the marketing career route.

However, I am fearful of being dissatisfied with my life if I chose an “un-fulfilling” career (in marketing or communications). I am fearful of regretting my choice for whatever my career is, be Psychology or in the corporate world. I do find most of my interest in Psychology, but I also am very interested in marketing and consumer behavior.

I want to help people, and I do care about the well-being of others, but at the same time I care for the well-being of myself (living life outside of school, traveling, volunteering time to help others, overall, experiencing life outside work and study).

How should I go about choosing my career path? Am I relying on my future career to much to offer me happiness, instead of understanding that my career doesn’t define my ultimate life satisfaction?