Choosing a Major: Insights from a College Grad 10 Years Later

If you’re a high school or college student, you've probably heard the clichés like “Follow your dreams,” “Do what makes you happy,” and “Follow your heart.” While there’s definitely some truth to following your desires, I’ve been out of college for a decade now and have come to realize there’s something even more important.

Instead of asking yourself, “What do I like?” I think it’d be even wiser to ask yourself what’s most important. “Where’s the biggest need? What do I feel convicted to do?”

The reason why you should consider finding a job that’s important is because your interests are gonna change.

When I was growing up, I was all about art, so I studied graphic design in college. It has been a great fit, but as time went on, those interest started to fade. I got really good at it and grew bored of it—so now I find myself wanting to do things that are more important. To me, teaching people the Bible has become really important, which is why I spend so much of my time doing that through this site.

So my advice would be to consider your strengths and interests, but also think, “What is the most important work I could be doing?” Your interests change, and your desires fade. If you’re doing art, for the sole reason of “because I want to,” then that reason might not be strong enough to propel you through a full, lifelong career.