What to Do If You Don’t Want to Pursue the Field That You Studied

It’s okay to change your mind.

So, you’ve completed a decent amount of your degree (or maybe you’ve even graduated already), and you’ve discovered you’re no longer passionate about the career that you studied for.

The last thing you want to do is get into a job where you’re doing something you’re not keen on for a good portion of your life.

Don’t stress though 'cos many students go through this exact problem, and it’s okay. There are so many things you can do so that your degree doesn’t go to waste or so that you can find a fulfilling career without having to start from scratch.

Here are our tips and ideas on things you can do when you’re not so totally feeling your original path.

Change your course.

If you haven’t finished your course yet, it’s not too late to change your major. It’s actually a lot more common than you might think.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, 29 per cent of people surveyed who had not completed a non-high school qualification no longer found interest in their course, with that also being the most common reason before health and family causes.

Of those individuals who had an incomplete course, 54 per cent were likely to have completed another qualification.

So, not only is it extremely common to change your mind, but it’s also not something to get super stressed about.

Changing your course or major is a really simple process and well worth it if it means you can find a career that you’ll love.

Consider your other interests or passions, attend some open days or workshops on the course that you are considering and decide if it’s right for you.

Then contact your university and ask them what process you need to take to withdraw from your previous course and enrol in the new one.

Consider postgrad studies.

On the other hand, if you have already graduated with a degree that you’re not so keen on, why not consider coming back to tertiary education and upskilling elsewhere?

The beauty of postgrad studies is that they don’t always have to be directly related to the course you graduated from. While there are some exceptions due to prerequisites, most postgrad courses can be enrolled into with a somewhat unrelated degree.

This is a great way to use your degree to upskill in another area you may have an interest in and find a new career you’re actually passionate about.

Whether you’re keen on a Graduate Diploma, Master's Degree, PhD or a VET Certificate, there is sure to be an option that will fit your pursuits. Get in contact with your preferred education provider and ask to find out what’s available to you.

Try out volunteering or internships.

A great way to discover new interests without having to go back and study is through volunteering and internships.

While having some time off from work and study can be really beneficial, some of us can go a little stir crazy when we have nothing to do. If this sounds a bit like you, short-term positions that you can get by volunteering or interning is a great way to fill up some of your time.

Use what qualifications and experience you already have to find a volunteer or intern position that can help you discover a range of new skills, career paths and interests that you might not have considered.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can get our tips on finding internships and volunteer experience here.

Find alternative ways to use your qualification.

You might think that your degree or certificate can only take you in one direction, but this is a common misconception.

While your qualification may have specialised in one defined area, a lot of the skills you gain when going through tertiary education are transferrable.

Skills like communication, adaptability, fast learning and empathy are highly sought after in most jobs. And some more specific talents like mathematics from engineering, health sciences from nursing, and computer skills from graphic design are all valuable skills that can be used in various other careers.

There is no harm in applying for jobs with a degree or certificate that isn’t 100 per cent relevant. Explain your skills and experience to employers and how transferrable your qualification can be for the job you want; you never know what opportunities might come up.

Travel.

If going back to study or getting straight into work isn’t your thing right now, no worries! Take this time in your life to discover other things that you might enjoy.

Traveling is a great way to fill your spare time if it’s something you are able to fit into your lifestyle and budget.

While it is a little difficult to travel internationally right now, there might be some options to countries like New Zealand soon or you can travel within Australia and discover some natural wonders that are just around the corner.

You can even take a working holiday to earn some extra cash and be on the road a little longer.

Sometimes a break is all you need to re-evaluate what goals you’re aiming towards and which pathway you’re going to take to get there.

Or if traveling is your permanent goal, it’s time to get out there.

Focus on an old hobby.

If you’ve decided against the job you thought you wanted, why not spend this time refining some skills or talents you have developed in the past?

Picking up an old hobby again is an awesome way to focus your energy on something and stay productive.

You can even take short courses or watch a bunch of online tutorials on how to master your skills.

Whether you’re spending your time painting, sewing, growing plants, making jewellery, taking photos or writing, you can potentially take your hobby to the next level and start a small business.

This is a great way to make some cash while you discover what your next step should be because you’ll be doing something you already enjoy.

You may even discover that this hobby or business venture is the passion you’d prefer to follow. Why not give it a try?

Plan your next step instead of your whole future.

If you’re still struggling with what choice to make next, that’s okay too.

Do your best to not put too much pressure on yourself to have all the answers. You’ve got your whole life to figure out what you want to do, and even then, it may change again.

The best thing you can do for now is to plan your next move and see where it takes you instead of trying to plan your entire future.

You got this!

Header Image: AntonioGuillem via Getty Images