Emotional Support Strategies For Dealing With Doubt and External Pressure  

If you find yourself bouncing back and forth on whether you should change your major, know that you don't have to go through this process alone.  Dr. Azarbad offers some key strategies to help you navigate these emotions and pressures with confidence.  

1. How to handle family expectations 

Feeling pressure from parents is considered a major obstacle in changing majors. Parents often have a different perspective on their kid’s future. This pressure can stem from cultural expectations, financial concerns, or misconceptions about career stability. Dr. Azarbad suggests having open conversations to understand your family’s concerns while also explaining your reasoning. “Your family ultimately wants what's best for you,” she explains. “They may see strengths in you that you haven't recognized. At the same time, share your perspective so they understand your decision.” By sharing your decision as a well-thought-choice instead of an impulsive change, you can help ease your parents' concerns so they can understand what you are feeling or thinking.  

2. How to manage self-doubt and anxiety 

Self-doubt and fear of failure are another major factor that may be setting you back from changing your major, as uncertainty keeps you stuck in a major you don't want to be in. “Many students don't trust their decision making,” says Dr. Azarbad. “But instead of assuming failure, why not assume this change could be amazing?’ Reframing your mindset from fear to possibility can make the decision process easier. In order to do so, she has shared two psychological frameworks that can provide guidance. The first one being growth mindset, a theory by Carol Dwek that encourages students to see challenges and mistakes as opportunities for growth. “Instead of thinking, 'I'm either too good at this or I'm not, shift your thinking to" I can improve with effort and learning”, she explains.  

The second framework she explores is unconditional positive regard, a theory by Carl Rogers that emphasizes accepting yourself without judgment. “Students often struggle with anxiety because they feel like they should be on a certain path,” she shares. “But allowing yourself to follow your true interests leads to greater fulfillment.” Instead of forcing yourself into a major that does not align with your strengths, interests, and qualities, you should embrace who you are and trust that pursuing your passions will lead to success. 

3. How to seek guidance and support 

If you find yourself struggling to navigate this major decision, know that you don't have to go through this process alone. Dr. Azarbad encourages you to reach out to our academic advisors to discover new classes you might be interested in, and to see how changing majors might impact your graduation timeline. Additionally, she shares how you can speak with professors or professionals to better understand and gain insights into what the field entails. Lastly, she suggests you connect with other students in the major you are considering in order to hear firsthand experience. 

Dr. Azarbad also reminds you that seeking support is never too early, and that you don't have to wait until we are feeling overwhelmed to ask for help. Even mild anxiety or uncertainty is enough of a reason to seek support. College counseling services are free, confidential, and accessible to all students. It can be beneficial in providing clarity and reassurance during confusing times. As she says, “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Taking the first step–whether it’s speaking to an advisor, professor, or family member–can make all the difference.  

How To Make The Right Decision

Making the right decision when it comes to choosing a major starts with self-reflection and exploration. Angela Banon, an academic advisor from North Central College, recommends you start by reviewing course catalogs for both your chosen and potential majors, paying attention to the classes description to see which subjects you are feeling more drawn to. She also encourages you to take a career aptitude test to better understand your interests, strengths, and personality traits, especially if you feel stuck or unsure. 

Furthermore, engaging with campus resources is a crucial step. Ms. Banon recommends that you utilize career counseling services, attend workshops, and seek guidance from mentors. These resources can provide personalized advice and support, helping you navigate the complexities of choosing a major. By combining self-assessment tools with professional guidance, you are better equipped to make decisions that reflect on your personal aspirations. 

Lastly, an article by Goodwill highlights why taking a career aptitude test is essential for career success, highlighting how “such tests can identify potential fields of interest, making it easier to choose a college major or career vocational path.” By understanding your skills, abilities, and preferences, you can make informed and effective choices that align with their long-term goals.  

Consider Double-Majoring: Pros and Cons

If you are struggling to decide between two majors–or hesitant to fully leave your current major–the option to double major is always something you can consider. A study shows that about 20% of college students graduate with a double major, showing how common it is for students to choose this path. This option can be especially helpful if you are equally passionate about two subjects, or if you want to combine a practical field with one you personally enjoy.  

While double-majoring requires more planning and commitment, it can also lead to a more well-rounded education and open up additional career opportunities. An article published by indeed.com explores the pros and cons of double majoring, offering valuable insight if you are weighing this option.  

Pros

• Gain a broader skill set and knowledge across two fields of study 

• Increase your versatility and competitiveness in the job market 

• Prepare for careers that benefit from interdisciplinary knowledge 

• Stand out to graduate schools and future employers  

Cons

• Heavier course load and greater time commitment each semester 

• Less flexibility for electives, study abroad, or personal time 

• Possible delays in graduation depending on how the majors overlap 

• Higher academic pressure and risk of burnout if not balanced carefully 

Rethinking Your Career Path: Passion, Pay, and Possibilities  

Your major does not have to define your future career. According to a survey, only 46% of college graduates report working in their field of study. Meanwhile, 29% work in a different field altogether. These numbers show that even with a degree in hand, career paths often take unexpected turns.  What truly matters is staying open to growth and being willing to explore opportunities that will benefit you in the long-run. 

An article published by the U.S. News explains the strategies you can use to make a real and meaningful career change to something unrelated to your college major. While your degree might help you land your first job, it’s your skills, interests, and experiences that truly shape your career over time. Some of the tips the article covers are that it encourages students to be flexible, emphasizing that it is normal for goals to shift and for people to find success in roles unrelated to their major. Instead of stressing over choosing the perfect major, students should focus on building transferable skills and keeping an open mind that change is not always a negative thing. 

If you find yourself torn between passion and financial stability, you’re not alone. It is important to note that if you choose to pursue a financially driven path rather than one aligned with your passion, you may later experience a lack of motivation or fulfillment in your work. According to a new Gallup study, 51% of approximately 100 million full-time employees in the U.S. aren’t engaged at work, which can lead to reduced productivity. Choosing a path solely for income may result in burnout or dissatisfaction over time.  

An article by University of the Potomac shares how choosing a career you love can lead to better health, motivation, and overall life satisfaction. When considering career choices, it’s essential to weigh the importance of passion alongside financial incentives to achieve long-term satisfaction and success.  

My Journey 

Throughout highschool, my teachers and peers greatly influenced my decision to choose a college major. I always had a passion for tutoring and mentoring, so pursuing a degree in education seemed like the natural choice. When it was time to declare a college major as a freshman, the most obvious choice was Secondary Education and Spanish. However after taking my first education class and completing my field experience, I realized that teaching wasn't the right fit for me.  

The summer before my sophomore year, I found myself in a tangle–should I stick with my original plan or explore something new? I struggled with my feelings of uncertainty and guilt. I didn't want to disappoint those who had supported my decision, but I also couldn't ignore the growing realization that I no longer felt passionate about my major.  

Determined to find a better path, I took career quizzes, researched different fields, and sought advice from family members, and former mentors. I knew I had an interest in business, more specifically marketing. Once I took my first marketing class, I knew I had found the right fit. I was genuinely engaged with the content and found interest in the topics. 

Trusting the Process 

Growth is not always linear. Figuring out your major and your future is going to feel like a roller coaster. That is why it is important to trust the process. If you are questioning your current path, feeling unmotivated in your classes, or drawn to something new, know that it is okay to explore those feelings. It is also important to remember that changing your major is not a sign of failure, but rather a step towards discovering what truly interests you.