I am a freshman in college, who just dove into her second semester. Within my first semester, I learned a lot in the classes I was taking that were going towards one major, but I had absolutely no enjoyment learning any of it. I was focusing on a career, so I should have been finding some sort of enjoyment in it, right? Unfortunately, I didn’t. Which is why I took a complete turn and changed my major to something that always struck me as interesting and had been in the back of mind. It’s college, so why not go for it? So, if you are debating switching majors, here are the reasons I did, and maybe they’ll make your decision easier.

1. I wasn't happy.

Like I said, I wasn’t happy with my intended major. Why should you or I stick with something that you dread going to class for? If you know there’s something you’d rather be doing that is better for yourself, then don’t push yourself to continue on with this sort of education. It isn’t worth your time or mental health. I had quite the downfall once I got going into the semester, and I had never experienced a stress headache until around the second month of school, where they occurred every day after that. You may not have the serious issues I did, but if you are overall distraught with the whole idea of your major, it may be a sign.

2. I can’t see myself doing the job in the future.

I tried my hardest to write in all of my scholarship essays and career papers that I wanted to have this one career and enjoy every minute of it. I sucked up to so many people, telling them how passionate I was about this; but I had that little voice in the back of my mind, saying “what about the other idea you thought of?” After careful consideration and lots of talking with friends and family, I felt a relieving discovery emerge, and a huge weight was lifted that had sat there since day one. Ask yourself: will you be happy waking up to do this, full time, for the rest of your life?

3. It was making me dislike the hobby I once loved.

The major I came into school with was my passion, it was what I was known for my whole life. Studying it is a lot different than just enjoying the works of it and immersing yourself in it every day. I wasn’t motivated to practice anything, study any of the fundamentals, etc. I started to resent the whole hobby in general. If it weren’t for the realization earlier on, who knows where I would be now? I’m glad I made the decision, because I am now at peace with the passion just being a hobby, and something that is my stress reliever after a long day. Is the major you’re considering changing something you wish to pass the time with—an enjoyable, relaxing activity—rather than studying and getting more in depth with?

If you are one who has the same feelings I did, talk it over with an advisor, family and/or friends. It’s college, experiment a little! Take classes that you find interesting! Who knows? You may just find yourself changing multiple times, and that is OK.