As an English major, you probably face a lot of criticism over your decision. Majoring in English is often thought of in a bad light or viewed as the "easy" major. Let me tell you, this life ain't for the weak. We may not study the intricate parts of the human cell, but I'm sure even microbiology majors would cringe at the thought of writing a 30-page final essay. In addition, we have to deal with the looks of judgement and assumptions that we have no hope of becoming successful. It's a rough life. Here are five struggles that all English majors deal with on a semi-daily basis.
1. Everyone assumes you want to become a teacher.
I'm sure that many English majors do eventually become teachers and if that is what they want to do, then that is great. However, as educated college students, if we were planning on becoming teachers then we would major in education. It is a very simple concept. Most of us decide to major in English because we wish to improve our writing skills and possibly pursue a career in writing. The idea of becoming a "struggling writer" may not appeal to many people, but for those of us passionate about writing, the reward is definitely worth the risk.
2. The looks of pity you receive every time you tell someone you're an English major.
It's the same reaction every time. Someone asks you what your major is, you respond "English" and they immediately give you looks of sympathy and disappointment. "Oh, I'm sorry," they will respond, as if you are taking a vow of poverty as an English major. I think we'd all like to say, "Even though you may not support my decision, you can at least try to fake it, please!"
3. You are tired of hearing the ultimate question: "What are you going to do with that?"
Every time you tell someone you are an English major, this is most likely the first question they ask you. Quite frankly, most do not have an answer to the question. However, that doesn't mean we are going to end up serving coffee at Starbucks for the rest of our lives. All we want to scream is, "We don't know! We just like to write! Please stop interrogating us!"
4. You are also sick of comments like, "Are you sure you don't want to major in something else... like maybe business?"
Again, if we wanted to become businessmen/women we would major in business. Also a very simple concept. Additionally, just because someone is a business major does not automatically mean they are going to be successful. It's really about how you use your major and take advantage of opportunities.
5. And, you are "so done" with unwanted feedback like, "I guess you'll have to marry rich with that major!"
[Sigh.] We could go on and on forever about how applicable an English major can be to a wide variety of occupations. Yet, we will spare you our rant. We will simply say, almost every job requires the ability to write, which an English major best prepares you for. Additionally, Business Insider lists 16 successful people who majored in English. This list includes Mitt Romney, Conan O'Brien, Barbara Walters and Steven Spielberg, just to name a few. Looks like you should actually be on the lookout for an English major to marry instead.
English majors, don't let the haters get you down. Let's prove them wrong by becoming the next John Greens (who, by the way, also majored in English) of the world.
