i'm just gonna say "google it" from now on.

[pastryqueen]

I don't mind my current job (which is retail, and hoping I can get out of it soon) or my coworkers for the most part, but I've recently discovered a pattern with my coworkers.

Any time my classes come up, or the fact that I'm finished with school now, my least favorite question to answer from anyone: "What did you major in?"

When I answer the question and tell them I got a bachelor's degree in English, I swear, every single time, they go,

"Oh, so you're going into teaching?"

Then I say no, which leaves them struggling to understand why I bothered getting an English degree whatsoever.

Not only do I have to explain becoming a teacher requires a separate degree altogether, or more classes to acquire a license, I spend the rest of the conversation defending my choice, explaining that an English degree is flexible and can be applied to multiple fields. And I also have to stress that I understand what I got myself into with my degree.

I don't want to be rude when people ask about school, but it's happened on so many occasions that I dread the topic every single time in comes up. I wouldn't mind if they were more polite about it, but they don't hide the fact that they believe I wasted my money. Never mind it's difficult for anyone from college to get a job right out of school. My brother was unemployed for nearly two years after graduating with an engineering degree, for crying out loud.

Bleh. Sorry to be a little negative today, but it's been on my mind lately, and I'm not really sure what's the best way to opt out of the conversation without being a jerk.

At any rate, yesterday and today were very busy. We had price changes, so all the merchandise that got marked down was moved around and resized. I managed to find a new coat on clearance for $32, and I only paid $17 after I used my employee discounts and reward cash. I needed a new one anyhow - not only was I tired of wearing my current one, the bottom of it got chewed up by my sister's bunny Duck. I also got my sister and my two-year-old niece sweaters.

Comments

[chaosonwheels]

I'm a Creative Writing double major about to graduate and I am dreading these conversations. It doesn't help that my other major, Gender and Women's Studies, gets similar flack ._. People suck

[pastryqueen]

Oi, I can only imagine! I almost minored in creative writing so I get it. When do you graduate?

I wouldn't mind the conversations if people weren't already set on misunderstanding your point, or stuck in the belief that liberal arts degrees don't guarantee jobs, like "practical" degrees are any better. With any degree you're going to have a difficult time finding work, even the most sought after ones.

[chaosonwheels]

Right, like it's not even worth having a discussion with people who have already decided to disrespect you.

I graduate this semester!!! =D I'm so excited to be done.

[pastryqueen]

Congrats! I just finished, too. I had a little hiccup meeting all the requirements--it's a long but wild story that I'll have to get into some other day, lmao--but it's such a great feeling to get everything done.

[chaosonwheels]

Yeah I honestly can't wait. I love learning and building community, but I'm over school lol

[emu]

they don't hide the fact that they believe I wasted my money

Oh my god, this is so frustrating. I did an art degree and the nonsense I heard from people about it who considered it a waste of time/money... including any number of family members. Even now, they consider it a waste because I'm not working in the field my degree is in. They don't (or won't) understand that I only got my current (actually quite decent) job because 1) they only wanted someone with a third level education and 2) my degree gave me a number of skills applicable to many industries.

I usually just say the above in response through gritted teeth but I know they'll just keep making the same stupid comments. It sucks to have to deal with it.

[pastryqueen]

I can imagine the frustration! Unfortunately there's not much you can do to convince people who are set on misunderstanding the amount of work that went into it. They think we just sit around and draw pictures or read books for pleasure all day.

And what's it matter if your job isn't your chosen field? You wouldn't have gotten that job if it wasn't for your third level education or skills.

It's just getting to the point where I no longer want to answer the question, because I've only met one other person at work who understands. Everyone else gets too judgmental.