I think I might switch majors next semester

[ThatStateOfMind]

I want to post this here because I have no one else to tell. Sad, I know.

I think I might change majors next semester. I'm not 100% certain I will but it's under very serious consideration. I'd like to complete this semester so I can leave community college and be in University when I transfer and switch majors. My current major is computer science and I'm struggling with programming and even enjoying the programming classes. If I switch, I think I'd enjoy something a little more hands-on so Nursing is a big option for me right now. I reviewed the required courses and since almost all of my classes in Community College have been Gen Ed, I have about 11 required Gen Ed classes completed. Still some I'll have to complete at Uni, like General Chemistry, and maybe a few others.

I'm still uncertain on the switch because I know Nursing is also hard in it's own right. Even after college, there's the struggles of the seemingly random schedules, long shifts, etc. but I know it might also be more emotionally fulfilling and definitely more hands on. Anyways, I'm definitely considering it and wanted to tell people here so I can have someone to tell.

That's part of the reason I like this site and why I can't stay away for long, I lose a major outlet.

 

[Aergia]

I wish I'd done something more hands-on/practical than CS. Said in a neutral sense—I'm sure you have what it takes to power through a CS degree if you decide it'll be worth it. Have you thought about which subfield of software engineering you'd like to go into if you finished a CS degree? Machine learning/web development/video game development/data science/idk?

I think a lot of the stuff you learn at uni is kind of useless. Realistically you probably aren't going to be programming in assembly at your job. So it makes sense to base your decision on what your day-to-day at a job would look like, which it sounds like you have considered if you're mentioning that nursing would be emotionally fulfilling.

 

[ThatStateOfMind]

I wish I'd done something more hands-on/practical than CS. Said in a neutral sense—I'm sure you have what it takes to power through a CS degree if you decide it'll be worth it. Have you thought about which subfield of software engineering you'd like to go into if you finished a CS degree? Machine learning/web development/video game development/data science/idk?

I think a lot of the stuff you learn at uni is kind of useless. Realistically you probably aren't going to be programming in assembly at your job. So it makes sense to base your decision on what your day-to-day at a job would look like, which it sounds like you have considered if you're mentioning that nursing would be emotionally fulfilling.

If I went through and completed my CS degree, I would probably do web dev or something similar, I like dynamic programming, though I've done very little of it. I've only taken 2 classes and I'm in my 3rd class related to CS. I know there's also positions in CS unrelated to programming like business intelligence analysts, but I haven't gotten a lot of experience of course.

I also know I won't be programming in assembly if I complete the degree (thank god for that). I've interacted with a few software engineers at a major government center, though I was in a group so it was more general STEM stuff rather than just CS. I worry that with how much I am hating this programming that maybe a job in this field isn't right for me. Luckily I have the ability to change degrees. I know I can't do it too often because my main form of aid (Pell Grant) only works for so long. Also as a side note, I lose Spotify premium student after 4 years, tragic lol

 

[Aergia]

iirc you've already acknowledged the possibility that your experience of the classes could be skewing your attitude towards programming (that's why I was wondering if there was a particular subfield that you would like). Can you identify what it is that you hate about programming? Again, not trying to influence your decision or anything. It's just that I've thought I hated programming too in the past (when I wasn't very far in) but now I think that my uni experience at the time was impacting my perception, and I do believe for the most part that I would've found a different degree just as taxing (though unlike me back then you evidently have an alternative in mind and reasons for choosing it, which is cool).

also you made me realise I didn't take advantage of all the student discounts i know i could've lol. but i remember Spotify premium student actually being a good one.

 

[ThatStateOfMind]

iirc you've already acknowledged the possibility that your experience of the classes could be skewing your attitude towards programming (that's why I was wondering if there was a particular subfield that you would like). Can you identify what it is that you hate about programming? Again, not trying to influence your decision or anything. It's just that I've thought I hated programming too in the past (when I wasn't very far in) but now I think that my uni experience at the time was impacting my perception, and I do believe for the most part that I would've found a different degree just as taxing (though unlike me back then you evidently have an alternative in mind and reasons for choosing it, which is cool).

also you made me realise I didn't take advantage of all the student discounts i know i could've lol. but i remember Spotify premium student actually being a good one.

Yeah I think it's definitely a possibility, but I'm not sure. I can't really identify why I hate programming though, which kinda makes me think it's the class even more so. I don't know what to do tbh, whether to stay in the major for longer or switch once I'm Uni.

There are definite cons to nursing as well though. They have such a random schedule. Could be days or nights, weekends and holidays aren't off limits either. That's a big downside. Though, they usually only work 3 days a week or so, but as a con, those days are usually 12 hours long. Anyways, I definitely a lot to consider and I think I'll definitely be meeting with an academic advisor at university before I switch or anything.