University

[hawk101]

I've just started my online degree, and already I've got constant stress and pain (or strain) on my heart - occasionally turning into a mini panic attack if I think about my degree for too long. And yes, this is just for an online degree with exams at the end of semesters.

Once more the degree I have chosen doesn't really interest me much or make me feel happy learning about it, so I'm only really doing it for the possible opportunities at the end. Just as I write about it now I already am starting to feel sick.

Basically, I really have to make a decision here and now. Should I continue, or should I rethink and change before I'm too far in? If I were to change it, it would be to a much less demanding degree, with no exams.

 

[triceps]

I've just started my online degree, and already I've got constant stress and pain (or strain) on my heart - occasionally turning into a mini panic attack if I think about my degree for too long. And yes, this is just for an online degree with exams at the end of semesters.

Once more the degree I have chosen doesn't really interest me much or make me feel happy learning about it, so I'm only really doing it for the possible opportunities at the end. Just as I write about it now I already am starting to feel sick.

Basically, I really have to make a decision here and now. Should I continue, or should I rethink and change before I'm too far in? If I were to change it, it would be to a much less demanding degree, with no exams.

Sounds like the decision to choose that degree might be causing you much angst, Weigh out dealing with what your gut (and anxiety) is indicating with what you perceive is a lesser degree but less stressful on you. Getting the degree is the most important aspect. Maybe you could get a minor in that high anxiety field as a compromise. Can I ask which two degrees you're deciding about?

 

[hawk101]

Sounds like the decision to choose that degree might be causing you much angst, Weigh out dealing with what your gut (and anxiety) is indicating with what you perceive is a lesser degree but less stressful on you. Getting the degree is the most important aspect. Maybe you could get a minor in that high anxiety field as a compromise. Can I ask which two degrees you're deciding about?

Well the degree I am starting now is computer science, and the degree I would find enjoyable is music. So quite a significant difference in "worth". But then again, I could always go back in a few years time and see if I'm more prepared for a stressful degree?

If only I didn't get so anxious about things! CS would be very handy.

 

[triceps]

Well the degree I am starting now is computer science, and the degree I would find enjoyable is music. So quite a significant difference in "worth". But then again, I could always go back in a few years time and see if I'm more prepared for a stressful degree?

If only I didn't get so anxious about things! CS would be very handy.

Hawk, that is a big difference and even bigger if you're talking a 2-year, associates degree. What do you see as a career path? The only thing I can think of with a music degree would be teaching and you'd need at least a 4-year degree for that. Computer jobs are available with associate degrees and would seem like those jobs are generally a better pairing for those with anxiety. On the surface, you've already cut out the social stressors by doing college online. I'd suggest toughing it out while pursuing the computer science degree.

 

[hawk101]

Hawk, that is a big difference and even bigger if you're talking a 2-year, associates degree. What do you see as a career path? The only thing I can think of with a music degree would be teaching and you'd need at least a 4-year degree for that. Computer jobs are available with associate degrees and would seem like those jobs are generally a better pairing for those with anxiety. On the surface, you've already cut out the social stressors by doing college online. I'd suggest toughing it out while pursuing the computer science degree.

It's a bachelors degree (3 years in my country). Music would be worthless, but a degree none the less (and something to tell people I'm doing, if they question what I'm spending my time doing). I'd probably not get a job in CS, unless I was really desperate. It's just a backup. I understand what you mean though, hence why I'm rather confused at what to do.

 

[Rinka]

Is there a third possibility that you have not given much energy into? Maybe studying something completely different from those two subjects. I recall that there are degrees in Germany for Media Computer Science, you learn coding, but also media science. Games and such.

 

[triceps]

It's a bachelors degree (3 years in my country). Music would be worthless, but a degree none the less (and something to tell people I'm doing, if they question what I'm spending my time doing). I'd probably not get a job in CS, unless I was really desperate. It's just a backup. I understand what you mean though, hence why I'm rather confused at what to do.

Ok hawk, now with that information I'd like to change my advice. Go for the music degree and hopefully you can have less anxiety.

 

[hawk101]

Ok hawk, now with that information I'd like to change my advice. Go for the music degree and hopefully you can have less anxiety.

I'm so indecisive...

What made you think otherwise - the fact that it would just be a backup? I feel like I'm being lazy if I go with the option I enjoy, but at the same time, the other extreme makes me feel completely overwhelmed.

I was hoping to decide quickly, so that if I do end up changing I won't have as much work to catch up on. But it certainly isn't easy... I'm scared of making a mistake and "wasting time" (and other peoples' time).

I appreciate your advice - you've been very helpful.

 

[hawk101]

Is there a third possibility that you have not given much energy into? Maybe studying something completely different from those two subjects. I recall that there are degrees in Germany for Media Computer Science, you learn coding, but also media science. Games and such.

Hmm, my options are limited as I'm only comfortable doing online university at the moment. I will look at the options I do have again though, and have a think about it. Thanks!

 

[triceps]

I'm so indecisive...

What made you think otherwise - the fact that it would just be a backup? I feel like I'm being lazy if I go with the option I enjoy, but at the same time, the other extreme makes me feel completely overwhelmed.

I was hoping to decide quickly, so that if I do end up changing I won't have as much work to catch up on. But it certainly isn't easy... I'm scared of making a mistake and "wasting time" (and other peoples' time).

I appreciate your advice - you've been very helpful.

Ok Hawk, last piece of advice. Eliminate the idea of getting the second degree sometime down the road as a variable, as who knows what the future will bring as far as your anxiety. Go with your greatest passion, whether computer science or music. Make the decision and be comfortable with it.

 

[hawk101]

Ok Hawk, last piece of advice. Eliminate the idea of getting the second degree sometime down the road as a variable, as who knows what the future will bring as far as your anxiety. Go with your greatest passion, whether computer science or music. Make the decision and be comfortable with it.

I've decided I'm going to keep going with the computer science degree. I'll probably have to look into some anti anxiety medication, and start figuring out some coping strategies, but I think it would be the most worthwhile thing to do in the long run. Thanks for discussing this with me - you've been a great help. Hopefully I'm able to stick with it for the next 3 years without too many issues.

 

[triceps]

Congratulations. I agree that some anti-anxiety will make things much easier for you. Best of luck.

 

[Rinka]

I've decided I'm going to keep going with the computer science degree. I'll probably have to look into some anti anxiety medication, and start figuring out some coping strategies, but I think it would be the most worthwhile thing to do in the long run. Thanks for discussing this with me - you've been a great help. Hopefully I'm able to stick with it for the next 3 years without too many issues.

I wish you all the best. Try to stick with it. You never know what will happen next. You might be doing something completely different in 3 years.