Dear Doc,
I can’t decide on a major.
My parents want me to go into the family business, but I can’t stand the thought of a lifetime of doing the same thing day after day, working with my family, and living the rest of my life in my hometown.
I don’t know what I really want to do, and it’s kind of hard to say no to my family when I can’t say it’s because I’ve decided on another career.
Help!
Undecided

Dear Undecided,
Deciding on a major is an intimidating prospect for many college students. When combined with family expectations, deciding on a career can be especially daunting.
It is important to realize that many other students are having similar difficulties determining what they want to study.
Fortunately today we have literally thousands of career options. However, the fact that there are so many options can seem overwhelming.
I have two recommendations to help you navigate the maze of career possibilities, and focus in on a major that’s right for you.
Solving the Puzzle of Life is a class designed to help students understand themselves and determine what they want out of life.
“A lot of parents raise their kids according to their own expectations,” said Amber Shaw, a senior in the class this semester.
“They want you to be what they would want to be . They’re not really in touch with their child’s dreams and aspirations.”
Solving the Puzzle of Life gives students the tools to determine what career is the best fit for them. By focusing on awareness of self, decision-making style, relationship dynamics, behavior change and lifestyle management, this pro-active effort of the ETSU Counseling Center helps students become better prepared for the tough decisions that lie ahead, and for success in school and after graduation.
My second recommendation is to visit the Peer Career Center, a free service that is designed to help you determine what career is right for you.
Located in the Culp Center ARC, the Peer Career Center provides career development counseling to students.
The Center employs tools to help you find a major that fits your personality, values and life ambitions.
To set up an appointment, call 439-8651.

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