The start of what I now realize was a deeper search for my true calling and vocation began when I was a sophomore in college. When I entered college, I had my mind set on being an accounting major, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and having an immense amount of doors open to me after that. That seemed to be the logical, practical route that would ultimately lead to success and provide options for where my career path would go within the business world. It had worked with flying colors for my dad, and I wanted to be able to have the same course of success in life. Additionally, once you’re in the sea of other accounting majors, courses, and networking events, it’s difficult to think of any other path. The conventional path that most students took was to join one of the Big Four accounting firms, become a CPA or consultant for a few years, and then either continue up the ladder or move into industry. That all seemed peachy to me, and I was happy to be at a place where I was so supported in bringing that pathway to life.
I started to question whether this was what I really wanted during my sophomore year. While I was primarily an accounting major, I was also working on an economics double major at the time. I’ve always loved reading and writing as well as coaching and teaching others, so the thought occurred to me: why not pursue a PhD in economics and become a college professor? I talked to various professors about this and had gathered support for letters of recommendation to some of the top programs in the country. I had performed a semester of research with one of my favorite professors and was seriously considering the idea. However, two aspects of this path held me up: 1) I didn’t want to be at the mercy of whatever university hired me and have to move around the country or the world, and 2) I didn’t want to have to perform such intense research that would lead me to many of the schools I wanted to be at.
So I returned to the safety, reliability, and future options of my accounting path, attended a Global Leadership Conference in London with one of the Big Four, and all was right in the world again. I dropped the economics double major my junior year because it was getting to be too much with my sports medicine job and it no longer felt necessary. I hummed along happily for a while, enjoying my courses, attending networking events, and solidifying my path towards becoming a CPA. Then winter break of my junior year came along and everything changed.
Whenever I went home for breaks during college, I was heavily involved with my high school. I helped coach sports that I had participated in, attended games and events, and was generally happy to just be in the environment that I felt had helped propel me to my current position. Winter break of my junior year was no different. I had a blast and wished that my whole life could feel like that. When I made it back to college, the thought of being a CPA, enduring busy seasons, and being stuck on the “hamster wheel” seemed unbearable and soul sucking. At which point I thought “aha!”, although I wouldn’t make as much money, I wanted to be a high school math teacher so that I could coach at the high school. Teaching and coaching couldn’t be much different, and I loved coaching, so why not?
I ran this idea by my parents, and while they were shocked, they were still supportive. They did, however, require that I finish my degree in accounting, which I am eternally grateful for. I then approached my advisor in the college of business about my next steps. Because I was scheduled to be graduating early, I had basically two semesters left. This led to scheduling challenges, but she helped me get my schedule arranged so that I could finish my accounting degree by December 2015, begin to take some teaching prerequisites, and enroll in courses that would count towards my need to get a degree in math. I also enrolled in summer school courses back home and math classes for the spring of 2016.
I ultimately finished my coursework for my accounting degree on time, threw myself into various coaching roles, and began to substitute teach for some extra income and experience while completing my math classes. I enrolled in a Master’s in Teaching program that started in August 2016 that would last for 2 years, and after that I’d finally be off and running.
By summer of 2016, I found myself getting burnt out, dreading certain commitments, and skipping subbing opportunities. I carried on though thinking it was just part of the process until a couple fateful events. More to come on that in my next entry.
Lessons I learned from this time period in my life are:
- It’s never too late to start something new. Even though I was almost done with my degree, I still found a way to pivot towards a new profession.
- It takes a village. I wouldn’t have been able to make the changes that I did without the support of my advisor, family, and friends.
- While it’s okay to start new things, you still need to be prudent about your foundation. If I wouldn’t have not finished the accounting degree, I would have regretted it and wouldn’t have had a solid base to work off of.
Let’s hear from you. Did you have a similar experience during your college days? What are your thoughts on an 18-year-old essentially needing to know what they want to do with their life? Is there really any other practical approach though?
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide, professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences for those that may find them relatable and helpful.