Your feelings are never wrong – to say that you “should be happy right?” implies your feelings are betraying you.

You could feel grateful that you have a job, with a decent salary, when others are unemployed and need a job. But, if you aren’t happy with the work, that’s authentic. And its ok.

I think your unhappiness stems from the fact that you see the sheer utilitanianism of your work. In the lab, there was discovery, learning, sense of community with others at the university on the same path; once you get out into the ‘business’ world, other things dominate that historically often crush men’s (and women’s) souls.

In terms of a girlfriend, and seeing others with family, well, I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but you have plenty of time at age 21!! Yours is a different path right now.

Could you continue at school to get a masters in env engineering? Then try to work with a nonprofit or some other group that has goals and a mission more in line with yours?

Degrees and future career choices can cause so much stress – I have a degree in a field I loved (journalism) but had to go back to school to get a degree in nursing (which is a helping profession but I can’t stand being a nurse and doing the work – it’s just not me!) But I’m a single mom with two young children and no one else. There are nursing jobs everywhere, where journalism jobs are scarce. So I have to do the maintenance-oriented and dirtywork of nursing – the pay is good and I am thankful for that!!!

So, think of my situation – you are much more flexible in choices than I am – mistakes are ok – you are human. You don’t have young children depending on you.

You aren’t a robot here to produce wages in a year; you are person discovering the world and life. The only prison you make is in your mind – try to remain open and see what opportunities come your way (and people – a future girlfriend?)

Best wishes and take care.

You are welcome!

About relationships: I will always remember what my dad once said: it’s better to be alone than with the wrong person. I think it’s a good thing to focus on school now, and see how things flow along. If someone really special comes along – well, then that’s a different story. But really, you can’t force a relationship. It will either implode or explode.

My son is going into 11th grade – and we are thinking about college majors. He too is very good in math – and chemistry; and psych too – got a five on AP psych test he took last May!!!! But he’s looking at accounting which needs five years for just a bachelors!! i kinda wish he’d look at engineering and/or computer science,

Is there anyway with your proclivity for chemistry, that you can look into chemical engineering? That’s a very good field too. Maybe not too far from environmental eng.

Just remember too that when you say you want to be proud of your job – eventually you will retire from a job….. you aren’t your job. It seems to me that you are a very smart and thoughtful young man It sound like you want to contribute in a positive way to this world – and you are already doing that!!!!

Stay true to your values, your interests and your dreams now: if you have to change jobs or majors ten times, do it!!!! Trust me – don’t do anything just for the money – unless you absolutely have to – that is for love (for your family, your children, etc) and then if it is only a good field (right livlihood!!). Once you get trapped into a job or situation that you don’t like, and only tolerate for the money, well…. lets just say it drains the life from you.

It’s great that you don’t want to waste credits – but do what you must. If it is an extra semester, well, c’est la vie!

Alexy, learn now: life may have been pretty smooth up until now, but rarely is it for everyone always.

And if you miss playing your instrument maybe try to find an opportunity to in the community, at a church, or center. I once worked in a long-term care facility – (old people home 😉 The activity directors in those places are always looking for free positive things for the residents – maybe you could give a solo performance – dont’ know your instrument.

Yes, there’s only one life for each of us – but remember, don’t betray yourself. You’ve been given a window into one company and the work-a-day life. There are great jobs out there – so whether you continue with this major or not – you can always search for better opportunities in jobs!! And one job may give you different skills and experience that allow you to transition into a job you like better.

Take care!!! Val

If your not happy, figure out what makes you happy. You are still alive! Up to you! In order to get a job, you need an education. Doesn’t always matter on the major. Keep your options open. Stay true you. Put your heart in what you do, you will be happy. Good luck in your future! 🙂