Whether you're about to start college, currently navigating your college years, or taking a gap year, you might be wondering about your future. Choosing a major and career path can feel overwhelming, almost like a life-or-death decision. I want to share my experience with a career path that some might consider "boring" or "difficult" and how sticking with it has shaped my journey. Many people switch majors or struggle to find their direction, so I’ll walk you through my decision-making process and offer insights into finding your own path. 

My journey began with a process of elimination. I knew I didn’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer, so I initially thought business might be a good fit, especially since both of my parents were in business careers. I was good at math, enjoyed working with numbers, and liked the idea of having objective answers. That’s why my dad suggested accounting. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to take an accounting class in high school, which set me on this path. 

At the time, I didn’t fully understand what accounting entailed. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college, during my first internship, that I truly grasped the field. What attracted me was the stability of the job, the good salary, the necessity of interacting with people, and the teamwork involved. Despite its reputation, accounting doesn’t involve that much complex math— mostly addition and subtraction. What I loved was the system and structure that accounting 
provides, and the fact that the more you practice, the better you become. 

Initially, I wasn’t skilled at accounting, and I used to believe you needed to be naturally good at something before pursuing it. But college is a time to explore interests and align them with your goals. If you find that you’re not enjoying your chosen path, consider shadowing or interning to gain real-world insights, as classroom experiences often differ from actual work. Many accountants didn’t love their accounting classes but find satisfaction in their careers. If you decide you want to switch fields, it’s best to do so sooner rather than later, ensuring it aligns with your values and long-term goals. 

Remember, discovering your path is a process, and it’s okay to evolve along the way. The key is to stay open to learning and adapt as you go. 

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