By Shimon Herman, Staff Writer
Every Yeshiva University student steps onto campus for the first time with their minds filled with uncertainties and unanswered questions. Among these, one stands out: what degree should I pursue? This seemingly simple question opens the door to two critical paths: the pragmatic approach and the passion-driven one. This decision is far more significant than a mere checkbox on the road towards adulthood. It is this choice that holds the power to profoundly shape the trajectory of your future.
The pragmatic approach entails chasing after the most stable job with the highest salary. This has historically been the mainstream, institutionalized direction that society seems to gravitate towards. This route is often seen as the safer bet, avoiding the perceived risks involved in chasing after one’s true interests. This is not to say that it is impossible to be passionate about a high paying and secure job, rather that one typically prioritizes financial security over personal fulfillment when it comes to deciding what to study.
On the other hand, there is the passion-driven approach. This route emphasizes pursuing one’s personal motivations and interests. Those who adopt this mindset aim to have careers full of active engagement and personal fulfillment, sometimes even at the cost of stable finances.
While job security and a steady paycheck are important factors, a degree rooted in one’s passion will result in a more rewarding future. Recent studies have shown that choosing a profession that one isn’t passionate about can have severe effects, personally and professionally. These effects can manifest in a variety of ways, some more immediately noticeable than others.
As an example, burnout is a growing issue in many industries, particularly in jobs chosen for financial security over personal fulfillment. According to a report from the World Health Organization, burnout has become increasingly common, especially in high-pressure jobs that offer little personal satisfaction.
According to a Gallup survey on workplace engagement, only 32% of American employees feel engaged at work, meaning the vast majority are dissatisfied or indifferent about their jobs. Conversely, employees who work in fields they enjoy are three times more likely to feel engaged and fulfilled at work, contributing to better performance and long-term career success. In the same study it states that approximately 80% of employees who feel disengaged from their work also report symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression. There is a clear correlation between disengaged workers and poor mental health. It seems that choosing a degree that reflects your passion is more than a choice relating to your future earnings, it is an emotional investment for the future.
Contrary to popular belief, pursuing a degree based on passion doesn’t mean sacrificing financial success. While some fields may have lower starting salaries, individuals who love what they do can excel faster, leading to higher lifetime earnings. According to a research report by PayChex, employees in careers they are passionate about report higher long-term satisfaction and are more likely to stay in their jobs longer, ultimately allowing them to accumulate more wealth than those who switch careers frequently out of dissatisfaction.
Everyone should pursue degrees that will lead to a profession that aligns with their interests. Why then are there so many students ignoring the data, determined to land a career solely for its income and steady employment? The answer has much to do with our flawed value system. Society has conditioned us to prioritize financial status over our personal health and happiness. Our screens are dominated by those living lavishly with their enormous houses and expensive clothing. These images are a facade, ultimately desensitizing us to what is truly valuable. Coming home from work to sit around the dinner table with family sharing ideas and laughter isn’t a priority, rather a mere afterthought.
In YU there are many degrees offered and it is highly encouraged that students explore their options before making a decision. The Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy and Professional Development is a great tool for students unsure of what career they want to go into.
It seems that, inevitably, due to the relentless pursuit of wealth, many college students can inadvertently edge closer to a life full of regret, sacrificing their aspirations for the promise of a steady paycheck. An average individual in the United States will work 90,000 hours in their lifetime. This isn’t merely a measure of time; it’s a range of endless potential. What those hours will transform into – moments infused with passion, creativity and fulfillment, or a routine that saps your energy and enthusiasm, as you regret the dreams you never chased – rests entirely in your hands.
Photo Caption: The Yeshiva University Wilf Campus
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University