When Paths Diverge: My Journey Through the World of Psychology in a STEM-Valued Society

Ever find yourself wondering over dinner or during those catch-up sessions with friends: Why do some career paths appear more celebrated in society's eyes more than others? Here I am, a second-year psychology major, wading through this very thought. Each family dinner, every casual meet-up with friends, it seems like I'm faced with the same question: Did I make the right choice?

My parents often drop not-so-subtle hints about the undeniable "practicality" of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. And my friends? They're always buzzing about their latest tech internships. Among these conversations, a seed of doubt starts to sprout about my own path in psychology.

It's not that this whole situation is a new phenomenon, but with living costs on the rise and technology becoming essential, STEM fields are shining brighter than ever. A quick look at the numbers and you'll see what I mean. Between 2013 and 2017, STEM enrollments in Canadian universities jumped by 16.4%, while my own field of BHASE (Government Of Canada, 2020) saw a slight dip. It's clear as day – STEM is a secure career choice in uncertain times.

Living in Toronto: The Financial Crunch

Residing in Toronto, where the real estate market often feels out of control, the financial pressures are noticeable. My parents often reminisce about when the average cost of a detached house was $300,000, unlike today’s staggering average of 1.5 million dollars (Kalinowski, 2021).

And let's not even start on the tuition fees, which have sky-rocketed since the '80s. It's no wonder my generation views high-paying STEM careers as a pathway to economic security, driven by the desire to avoid the burdens of student debt and our economic crisis.

Tech Revolution vs. Personal Inclination

Despite the pressure I’ve felt towards pursuing the tech world and its booming job market, I've never been one for coding or troubleshooting. Sure, it’s undeniable that the digital age is part of daily life, but spending my career deciphering lines of code? If I’m honest with myself, it just doesn't spark joy.

Yet, ignoring the tech boom is easier said than done, especially when you see the stats –  I can't ignore the staggering statistic of a 79% increase in STEM jobs (Funk, 2018). This isn't merely a tale of growing numbers; it's a narrative of how new doors are being opened, creating pathways to professions once deemed the stuff of science fiction. 

The Mental Marathon

Chatting with my STEM friends, it's clear the mental toll is hefty. The race to succeed, the mountain of coursework – it's a breeding ground for stress, sleepless nights, and a cocktail of mental health struggles.  

Financially, pursuing higher education is also a gamble, with student loans being both a lifeline and a chain. As the costs of tuition and living expenses climb, the dream of financial independence seems more like a mirage. And yet, here we are, funneling more into an education system, chasing dreams with a cost that might just outweigh the gains.

Strategies for Growth and Fulfillment 

The reality is, despite the pressures, at the end of the day, I am truly happy with my choice to pursue a career in mental health. Reflecting on my own journey and the pressures I've faced, here are four pieces of advice I would give to someone in my situation:

1. Diversify Your Experience: Don't limit yourself to the paths you're told are the most "practical" or lucrative. Seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, and projects in a wide range of fields. For example, while attending a post-secondary institution, I prioritized volunteering on a mental health crisis line to acquire experience and knowledge, ultimately helping me discover my true passion and strengths. 

2. Get Smart with Money: Understanding the financial ins and outs of your education and career choices is key. It’s about finding a balance between following your passion and keeping your bank account in the green. I took the initiative to consult with my advisors at school to secure financial aid and to discuss the financial requirements needed to pursue my graduate studies. I took the time to truly understand my obligations and have taken out what was truly essential for my studies. 

3. Embrace Your Unique Journey: If your heart beats for the arts, humanities, or social sciences, don’t let the STEM craze dim your light. The deeper I delve into psychology, the more my passion for the subject grows, and since securing my first co-op placement with a psychologist, my determination to pursue this path has only intensified. Every field has its gem, figure out what peaks your curiosity to learn more in life! 

4. Well-being for the Win: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There was a point where I overworked myself to the extent of requiring counseling. From there, I was able to prioritize exercising and journaling to take care of my mental health is just as crucial as any career achievement. 

Choosing a career, especially in a world that leans heavily towards STEM, is no easy task. But it's about finding that sweet spot – where passion meets practicality, and mental and financial well-being are in harmony. Remember, your career is only one piece of the puzzle called life.

References

Funk, C. (2018, January 9). 1. diversity in the stem workforce varies widely across jobs. Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/01/09/diversity-in-the-stem-workforce-varies-widely-across-job

Government Of Canada, S. C. (2020, March 3). Table 1 enrolments in Canadian universities and Colleges by STEM/Bhase Credential Program, 2013/2014 and 2017/2018 . Enrolments in Canadian universities and colleges by STEM/BHASE credential program, 2013/2014 and 2017/2018. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200219/t001b-eng.htm

Kalinowski, T. (2021, August 18). “the numbers are staggering”: You now need $1 million to buy a detached house across 97% of the GTA - even in areas far from downtown. Toronto.com. https://www.toronto.com/news/business/the-numbers-are-staggering-you-now-need-1-million-to-buy-a-detached-house-across/article_3761eb31-dda5-5d3e-b5e1-9d6da35d3098.html

The NCES Fast Facts Tool provides quick answers to many education questions (National Center for Education Statistics). National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76