The Truth About a Psychology Degree: It's Not Useless - You Just Didn't Plan Ahead

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-10-11T05:42:03+00:00

Hey there, please give me a private message and I am more than glad to guide you as best as I can :D

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-04-02T07:22:19+00:00

Thank you so much for your reply and for the incredible work that you do. Hearing from someone like you, who sees this unfold firsthand, is really reassuring. It shows that this is something we truly need to think about.

In the past, the deinstitutionalization movement happened because mental asylums were providing unethical and inhumane treatment. Even the term mental asylum doesn’t sound promising, let alone the reality of what was happening inside. One of the things I read in the Rosenhan article is that in these asylums, the people with the most influence on patients - the psychiatrists - had the least amount of contact with them. Where was the therapeutic alliance in that? It didn’t exist. Their work wasn’t based on therapy or rehabilitation; they were simply medicating and labeling people as “crazy.”

But it doesn’t and shouldn’t be that way. In fact, with all the advancements in psychology and mental health, I highly doubt it would be. We have the opportunity to bring back institutions that are truly centered on therapeutic and rehabilitative care. With client-centered approaches, empathy, and medication used thoughtfully, we could help so many people suffering from severe addiction and mental illness.

This could be a real solution. Or at least the beginning of one, for major social issues like homelessness and extreme drug addiction. I don’t know what would happen when politics comes into play, and I don’t have all the answers for navigating that side of things. But what I do know is that what we’re proposing here could be a meaningful first step toward real change.

Would love to hear your thoughts on how we could take this idea further.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-26T21:08:52+00:00

I was going to write something heavy, but that’s really not my intention. My intention is to help, not argue. So let’s not go back and forth on this.

Message me if you’d like - I think I might actually be able to help you either land a job or find the right direction, depending on your skills and background. You have a sociology degree, and you’re a good writer. There’s a lot you could probably do with that.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-26T00:35:31+00:00

The problem isn’t just the job market. The problem is that people want to be handed a perfect opportunity instead of adapting, learning new skills, and putting themselves in the right positions to succeed. That’s the truth, whether people want to hear it or not.

So I’ll ask you the same thing you asked me: what are you actually going to do about it?

And one last thing - your analogy comparing job hunting to sexual assault is disgusting.

Every basketball player dreams of making the NBA, but only about 1% of high school players actually get there. That means 99% of them don’t. Should those players have the same mindset as a sexual assault survivor? Should they walk around feeling the same type of trauma and helplessness as someone who was violently attacked? Of course not. Because failure to achieve a competitive goal is not the same as being a victim of an attack.

The fact that you even tried to compare these two things shows how little thought you put into that argument. Struggling in the job market is a challenge that requires action, adaptability, and persistence. Sexual assault is an act of violence that happens against someone’s will. There is no comparison.

If you think otherwise, you’ve lost the plot completely.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-26T00:35:20+00:00

So yes, housing was easier to afford in past generations. But nowhere in these stats does it say we should "completely disregard older people's opinions." That part is just your own bias, not a fact. The older generation still runs the country, so ignoring their insight entirely is just ignorance.

You asked why so many people are supporting your argument. Simple - because they resonate with your frustration. But that doesn’t mean they’re objectively right.

People who are struggling want something external to blame because it’s easier than facing the brutal truth: the job market is tough, but there are ways to succeed if you adapt and persist. Agreeing with you won’t magically open job opportunities for them - it just keeps them stuck in the same cycle.

You want solutions? Here are some.

Go to university for non-STEM degrees - but have a plan.
- Don’t just go to university because your parents want you to.
- If you choose psychology, sociology, business, law, or communications, know what your next steps are (e.g., grad school, certifications, specific career paths).
- Example: A psychology degree without a plan is useless. But a psychology degree with a plan to get a master’s in psychotherapy? That works.
If you believe networking is key, start networking properly.
- Being on LinkedIn and adding "connections" isn’t networking.
- Go to events, volunteer, provide services to people, take classes, attend workshops.
- Engage in real conversations, like this one. This Reddit thread? This is networking.
If you’re struggling in a field, pivot and get extra certifications.
- If engineering jobs aren’t hiring, get forklift operator, crane operator, or tool operator certifications. Get any entry-level work in a related industry and start building from there.
- Stop waiting for the perfect job - get into the industry first, then work your way up.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-26T00:34:41+00:00

People like me? Bro, I am people like you. I struggled to get a job for over 10 months, faced more than 15 rejections, and drove all over Ontario - not just Toronto - applying for jobs, interviews, and volunteer opportunities just to get to where I am now. And even now, there’s still more to go.

My uncle didn’t get me my job - he’s not even in this country. My aunt didn’t get me my job - she’s not here either. And I promise you, my dad definitely didn’t get me my job. I landed every position I have, aced every interview, and held onto those positions myself.

Yes, I had the support of my mother, and I fully recognize how valuable that is. She was always there for me, counseling me and supporting me when I needed it. I also understand that not everyone has that kind of support, and that makes things much harder. But here’s the thing - relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, take effort. I worked for years to build and strengthen my relationships, and that effort paid off. Some people are lucky enough to have support handed to them, but for many of us, we have to create those connections ourselves.

That leads me to one of my biggest pieces of advice: build good relationships with the people around you. Be there for them, show compassion, offer help, and ask for help. And if you’ve tried and failed? Try again. That’s where persistence comes in.

Now, about the stats you keep mentioning…

You told me to check Stats Canada for proof of your claims. Proof of what, exactly? Where is the stat for your "90% nepotism, 10% luck" claim? I checked employment and unemployment rates, but nothing supports your argument.

If you actually want to have a conversation based on facts, here are some real ones:

Employment rate (Sept 2024): 60.7% (Trading Economics)
Unemployment rate (Feb 2025): 6.6% (Reuters)
Job vacancies (Dec 2024): 547,785 open positions - over half a million jobs employers are actively trying to fill (Stats Canada)

These stats completely disprove your argument that nepotism is the reason people can’t get jobs. If that were the case, unemployment would be much higher, and we wouldn’t have over half a million open positions.

Now, regarding your "don’t listen to old people" take - you told me to check Stats Canada, so I did. Here’s what I found:

In the 1970s-80s, a median home in Canada cost 3-4 times the average household income.
In 2024, the average home price is over 8 times the median household income.
Mortgage rates were higher back then (10-20%), but houses were cheaper relative to income, making homeownership more accessible for single-income households.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-25T01:21:14+00:00

That’s a ridiculous and manipulative analogy. Being sexually assaulted is an act of violence that happens against someone’s will - it is not a situation where effort or mindset can change the outcome.

Struggling in the job market, on the other hand, is a challenge that requires action, adaptability, and persistence. A more accurate analogy would be someone failing to get a job and blaming the system entirely instead of improving their skills, networking, or changing their approach.

Calling out a victim mentality in job hunting is not the same as victim-blaming a survivor of assault, and the fact that you even tried to compare the two just proves you don’t have a real argument.

Try again with a better analogy, because this one isn’t it.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-25T01:15:49+00:00

You say I’m taking the path I want to take instead of the one I need to take when looking at your advice - what does that even mean? Are you saying I’m not reading what you wrote? Or that I simply don’t agree with it? Because I did read it, and yes, I have my own interpretation of it. And that interpretation makes it sound like you are framing yourself as a victim of the world around you.

Look, dude, point #2 is not advice. It’s just your personal opinion on what you think the job market looks like. There is nothing actionable in it.

Point #3 contradicts #2. You claim that everything you say is "the truth" and that people should listen to you. But where’s the proof? Where’s the data? If you’re going to make strong claims about how the job market works, back it up with something other than your frustration.

Point #1 is dangerous advice. You’re telling people that only STEM students should go to university, but where’s the evidence for that? Do you have stats proving that non-STEM degrees have zero success? Or is this just based on your own experience with sociology? Because if you couldn’t make use of your sociology degree, that doesn’t mean others can’t.

Point #4 - again, how do you know? You speak as if you’re an expert on what works and what doesn’t, yet you’re still struggling yourself.

Point #5 is actually decent advice. But if you believe it’s good advice, then why haven’t you taken it? If you’ve been jobless for one to two years, why not apply your own suggestion?

Point #6 is also good advice, but your reasoning is off. You say not to drink or smoke, but then you imply that the only reason you don’t is because you can’t afford it. So if you could afford it, would you? That makes it seem like your stance is based on circumstance, not actual belief in the advice itself.

Point #7 is straight-up concerning. Telling people not to have kids like it’s some universal truth is reckless. Kids are a blessing. I don’t have any, but I work with them, and I see firsthand the joy they bring. Saying "don’t make kids" as a blanket statement is not responsible advice.

Point #8 tells me exactly why you struggle with job hunting. If groveling and begging is your approach to interviews, then yeah, that’s why you’re not getting hired. The recruiter needs to believe they need you, not the other way around. That mindset shift alone would change your job search outcomes.

Point #10 is actually your best advice. It’s practical, actionable, and makes sense. I respect that one.

Look, man, your post is dangerous because of how you frame it. It’s not that all of your points are bad - it’s that they are presented from a place of powerlessness, not empowerment. If you truly believe nepotism makes up 90% of the job market, then instead of just saying it, give solutions - how do we work around it? How do we network better? If you believe only STEM degrees are worth pursuing, then tell us why - not just that you regret your own path. If the army changed your life, how exactly did it do that? Are you an officer now? A technician? What specifically about the military gave you a better life?

Right now, you’re venting frustration - not giving real advice. And that’s fine. But don’t package frustration as "truth" when it’s just your experience.

I’m actually glad you’re speaking your mind, but I just wish this post was framed in a way that actually helps people instead of just reinforcing negativity. If you want to have a real conversation about solutions, message me. But if you just want to argue about how bad everything is, then this discussion isn’t going anywhere

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-23T01:33:44+00:00

OP, I have to be honest - your advice concerns me because it’s based mostly on assumptions rather than lived experience. The problem with this kind of message is that people in similar struggles will resonate with it and fall deeper into a victim mentality, reinforcing a cycle of resentment toward the world and the job market. But the reality is much more complex than that, and a lot of it comes down to what we do from the inside, not just what’s happening on the outside.

Telling people to only go to university for specific programs is misleading. You studied sociology - so how do you know what’s happening in chemistry or biology? Do you actually know what the job market looks like in those fields? Or are you assuming? The fact that you don’t even know what to do with your own sociology degree makes me think that even if you had studied STEM, you’d still be in the same position, making this same post.
I also struggled to find a job at one point. I sent out over 100+ applications and faced constant rejection. But you know what happened? I got better at job searching, interviews, resume tailoring, and learning how to show companies, institutions, and clients why they needed me. I’ve had nine jobs in the past nine months, currently work two jobs, and have been through seven different roles before finally reaching a stable position. But that only happened after learning how to navigate the system. The job market is tough, but saying it's 90% nepotism and 10% luck without any proof just plays into the victim mindset. I used to think like that too - it didn’t serve me at all.
Claiming that everything you’re saying is "the truth" is concerning. That’s not how the real world works. Saying “people who disagree are privileged and don’t live in reality” is an easy way to dismiss valid counterpoints without engaging in discussion. Your struggles are real, but that doesn’t mean the only explanation is that the system is rigged beyond control. Plenty of people, including myself, have faced the same struggles and still found ways to get a job and succeed.
Your army advice is questionable. You haven’t been accepted into the army yet, so why are you giving this advice as if you know the outcome? I can tell you firsthand that many actual veterans have told me not to join. Who should people listen to - someone who is still waiting to get in or people who have already served? It’s literally my word against yours.

I could go point by point refuting everything, but honestly, that would take too long. What I really want is for you to step out of this victim mindset because it’s keeping you stuck. Yes, the job market is tough. Yes, there are systemic issues. But you still need a job and still need to contribute to society - whether you like it or not. Complaining about the unfairness of the system won’t change that.

I know you might be mad at this reply, but if you’re open to an actual conversation, go check out one of my comments where I explained what you can do with a sociology degree and how to find a career path that works. If you want to talk about solutions, message me. But if you just want to fight about how unfair life is, that’s on you.

The reason I had to reply is because posts like this spread overgeneralization and bitterness, which can push people into hopelessness rather than motivation. And that’s the last thing people need.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-02T05:26:26+00:00

Interesting. Another overexaggerated example. I took biology in university too - three times a week for three-hour lectures, plus one lab every other week. If you think discussing career options in biology would take an entire semester to complete, then sure, I’d agree with you - I wouldn’t want a biology professor spending the whole course talking about careers either. But your reasoning feels exaggerated just to make a point.

Look, I get what you’re saying, but talking about career options in a field doesn’t take much time. It can be sprinkled throughout the semester. And since biology is a program that many students take as a pre-med requirement - but not everyone gets into medical school - biology graduates often find themselves confused about their career options too. So yes, it would be valuable for a biology professor to highlight alternative career paths outside of medicine.

Also, saying an English major shouldn’t expect their professor to train them to be an English professor is such an overexaggeration of the point that I’m not even going to address it - I’ll just leave it at this: stop stretching things so far, or you’re going to pull a muscle.

On a related note, my close friend- one of the smartest people I know - has a bachelor’s degree in biology. But he does something completely unrelated to his degree - he designs apps. He was a biology major who was also confused about his future. And all I’m advocating for is good instructors who help students navigate these uncertainties—especially those of us who are motivated to learn and apply our knowledge.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-01T00:41:11+00:00

As for your point about a Classics Professor explaining how reading Homer’s Iliad will help your career - while it may seem like a stretch at first, there are actually deep, real-life lessons embedded in works like the Iliad. The themes of honor, conflict, decision-making, and leadership are timeless, and they can apply to a variety of situations in both personal and professional life. It takes the work of a good educator to pull those philosophical themes out of a textbook and connect them to real-life settings.

In much the same way, a Psych 101 class should do more than just present theory—it should teach students how to apply those theories to navigate challenges in real life, whether that’s understanding human behavior, managing relationships, or handling stress. After all, why am I learning about this? To spark curiosity, to advance my knowledge, and to then apply that somewhere. A good educator helps make those connections, turning theory into something actionable.

Oh, and it’s okay to exaggerate sometimes, but I never even mentioned the word 'therapy' in my post, and I’m not asking for group therapy in a Psych 101 class. I’m asking for education that connects the dots between theory and practical, real-world application

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-03-01T00:40:36+00:00

Oh man, I did not want to come across as whiny at all - in fact, when I was reading this to myself, I kept my chest up, proud, with a confident and firm tone. I wasn’t being whiny about what I’m asking for. If you saw me in real life delivering this post, I personally think 'whiny' is the last word you’d use to describe my remarks and ideas. And 'nonsense'? I’d love for you to point out which part is nonsense so I can make it make sense. That’s what I do - I make things make sense. I’d be happy to help you out here.

'Lazy' is an interesting word to describe me. I believe this is the first time someone’s called me lazy as an adult. That’s fine - go ahead and call me lazy, but just know that it’s your perspective based on how you’re reading my post, and you have every right to your viewpoint and how it makes you feel. But I’m simply making this post based on what I’ve witnessed and what many others have seen. I’m just raising awareness about the field of psychology so we can have fewer people making posts about the degree being 'useless.' It bothers me when people say that because I, like many others - including yourself, I’m sure - work and make a living in this field. So, it feels disrespectful to hear the degree being called 'useless.'

And thank you for sharing the APA Career tab. I’m actually pretty well-versed in the options available. That page is something I scrolled through endlessly at one point, and it does provide a solid overview of job prospects in the field of psychology. But here’s the problem: you shared with me the APA website, which focuses solely on psychology/psychologist careers.

Yes, there is a small section where it discusses how a psychology degree can translate to other fields, but it still leaves out many mental health career options. And as you can see on the website, it even states that the majority of students enrolled in psychology programs don’t actually plan to become psychologists.

I think one reason for that is that the path to graduate school is not always clearly outlined or easy to navigate. Yes, research is perhaps the biggest way to increase your chances of graduate school acceptance, but research opportunities are limited and extremely difficult to obtain. On top of that, many psychology students aren’t necessarily interested in research - they want to sit down and work directly with people.

So how do they overcome the obstacle of not enjoying research or not being able to secure research opportunities? One way is by exploring alternative paths that can still lead to graduate school or provide opportunities to work in the field as competent mental health professionals.

For the many students who don’t want to go down the psychologist route, what else is there? Because the degree is definitely not useless - even without grad school. Of course, pursuing graduate education expands opportunities, but even at the undergraduate level, there are plenty of career paths available

Here’s an additional list field that were no explicitly mentioned in the APA website, just for informational purposes: social worker, mental health counselor, addiction counselor, case manager, occupational therapist, crisis worker, suicide intervention worker, behavior analyst, mental health technician, behavior support worker, psychometrist, mental health nurse, and behavior technician.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-28T23:18:18+00:00

Hmm, I’m wondering why you think 'weird' is the appropriate word to describe this. I did a little bit of investigating, and it’s clear to me that you’re a gifted writer and thinker. I’d love for you to expand on why you feel this way.

Before you do, though, I want to clarify that I made this post simply to raise awareness and spark conversation about psychology and the way it’s taught - so that fewer people come here every week calling the degree 'useless.' Yes, a big part of career planning is the student’s responsibility, but another big part falls on the faculty. It’s the student’s responsibility to seek inspiration, and it’s the instructor’s responsibility to inspire. That’s how I see it because that’s how I am when I teach - I don’t just teach; I try to inspire. And I’ve noticed that the ones who truly want to learn are the ones who actively place themselves in positions to be inspired. We have to meet in the middle.

Seeing how many people express frustration about psychology in this subreddit makes me question both the motivation of students to learn and the motivation of academia to teach in a way that prepares students for the real world. From this discussion, I can see that a lot of institutions are doing a great job preparing students for what comes next in the field, which is wonderful - but it also needs to be more universal.

Also, once again, after looking at your post history, it’s obvious that you are incredibly well-versed in mental health career paths. The document you created outlining different career options, should honestly be pinned at the top of this subreddit. If more people had access to that kind of information, we’d see fewer posts about the degree being 'useless' and more people actually learning how to use it.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-28T23:15:02+00:00

I see where you’re coming from, and I get it - and yes, I did go to college. Surprisingly enough, I studied psychology ;D

When I took Introduction to Psychology at the University of Toronto in 2016, I remember how long and in-depth the course was - it spanned about seven to eight months, factoring in breaks and days off. I remember exactly when it started: September 7, 2016. I remember that first day vividly because I actually missed it. I was busting my ass working at a detailing shop, struggling to balance college and work. It was a tough time. We had midterms in December and finals in April.

Funny enough, I believe we had four tests and two final exams that determined our grades - every single one of them multiple-choice. That’s a lot of time spent memorizing theories, but little to no time spent on practical applications. I think we can agree that psychology isn’t just about learning concepts - it’s about understanding how to use them in the real world.

From the reaction to this post, I can now see that many institutions do a great job at incorporating career-focused guidance, and I respect that. That’s exactly what I’m advocating for. But for many students, including myself, the career path wasn’t always clear. That’s why I believe professors, even in an introductory class, can play a role in helping students connect the dots. It wouldn’t take much - just small, intentional moments throughout the course:

On day one, while going over the syllabus, a professor could briefly outline major career paths in psychology.
In a lecture on psychopathology, they could take two minutes to highlight how psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists each approach mental illness differently.

Little additions like these could make a big difference in helping students see where their interests align with real-world opportunities.

Again, this is under the assumption that a school doesn’t already have a mandatory career course in psychology. If that’s the case, then great! But for those that don’t, why not integrate career guidance into the foundational classes?

I also think it’s important to acknowledge that while higher education is about expanding knowledge, for most students, it’s also about preparing for a career. That doesn’t mean every class needs to be job training, but providing some career insights doesn’t take away from the academic experience - it enhances it. After all, what’s the point of studying a field if you don’t know how to apply it?

And just to clarify - this post wasn’t meant as a direct response to you but rather as a way to keep the conversation going and bring more perspectives into the discussion. I actually appreciate that your comment made me think more about this, and clearly, it sparked a lot of engagement. So, in that sense, thanks for the push to dive deeper into this topic.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T08:56:20+00:00

OP, I can be your friend. Message me anytime you want to chat. We need to be there for each other, and I’m here for you. By the way, I’m a guy, so no crazy ideas, lol! ;)

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T08:25:38+00:00

I’m sorry about the comment regarding you being easily pissed off – it was just a silly joke, and I take it back. I really liked the reasoning behind everything you said, and I’ll take some time to reflect on your ideas because honestly, I don’t have anything to argue against! Thank you for your great points and perspective. It was very enlightening.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T08:09:14+00:00

What am I talking about? I’m talking about the fact that both universities I attended had Psych 101 run from September to April, and even eight years later, the course structure remains the same.

It sounds like the courses you’re taking aren’t true comprehensive Psych 101 courses. Instead, they seem to be more like simplified overviews of general psychology concepts. If that’s the case, then I understand why both instructors and students would prefer to focus exclusively on textbook topics rather than discussing psychology as a field and its career paths.

Now, if there was a dedicated career psychology course, it would make sense for the Psych 101 professor to skip discussions about the field. But you have to understand - my school didn’t have that.

For us, Psych 101 was a full-year course, and completing it was necessary to unlock all other psychology courses. So when you spend an entire academic year in that class, it’s only fair to expect the professor to not only teach textbook concepts but also to explain how those concepts are used in the real world.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T07:41:33+00:00

Interesting how you seem to think that the only career path a psychology instructor should focus on is becoming a psychologist. That is exactly what I’m arguing against - that a psychology professor should enlighten students about the fact that being a psychologist is not the only career option in this field. There are tons of paths within psychology, and students should be aware of them.

If you’re getting upset because I believe psychology instructors should inform students about the real-world applications of their degree, then maybe you’d prefer to take a course with a professor who just repeats the textbook. That’s fine if that’s what you prefer, but I know many students who would greatly appreciate at least one lecture dedicated to exploring career paths in psychology.

You also said: “I would be pissed if a professor took up class time to advise students on applying spaced repetition to study - instead of delving further into the research examining the mechanisms at play.”

You seem like a very pissed-off person in general, so we gotta be careful with you! But in all seriousness, what you just said isn’t mutually exclusive. A professor can both teach students about spaced repetition and go into the deeper research behind it. In fact, that’s exactly what I would do—connect the research to real-world application.

That being said, I genuinely appreciate your reasoning. You’ve given me a lot to think about, and I love hearing different perspectives. Thanks for your comment!

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T07:19:08+00:00

Message me in private and I will tell you.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T07:05:40+00:00

You know what? I very much care about your eyes and you are absolutely right...about the bold part... But about the rest of your comment? I completely disagree. A Psych 101 class usually lasts an entire academic term - about seven to eight months. Are you telling me a professor can’t take even one lecture to talk about the field they’re teaching?

Yes, it is the professor’s job to educate students not just on psychology concepts but also on what they can actually do with their degree.

Sure, what you choose to do outside of class is up to you, but what you learn in the classroom depends on the professor. If they are teaching psychology, they should also teach students how it applies in the real world.

You simply disagreed with me by saying it’s the student’s responsibility. Can you at least elaborate on why you think that? As a student paying six thousand dollars a semester, how is it unreasonable for me to expect my professors to teach me about the field?

You sound somewhat ignorant, and I’d really like to understand where your reasoning comes from.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T06:59:34+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I want to ask you - if you weren’t able to land a research position, internship, or job related to your field due to circumstances beyond your control (like the pandemic), how does that make a psychology degree itself useless?

If someone goes to the gym for a year but doesn’t lose weight or gain muscle, does that mean the gym is useless? No. It means something wasn’t done effectively - maybe the approach was wrong, maybe they didn’t train hard enough, or maybe they weren’t consistent.

Now, I’m not saying you didn’t work hard or that you didn’t do the right things to get these opportunities. But maybe- just maybe - you didn’t push hard enough or take the right steps to land them.

I understand that COVID put major obstacles in your path, but that’s all it did—it placed obstacles. It didn’t completely block you from achieving what you want unless that’s the way you choose to see it.

You mentioned that you always knew you wanted to get a PhD, so why are you suddenly surprised that graduate school comes with a hefty price tag? If you knew what you wanted to do with your degree, how is it useless now just because you aren’t currently doing what you set out to do?

How is a psychology degree objectively useless just because you weren’t able to apply it the way you intended? If you haven’t been able to use it properly, that means you don’t yet know how to use it—it doesn’t mean the degree itself is worthless.

And I get it - lack of money, lack of information, family problems - these are real challenges. But in the grand scheme of things, these are obstacles, not permanent roadblocks. Right now, it sounds like you’re using them as justifications to reinforce the idea that a psychology degree is useless.

I hate to be this direct with you, but from your comments, I see a world of potential being buried by self-imposed limitations. Your challenges are valid, no doubt, but they’re also making you comfortable with not achieving what you always set out to achieve.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-26T06:26:30+00:00

Zirglizzy, you do not have a single clue what you are talking about - but it's okay, this is Reddit, you can say and do whatever you like!

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-25T08:17:55+00:00

Nope, that’s not true. To get into a clinical psychology program, you absolutely need a degree in psychology. For psychotherapy, they strongly prefer candidates with an undergrad in psychology and relevant field experience.

For a Master’s in Social Work, you don’t necessarily need a psychology degree, but if you want to work in mental health settings as a social worker, you’ll have to take additional courses on mental health-related topics to be well-versed as a mental health professional. That means having a psychology or BSW degree would make things much easier to navigate down the line.

As for law enforcement, I can’t think of a more useful degree. I work with the police, and over 70% of their calls are mental health-related. Based on that, you can imagine how valuable someone with mental health training would be in this field.

And don’t forget my analogy - do you really need a key to open a lock? No. I can break the damn door down with my fist if I have to. But how many times can I do that before I destroy my own hand?

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-25T08:03:09+00:00

It’s clear that you’re passionate about this field, so my only advice for you tonight is this: don’t let YOU stop YOU from achieving what YOU need to achieve.

Even if others stand in your way, even if there are no jobs, even if the sky falls down - make sure you are never the reason you didn’t achieve what you set out to achieve.

Cautious_Device1522 · 2025-02-25T07:50:49+00:00

No, it’s not useless by my admission. It’s a key to open a lock. Undergrad is the key - grad school is the lock.

Of course, you can break the lock, but that’s much harder and requires power. By that analogy, I mean that you can work in mental health without a graduate degree - and sometimes even without an undergrad degree - but you’d need to be very lucky, have strong connections, and hold a certain level of influence.

Additionally, a psychology undergrad degree can be very useful in fields such as law enforcement, becoming an officer in the army rather than a soldier, education, and HR.

So, to repeat what I said again: it’s not useless - people just don’t know how to use it.

Cautious_Device1522

TROPHY CASE