What am I doing here?

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

I'm about 3 or so months into my University course, doing English Literature and Language Joint Honours...and it feels like I am wasting my time.

I want to get into games journalism, barring the joke, I genuinely do enjoy writing about games and discussing them. I feel like I have a pretty good form, and that nothing stops me from trying to get in to the market.

I thought that going to Uni is a good idea, I would meet loads of different people, learn how to better develop my writing and critical analysis, but so far, I've barely had any of that happen. Language is a science that, whilst being very interesting, has nothing to do with what I want to do. It's fascinating, but difficult and kind of pointless for me.

In terms of Literature, a lot of it is reading texts, and only 10% or so is putting it to word. The lectures are useless: all they serve is to gather critical quotes and everything that the lecturers develop(without wishing to sound arrogant) isn't so out of left field that it would help me write an essay.

The actual essay writing is fun; it's what I truly enjoy, but the problem is that the word count limits and that I still feel like I'm not writing at an advanced level or at something that I would say feels as being different to what I did at Sixth form.

There's also the fact that my accommodation is pretty solitary. I get all the privacy I could ever want, thank God, but at the same time, I can't really socialise with people. My flatmates are good people, but all go to different universities and are generally professional people. I'm also not one for drinking or just going partying, and I don't find any opportunities to just meet up with people and talk like how I like to.

Just...I don't know. It doesn't feel like it's for me. It feels like I'm wasting my time where I could just apply for a full time job, write reviews in my off time and actually build something up.

It feels like I'm surrounded by strange people who enjoy what I do for completely different reasons and just go through the motions in between getting intoxicated.

Anyone out there who feels same?

 

[Robert B. Marks]

Speaking as somebody with 3 degrees (a BA in Medieval Studies, a BA in English Literature, and an MA in War Studies), you are NOT wasting your time. What you are doing is building a foundation on which you can build great things. And that piece of paper you're working towards will open a lot of doors before the end.

All that said, it is true that first year is the basic stuff, and the better stuff comes in at about 2nd year and above. HOWEVER, with the exception of a few professions (such as mainstream journalism, etc.), employers will usually only care that you have a liberal arts degree, not what that degree is in. So, if the by the time you're ready to choose your second year courses you still feel like you're spinning your wheels, you might want to change your major to something more fulfilling.

 

[omega 616]

Not sure how the American education system works ... or for the matter Uni education works. I do know that all my certificates mean very little.

Christ, I have a binder full of certs and none of them have ever made an employers eyes light up (though to be honest it's not like I have a PHD or anything. one of my certs is for a "healthy walk leader" no shit, I did a very small amount of reading, about very basic health benefits of walking and even more basic info of the cardio system, a steady walk for 30 mins, 2 mins of which was at a brisk pace, then I was "qualified" to do the job.). For me, it's actual work that they appreciate.

So, if I were you, I would do what marter did here ... just write reviews for games and save them to somewhere. Worst thing that can happen is you waste time but if a company sees you have been knocking out game reviews for 5 years, they can see your style, how you rip into bad games and celebrate good games, it shows commitment, shows you can find the good in the bad and the bad in the good etc.

It also might help with your mood, you sound disillusioned with your life choice, maybe writing about the thing you want to right about as a job will bring that spark back.

 

[Breakdown]

I'm doing an English Literature and Language degree as well. I'm pretty sure it is a waste of time.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

Game journalism isn't really a field that demands a degree, if you have your heart set on becoming a game journalist, start writing about games and putting your stuff out there so people can see it, it's worth noting though that only the famous ones can do so as a full time job (It's just a very competitive field). A university will help you with landing something that either pays the bills, compliments your game journalism or both.

Three months in isn't enough time, a lot of universities want to make sure you have the basics down first, so if it feels boring and basic, that's because it is. Year two and up is when you get into the meat of the program.

 

[Neurotic Void Melody]

If you look far enough into the future, everything we will ever do is a waste of time. But don't do that, it's not pleasant and can cause much damaging thoughts. Keep soaking in knowledge...even if you think it is useless or you aren't learning anything new, you still are in ways that won't appear...apparent yet. Keep at it, get the certification if only to please your life-booklet. Solitude can be a problem, i understand that also. Probably why the internet seems so attractive lately. If i find a way of coping properly with solitude, i will return and let you know. For now it is a tricky subject. But really, you will be growing and learning in unseen ways where the benefits are never usually obvious or instant. Sorry if this makes little sense or is worded over-simply...it is a method of keeping certain thoughts at bay. Music. Art. Slinkys!! Try to put your mind in a fresh place so it can breathe new moods and emotions. Much love!