passion vs. pay

lowest paying majors


So I woke up on the early side this morning, opened up the internet, and as usual I don't remember the original reason for doing so because, also as usual, I was distracted by various headlines/articles including the one about the lowest paying college majors. I wonder now, why I clicked on it. I could've guessed my own would be sitting there, looking back at me. I was somewhat surprised, however, to see social work listed as the lowest paying major. It was a bit unsettling at first, then somewhat comforting as I read the article. I knew the major I'd chosen was low-paying. I didn't choose it for the money. Eventually the article goes on to express the idea of following something you are passionate about. I would rather be doing something I enjoy for a career than working at a job that I don't like, or don't have the skills for. They also mentioned how these majors were often the most career oriented- really giving training for a specified career.

I just felt the need to rant on that. Sometimes I wonder if I could have found something else I enjoy that would provide a big larger income to be able to support myself. If I want a higher paying job in the field I'll have to go to graduate school to get my masters and take out more student loans which I will most likely be paying back for the rest of my life. But in the long run, what does it matter? I have learned/am still learning that the quality of life doesn't come with large amounts of money, but in satisfying relationships with other people. Now if I could just master that...