What would you be doing if Psychology didn't exist?

[RayneeDeigh]

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If "Psychology" as we know it was not a career option, what do you guys think you'd wanna be when you grow up? 🙂 My friend asked me this yesterday and I had a hard time picking something. I used to be a kid musician but I quit in pursuit of something less competitive, stressful, and elitist (and somehow ended up with Psychology, go figure). But I guess I'd go back to that.

So, what about you? What would you be doing if you couldn't do Psychology, and what made you enter the field to begin with?

I apologize for the lack of on-topic-ness in this post, but I think sometimes during stressful times it's good to hear about why people are dedicated to what they're doing. Because well... it's clear that we're not in it for the money.

 

[Ollie123]

I considered a huge number of different options.

I did a business degree as an undergrad as well, so I might go the Organizational Behaviors route. Its like I/O but taught through business schools and it generally pays better.

Similarly, I could follow through with my original plan on entering college, which was to go into corporate law.

Lastly, I'd consider going back for comp sci/engineering.

Why did I pick psychology? Hard to say beyond it "felt right". I felt much more at home in psychology than I did in other areas. Wanted to be able to focus on people a bit more than on the "bottom line".

That being said, even if I do end up getting my dream job at a top research university, chances are I will be earning 1/3 of what I would make at "crappy" jobs in the other areas I'm interested in. I'm still confident I made the right decision though🙂

 

[50960]

Maybe medicine as I was going to do that before psych, but probably music.

 

[thewesternsky]

Interesting question, and interesting answers so far! Music is something I'd never even considered (probably because I am pretty close to tone-deaf.)

If psych wasn't an option, I'd probably be doing research in biology (I strongly considered doing a double-major as an undergraduate)-- either in neuroscience or evolutionary biology (which are completely different but both pretty awesome).

 

[psychwanabe]

My first thought when I read the question was "I'd own a hotdog stand!" HA! It would be interesting, I could watch people all day, and get free hot dogs! What could be better?!

Now, I'm joking of course. I considered lots of options. I started on this path when I became an advocate for abused kids. I'd done that work for a year or two and realized that I wanted a career in that field. I spent another couple of years deciding between law, social work, and working as an employee in various charitable organizations to name a few. What drew me to psychology was a continuing ed session in which I heard the statistics about the dearth of child psychologists in my area. I knew from experience that my kids go on a waiting list for counseling once the abuse has been substantiated. They are ranked on the waiting list according to the severity of their abuse (sexual, then physical, etc.). It is a HUGE problem in this area. These cases are tough and no one wants them.

I made the decision that very night to go into psychology, and to get my Ph.D. I had NO idea what I was getting into. But someone posted earlier that it was just "right" and so it is for me as well.

Thanks for starting this thread. It helps to remember why we're here, and keep the big picture in mind.

 

[Sorg1123]

I might have pursued music also, or military history. I almost, almost tried to get into adveritsing after I graduated. I also thought of joining the CIA or FBI. How I've changed...

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

For as laid back as I am, I am the kind of person who'd go nuts if I owned a beach bar and just hung out all of the time. Someone told me that they could see me doing that.....though in reality it'd last maybe 2 weeks. Medicine was a close 2nd to psych, so i'd probably do psychiatry or be a FP.

I use to do biz consulting,so i'm not sure I could pick that since I've done it already....but it met my competitive needs, was very lucrative, but fell short in the 'warm and fuzzy' factor (being able to give back to society).....which is why I turned down the JD/MBA and MBA/MIS routes. I may look like a card carry member of the republican party, but part of me wants to go hug some trees while out golfing.

I've always wanted to design a high-end restaurant....I guess it is my creative side peaking out.

-t

 

[MeghanHF]

Medicine/medical research, professional dance (I turned down a scholarship somewhere along the line), stay-at-home-mom, or I'd go back to being a fly-fishing guide (summers in Idaho/Montana/Colorado and winters in Argentina, Andros Island, etc.)........

 

[paramour]

Amusing that many of us would be in similar areas as one another.

I started out as a chemical engineering major, then went on to computer science, stuck with being a instrumental music major for a year and a half since I had been taking music courses all along anyway (huge music geek ever since I was a wee young bairn), eventually moved towards taking prerequisites for medical school and was almost ready to apply but got sucked into psychology instead. 😀 I threatened to go back and finish my last few prereqs and take the MCAT if I didn't get into a program this application cycle. What else are all those math & science courses good for? Besides looking good on my transcripts, that is. 😎

Anyway, I suppose if psychology was not around for me, I would go the medical route again, followed by music, or computer programming, or chemical engineering. Or, now that I think about it, I also worked my way up in an insurance company for approximately 6 years--made decent money & received awesome benefits, so I could easily go back to that as well if I was financially motivated.

 

[blindchaos]

As a kid, I wanted to be all of the following things at one point or another:
Teacher (elem.)
Forensic scientist
Vet

As an undergrad, I double majored in psych and theater but I wouldn't want to rely solely on theater if psychology didn't exist. Maybe a teacher so I could still work with the little ones, and maybe do some community theater 🙂

 

[Dr.Maybe]

Social justice advocate, travel writer...

 

[RayneeDeigh]

Wow, that's so interesting how a lot of us have similar interests/backgrounds.

What I found really ironic was that some of the schools that rejected me this year were prepared to give me scholarships when I was a 17-year old clarinet dork.

 

[psychwanabe]

Amusing that many of us would be in similar areas as one another.

It is, isn't it? I didn't say in my earlier post that my life-long dream has been to sing professionally. I have the pipes for it (she says, modestly) but I didn't have the support to pursue such a "risky" profession when I was younger. So I have satisfied myself with church choirs, pick up choirs, summer theatre, singing at weddings, and even a gig in a band for several years.

What is it about the creative side of us that draws us toward psychology?

...someone should study this!! Do I see a dissertation topic?

 

[RayneeDeigh]

It is, isn't it? I didn't say in my earlier post that my life-long dream has been to sing professionally. I have the pipes for it (she says, modestly) but I didn't have the support to pursue such a "risky" profession when I was younger. So I have satisfied myself with church choirs, pick up choirs, summer theatre, singing at weddings, and even a gig in a band for several years.

What is it about the creative side of us that draws us toward psychology?

...someone should study this!! Do I see a dissertation topic?

Let's all start a band!!

 

[RayneeDeigh]

For as laid back as I am, I am the kind of person who'd go nuts if I owned a beach bar and just hung out all of the time. Someone told me that they could see me doing that.....though in reality it'd last maybe 2 weeks. Medicine was a close 2nd to psych, so i'd probably do psychiatry or be a FP.

I use to do biz consulting,so i'm not sure I could pick that since I've done it already....but it met my competitive needs, was very lucrative, but fell short in the 'warm and fuzzy' factor (being able to give back to society).....which is why I turned down the JD/MBA and MBA/MIS routes. I may look like a card carry member of the republican party, but part of me wants to go hug some trees while out golfing.

I've always wanted to design a high-end restaurant....I guess it is my creative side peaking out.

-t

I've always thought that opening a restaurant would be so much fun. Lots of work though. Maybe one day I'll do something like "free therapy with every meal!" haha.

 

[irish80122]

Network Administrator or an Accountant. Thank goodness there is Psych!

 

[unsung]

I would go into medicine. Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat fascinated me and was one of things that got me interested in psychology in the first place. Of course, he was a neurologist...

Honestly? I'm still considering going this route, eventually...

Edited: the above are my "realistic" answers... my first dream growing up was to be an astronaut 😉. I was hugely drawn by Star Trek, until I figured out it wasn't necessarily the "science" per say that attracted me to the show, but rather, the depictions of the human psyche! No matter where or how far human beings venture, we seem to struggle with the same basic drives and moral issues. It's fascinating.

The creative side of me wants to be a sci-fi writer...

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I've always thought that opening a restaurant would be so much fun. Lots of work though. Maybe one day I'll do something like "free therapy with every meal!" haha.

I still may do it. I'm going to dabble in some commercial real estate, so hopefully I can fulfill the dream later on, maybe as a semi-retired project. I'm also a foodie and a pretty big wine fan....I KNEW I forgot something! I've always wanted to have a small piece of land to make my own wine. I don't need a big vineyard...just a sublet of some vines so I can REALLY learn about wine making.

-t

 

[Logic Prevails]

Haha... yeah, this is funny. I remember my 3rd year undergrad proff asking me what I would do if not psychology. I answered "I would be in a rock band." I still do some recording - mostly acoustic, but nothing too serious. I think someone needs to do a study on this.

 

[paramour]

Along with unsung, I've always enjoyed creative writing and wanted to write a book or two. Unfortunately, this is yet another one of those aspirations that is somewhat difficult to do, but who knows . . . maybe one day I will give it a try. I've had some minor pieces published many, many moons ago.

In the same vein, I love books. I have entirely too many of them. And they can get me into trouble at times. I admit it. I have a book addition. hehe, I'm past the first step now. Similar to RayneeDeigh, I'd like to open a 'lil place of my own, but a bookstore instead. And not one of those frakkin' chain places! 🙄 Just a small place with an odd cat or two roaming around. I actually remember this hole-in-the-wall bookstore I used to frequent when I was younger that had a 3-legged cat running around in it. This elderly lady had converted the downstairs of her home into a bookstore--very home-y. Literally. 😀

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I actually remember this hole-in-the-wall bookstore I used to frequent when I was younger that had a 3-legged cat running around in it. This elderly lady had converted the downstairs of her home into a bookstore--very home-y. Literally. 😀

Those are the best kind! I try and support local bookstores (and coffee places) as much as possible, because they tend to be pockets of creativity for those who want more than just the book/cup of coffee.

-t

 

[PsychoEm]

in an ideal world:
-broadway superstar (sadly cant carry a tune)
-professional athlete
-astronaut


my newest mission is to develop a chain of healthy, affordable, vegetarian-friendly fast food restaurants: there is a SEVERE lack in the on-the-go market! and why can you get a cheeseburger and fries for 99 cents but if you want a fresh salad its gonna cost you $6??? dont punish me because i wont eat deep fried meat!

 

[psychwanabe]

Let's all start a band!!

I am IN! We can drive a bus like the Partridge family and offer therapy after the concerts!

HA! 😛

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

my newest mission is to develop a chain of healthy, affordable, vegetarian-friendly fast food restaurants: there is a SEVERE lack in the on-the-go market! and why can you get a cheeseburger and fries for 99 cents but if you want a fresh salad its gonna cost you $6??? dont punish me because i wont eat deep fried meat!

I love vegetarians....more meat for me!!!

I tried being veggie..I lasted 3-4 months, but it was a real pain to get everything I needed. That being said....I love making veggie meals as side dishes. Vegetarian Times is still a regular in my mailbox...that magazine is food gold!

-t

 

[RayneeDeigh]

I've been an ovo-lacto vegetarian since I was 10. 😀 Power to the vegetarians!

 

[Anon15]

Buy a small business on the Vineyard (Martha's Vineyard), wear flip-flops and shorts to work everyday, and bring my dog to work.

or

Write a book, flip a house...

 

[LadyInRed]

Ooh, what an interesting question! I'd probably be doing a PhD in Neuroscience or going to med school to become a neurologist. And I'd still be doing photography on the side 🙂

Similar to RayneeDeigh, I'd like to open a 'lil place of my own, but a bookstore instead. And not one of those frakkin' chain places! 🙄 Just a small place with an odd cat or two roaming around. I actually remember this hole-in-the-wall bookstore I used to frequent when I was younger that had a 3-legged cat running around in it. This elderly lady had converted the downstairs of her home into a bookstore--very home-y. Literally. 😀

That sounds awesome. I love places like that!

 

[GiantSteps]

I've been an ovo-lacto vegetarian since I was 10. 😀 Power to the vegetarians!

I was thinking about RayneeDeigh's initial question of an alternative life journey if psychology were not an option. I was about to say that I would move to Canada and hang out with RayneeDeigh (I mean her band, esort service with Paramour, sports interests, religious views, access to socialized health care, and intellectual prowess make her sound intriguing) but now that I know about this vegan thing forget it! I was even willing to overlook Canadian beer. But no beef? What about the great American advertising slogan: "Beef, real food for real people"?

Then I realized this whole thread is philosophically flawed or perhaps a hoax by RayneeDeigh. If there were no psychology, then there would be no soul, no mind, no cognition, no individual behavior - call that intangible behind psychology whatever you want. So a career path would not only be pointless but it would not be something which would occur to anyone since every individual would just be lost in the larger whole. The concept of self would be nonexistent. Rather like a colony of ants - each ant is only existing for the greater good but in no way thinking of itself.

Clearly, someone of RayneeDeigh's acumen foresaw this problem. So why would she propose this problem? Perhaps she devised a plan to get everyone to abandon psychology for their suppressed desire career (their lost dream if you will) thus leaving all pscyhology graduate school slots vacant for RayneeDeigh to walk into herself! Oh, how you nearly duped us all! Shame on you RayneeDeigh! We will all be watching you.

 

[RayneeDeigh]

I was thinking about RayneeDeigh's initial question of an alternative life journey if psychology were not an option. I was about to say that I would move to Canada and hang out with RayneeDeigh (I mean her band, esort service with Paramour, sports interests, religious views, access to socialized health care, and intellectual prowess make her sound intriguing) but now that I know about this vegan thing forget it! I was even willing to overlook Canadian beer. But no beef? What about the great American advertising slogan: "Beef, real food for real people"?

Then I realized this whole thread is philosophically flawed or perhaps a hoax by RayneeDeigh. If there were no psychology, then there would be no soul, no mind, no cognition, no individual behavior - call that intangible behind psychology whatever you want. So a career path would not only be pointless but it would not be something which would occur to anyone since every individual would just be lost in the larger whole. The concept of self would be nonexistent. Rather like a colony of ants - each ant is only existing for the greater good but in no way thinking of itself.

Clearly, someone of RayneeDeigh's acumen foresaw this problem. So why would she propose this problem? Perhaps she devised a plan to get everyone to abandon psychology for their suppressed desire career (their lost dream if you will) thus leaving all pscyhology graduate school slots vacant for RayneeDeigh to walk into herself! Oh, how you nearly duped us all! Shame on you RayneeDeigh! We will all be watching you.

Well I was in the middle of screaming at my computer screen (my SPSS window spontaneously closed, taking my chi square analyses with it) when I read this and now I'm laughing like a *****.

But damn you for foiling my evil plan!! You're just mad that you didn't think of it first. 😉

But anyway, socialized health care isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes. Having to book checkups 9 months in advance is pretty ridiculous. Most of the people I know who've had serious medical issues end up paying to go to the US anyway 'cause they'd die on waiting lists.

And just 'cause I'm a vegetarian doesn't mean I carry around a machete and decapitate anyone who eats a cow. I just prefer my animals alive. lol. I'm still pretty cool to hang out with. If, of course, you can get past my perpetual scheming to lead to the demise of everyone's career but my own.

Now, answer the question. What would you be if you weren't planning to shrinkify people?

 

[paramour]

Well I was in the middle of screaming at my computer screen (my SPSS window spontaneously closed, taking my chi square analyses with it) when I read this and now I'm laughing like a *****.

But damn you for foiling my evil plan!! You're just mad that you didn't think of it first. 😉

But anyway, socialized health care isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes. Having to book checkups 9 months in advance is pretty ridiculous. Most of the people I know who've had serious medical issues end up paying to go to the US anyway 'cause they'd die on waiting lists.

And just 'cause I'm a vegetarian doesn't mean I carry around a machete and decapitate anyone who eats a cow. I just prefer my animals alive. lol. I'm still pretty cool to hang out with. If, of course, you can get past my perpetual scheming to lead to the demise of everyone's career but my own.

Now, answer the question. What would you be if you weren't planning to shrinkify people?

You eat your animals ALIVE?! 😱

 

[RayneeDeigh]

You eat your animals ALIVE?! 😱

It's the best way to guarantee freshness!

Hey, it works on Survivor.

 

[PsychoEm]

<liberal nutcase alert>

meats no treat to those you eat!

 

[perfektspace]

I would probably be a musician...although I dropped out of undergrad for a few years to pursue music full time so I don't think it's realistic. Of course if it had worked out and I was making a decent living I would still be doing it. Tough business and becoming more close-minded and homogenized by the minute. American Idol anyone?👎

I feel a rant coming on.

 

[psychforever]

I actually used to work with Vegetarian Times. I am still an omnivore but I eat mostly veg. I hate the idea of giving up anything forever.

When I was younger I toyed with the idea of being a professional pianist, until my piano teacher set me straight.

Then as an undergrad I fluctuated between psychiatrist, psychologist, and economist. I chose to work in marketing after college. That was financially quite lucrative, but drained the life and soul out of me.

If it weren't for psychology I'd probably work for a non-profit agency in one form or another. Unless I could be a travel writer, but that's even harder to achieve than this!

 

[blindblonde]

Well, I thought about being a history major, but I still doubt I would have even picked that. Maybe I would have gone a chemistry route instead. I didn't care for biology that much (oddly enough, yes), but I loved chemistry.

If I didn't go to college and picked some random career entirely, then I would be a DJ. Totally random, yes. ;D

 

[PsyDwannab]

I'll be a stay home dad with apron on

Since I'm currently employed in Biotech I'd just go for Masters in Bio/med science and after 5 years make about 3X more than a clinical psychologist. Then 20 years from now instead of spilling my guts out yelling at the unruly students at a university while running a private practice I could be a director/VP in biotech industry somewhere.

It doesn't really matter how much one makes. It's how one spends and invests. So I encourage you guys to invest in oil/green engery, biotech, China stocks, while doing things that you love and be remembered for.

 

[Ella_Mental]

.

 

[serotonin]

vegetarian chef (another vegetarian here 🙂 )/ touring drummer for rock band / quantum physicist.

Seriously, my other 3 passions!

This is assuming I couldn't be a neurologist or neuroscientist either (I am studying that aspect of psych anyway).

 

[RayneeDeigh]

I would be a burlesque dancer/ rock star's wife and tat my whole body-up (well maybe torso only) and own a super-dope go-go dancing nightclub...

not like i've given it any thought of anything.😎

*ella

That rocks (literally)!

I'm taking a class right now on the history of Burlesque. lol.

And you just reminded me that I wanted to get my next (7th) tattoo this summer.

 

[GiantSteps]

That rocks (literally)!

I'm taking a class right now on the history of Burlesque. lol.

And you just reminded me that I wanted to get my next (7th) tattoo this summer.

May I ask where the tattoos are located? Do you have piercings too?

 

[GiantSteps]

RayneeDeigh,
Alright, assuming you mean what I would do if not the mental health area of psychology (although I still think you have a hidden agenda), I would be a.....

Professional Wrestler!😀

Choreographed, scripted, sports rock! Not that I am big enough but I can dream.

I once saw Hulk Hogan in Madison Square Garden at the end of his career. His tag team lost and as he was leaving the ring the Garden errupted with chants of "Hogan! Hogan!". He returned to the ring, picked up an American flag and started his famous dance around the ring. This went on for about 15 to 20 minutes with non-stop deafening cries of "Hogan!, Hogan!". He was not even wrestling, just posing! Now that is fan power!

 

[RayneeDeigh]

May I ask where the tattoos are located? Do you have piercings too?

Haha I'm only answering this because it's nothing exciting/personal. 😛 Ankles, shoulderblades, wrists.

And yes, I have my nose pierced.

RayneeDeigh,
Alright, assuming you mean what I would do if not the mental health area of psychology (although I still think you have a hidden agenda), I would be a.....

Professional Wrestler!😀

Choreographed, scripted, sports rock! Not that I am big enough but I can dream.

I once saw Hulk Hogan in Madison Square Garden at the end of his career. His tag team lost and as he was leaving the ring the Garden errupted with chants of "Hogan! Hogan!". He returned to the ring, picked up an American flag and started his famous dance around the ring. This went on for about 15 to 20 minutes with non-stop deafening cries of "Hogan!, Hogan!". He was not even wrestling, just posing! Now that is fan power!

I used to be obsessed with the WWF but then it changed and got lame. 🙁

 

[GiantSteps]

"

Haha I'm only answering this because it's nothing exciting/personal. 😛 Ankles, shoulderblades, wrists.
And yes, I have my nose pierced."


Oh sure, RayneeDeigh, I believe you. No tattoos in provocative areas. That's the ticket!

Do you think you should start another Thread discussing how grad. psych. interviewers would react to an applicant with tattoos and piercings? It is an interesting topic. Or just a comment by you on how you would deal with the issue.

My guesses on your tattoos are (how they look or what they say):

1. The U.S., Canada's other providence!
2. Your favorite DSM codes.
3. Vegan or die! (with a picture of the man eating plant from the Little Shop of Horrors.
4. The names of the schools to which you applied (ever see the famous Rockwell painting of the man at the tattoo parlor having his new girlfriend's name put on his arm and a long list of ex's crossed out?). You should have waited until you were accepted.
5. WICA with a picture of Belinda (isn't that her name?) the good witch from OZ.
6. The formulas of your favorite statical tests.
7. Your GRE scores (brag, brag, brag!)

On the wrestling, I agree, now it is the WWE since the World Wildlife Federation sued them. They are more athletic now but not as charasmatic. Still a cool occupation.

 

[RayneeDeigh]

Oh sure, RayneeDeigh, I believe you. No tattoos in provocative areas. That's the ticket!

Do you think you should start another Thread discussing how grad. psych. interviewers would react to an applicant with tattoos and piercings? It is an interesting topic. Or just a comment by you on how you would deal with the issue.

My guesses on your tattoos are (how they look or what they say):

1. The U.S., Canada's other providence!
2. Your favorite DSM codes.
3. Vegan or die! (with a picture of the man eating plant from the Little Shop of Horrors.
4. The names of the schools to which you applied (ever see the famous Rockwell painting of the man at the tattoo parlor having his new girlfriend's name put on his arm and a long list of ex's crossed out?). You should have waited until you were accepted.
5. WICA with a picture of Belinda (isn't that her name?) the good witch from OZ.
6. The formulas of your favorite statical tests.
7. Your GRE scores (brag, brag, brag!)

On the wrestling, I agree, now it is the WWE since the World Wildlife Federation sued them. They are more athletic now but not as charasmatic. Still a cool occupation.

I take my nose ring out for interviews, and the tattoos aren't really visible as long as I wear long sleeves. For the most part I think grad schools wouldn't care if I have tattoos (or at least I hope).

Hahaha I think I actually have seen that painting. And (no joke) I actually know a guy who had a cross-section of a brain tattooed on his shoulder. And... they're provinces. When I was booking a hotel in San Francisco last night the woman asked me what providence I was from.

But in any case, I have a devil, an angel, a blue elephant, the scales of justice, a fairy, and a music note. The next one's gonna be either a blue rose or a baby elephant to go with the mom one. I started getting them when I was 13. lol

Oh and I think the good witch was Glinda, but it's been forever since I saw that movie.

 

[Anticip]

I like the tattoo idea. I think if I wasn't worried about grad school interviews I'd have dyed my hair neon purple (as neon as purple gets)... I decided to stick with my natural boring shade of blonde, though.

Seriously, though... I might have stuck with my theater major, or maybe something comparatively easy compared to "making it" as an actor/psychologist... med school.

 

[RayneeDeigh]

I like the tattoo idea. I think if I wasn't worried about grad school interviews I'd have dyed my hair neon purple (as neon as purple gets)... I decided to stick with my natural boring shade of blonde, though.

Seriously, though... I might have stuck with my theater major, or maybe something comparatively easy compared to "making it" as an actor/psychologist... med school.

I dyed my hair bright pink once. As soon as I know for sure that I'm going to grad school I'm gonna dye it bright blue. I love doing stuff like that.

I'm blonde too. The good thing about it is that we can dye whatever we want over it. 😀