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Ask HN: Should I study CS or Law?
In high school, I was doing the International Baccalaureate Diploma. There are two Maths there - one that was really difficult, and one that was easy.
I began with the higher-level Math, but it was really difficult. I also didn't really have motivation to study it - not intrinsic ("I love and am really good at Math!") or extrinsic ("I will die to become an engineer").
The English students hardly studied, so I searched what lucrative career I could have if I took English instead.
That was Law. So I happily dropped this higher-level Maths. I have admission to Law at a prestigious London university.
Then I was conscripted in my country. This taught me the value of freedom. I swore I would never be any country's bitch ever again. Multiple citizenships became a priority. I didn't ever want to be any country's bitch ever again. From what I understand, Law is heavily regulated. If I am an English lawyer, I am stuck in England or dependent on my employer to send me (a fresh-faced college grad with no experience) abroad whenever they see fit.
My outlook on career and higher education is just sive.rs/balance + getting rich as the "do what you love [your art]". I want to become a millionaire. Everyone wants to talk about passion and whether I will "enjoy my career", but I think of it just as a head choice. I think the passion comes after you start getting good. Law, as you saw, is not my "passion". I just thought it would be fun. My real passion is acting, but I don't want to taint it by making money off it.
CS seems like the only field where I can make good money, it's a white collar job, solid future, and it will even increase my chances of getting rich. I think the clearest (but still not easy) route to riches is going to Silicon Valley with a startup.
Another key thing with the "never again a country's bitch" is, I've got a green card waiting for me as soon as I land in the USA. So the clock starts ticking the moment I land. Within five years, including university, I could become a citizen. So that's just one year of real time. I won't get such an opportunity ever again in my life (unless I get rich of course).
So CS seems ideal. Everything fits in perfectly.
But I have never in my life done anything related to CS or shown any "passion" for it. The most I've ever made is a static HTML personal website written by hand [which I enjoyed doing very much, for what it's worth].
I am also not great at math. But I can learn. I have clear extrinsic motivation (getting rich).
Right now is US application time, so I don't have the luxury of sponging around dabbling in CS to see whether I like it.
I'd really appreciate all you smart tech guys' advice on what to do with my life [I'm 20].
- a_lifters_life 5y agoDo Cs
- Max_Ehrlich 5y agoThank you for your reply, do CS because of money, balance, chances of getting rich or everything at once?
- Quessy 5y agoDo CS. I also did the IB program, and now am studying a double Major in Math + CS while only having Standard level Math. Im 22. I have worked internships and it's mad fun too. Law seems so boring to me, just paperwork if you ask me. I know it's more than that but it's difficult to become a Barrister. I must add, try not to focus on the money aspect. It is important but try to study CS out of enjoyment of the material rather than the prize. It's about the journey not the destination.
- Max_Ehrlich 5y agoThanks a lot for your comment, it's really reassuring to know someone else in my case. Honestly Law isn't really my "thing" either. It was just convenient and well-paying. You're right, I was just terrified that I'll hate my life if I do CS
- Quessy 5y agonot to mention, with CS you have the freedom of easy to go anywhere in the world to work, granted you have a visa or a work permit of some sort. With Law its more tricky since different jurisdictions require you to pass exams first to make sure you know how the law works in that particular country. Just something to think about.
- Max_Ehrlich 5y agoThat. Is absolutely what I want and have been thinking about. It could be worth doing CS just for this alone. The only high-paying field that doesn't need you to chain yourself to any place. Thanks a lot, this is a crucial point and good to hear it from someone with the same background as I.