What should I do?
I graduate next year and I’m still confused about what I should study in college. I’ve always loved fashion, especially fashion design. My mom bought me my first sewing machine in 2020 when I was in 6th grade, but after 6 years I’ve probably only used it around 6 times total. Not because I couldn’t, I just never felt motivated to learn sewing consistently, which is confusing because I always imagined myself becoming a fashion designer.
Earlier this year, I realized that maybe I love fashion more than I love the actual process of sewing/design construction. Because of that, I started considering journalism so I could work toward becoming a fashion journalist instead. My plan was to double major in journalism and PR for more financial stability, but recently my college and career advisor suggested I look into fashion marketing as well
Even with all of this advice, I still feel lost.
What confuses me is that my actions don’t always match how strongly I feel about fashion. I’ve bought fashion books I have barely opened, subscribed to fashion magazines I don’t read, and I even have a serger machine I got last Christmas that’s still sitting in the box. At the same time, I constantly think about fashion careers, owning a fashion house one day, and doing creative hands-on work.
Last year, my first job was working as a tailor assistant at a local tailor shop because I wanted to learn the basics of fashion design. My boss said he would teach me things like measurements, pattern making, and industrial sewing machines, and he did teach me some things, but most of the time I was basically used as a janitor. I quit after about 3 months. After that, I reached out to other boutiques and tailor shops for internships but never heard back.
I also think fear discourages me from trying to learn on my own. I can’t draw very well, and I get intimidated because I can’t immediately make the kind of elaborate designs I imagine in my head.
Another major concern is money. None of the careers I’m interested in are especially stable or high-paying at first. Whether I go into fashion marketing, journalism, or fashion school, I’d probably have to move out of state to places like New York or California, which are extremely expensive. I’m worried about student loans and whether I’ll realistically be able to support myself.
I also recently found out my local community college has a 2-year fashion design program, but I’m unsure if it’s worth pursuing.
At this point, I just want honest advice from people who may have been in a similar situation. How did you figure out what you actually wanted to study or pursue? Does it sound like I genuinely love fashion, or do I just love the idea of it?