Choice of program.

I've been studying psychology for a year at Cégep de Saint-Laurent. There's a year left in this program, but I've always wanted to study piano to be a piano player. However, that would imply that I have to change my program, and I would have to stay at Cégep for two additional years. Which career path do I chose?

Choice 1 : Study piano.

Choice 2 : Finish my psychology program

Study piano.

I decided to follow my dreams and change my career path to study piano at the same Cégep. I met some wonderful people there, and for once, I didn't feel like an outsider. I became very close to a drummer, a guitarist, and a signer. They're all into rock music, and I tried to incorporate piano into their songs. It worked perfectly! Now, we're always playing together. They all want to drop out to focus on the band, but I don't know if I should do that or continue my studies.

Choice 1 : Drop out and start a band.

Choice 2 : Finish my studies in piano.

Finish my psychology program.

I didn't want to stay at Cégep for three more years because one year left is enough for me. I chose to stick with my initial plan to study psychology. I've always found this field so interesting, and I think it would open a lot of doors for me, like becoming a psychologist or a teacher. I just know that I want to help people, one way or the other. After finishing my program, should I go to study psychology at university to become a psychologist, or should I study education to become a teacher?

Choice 1 : Pursue university studies in Psychology to become a psychologist.

Choice 2 : Pursue university studies to become a teacher.

Drop out and start a band.

I decided to drop out. We spent all our time together, and we skipped class so much to play together that the obvious choice was to quit school. We wanted to devote all our time to this group. I don't regret dropping out, but I don't know if I should fully commit to something so uncertain. Should I try to chase fame with the band, or should I find a job on the side?

Choice 1 : Chase the fame as a team.

Choice 2 : Find a music-related job on the side.

Finish my studies in piano.

I decided to stay at Cégep de Saint-Laurent and to not drop out like my friends studying music. I figured it was more beneficial to perfect my technique, so that I could have more opportunities. Now that Cégep is coming to an end, I'm torn between the idea to devote all my time pursuing a professional career, and the idea to use the skills I learned to teach them myself. What should I do?

Choice 1 : Go to university to become a professional piano player.

Choice 2 : Chose to start a piano teaching business.

Pursue university studies in Psychology to become a psychologist.

I decided to continue studying psychology because I want to help people with their everyday problems. Life can be hard, and I never want anyone to feel like they have no one to talk to. This is why becoming a psychologist is an idea very dear to me. It would make me feel useful to the world. Once I finish with my master's degree in psychology, I'll officially become a psychologist. I'll have to decide if I want to work in the private sector or in the public sector. What should I do?

Choice 1 : Being a psychologist in the private sector.

Choice 2 : Being a psychologist in the public sector.

Pursue university studies in education to become a teacher.

I decided that being a teacher was a better way for me to help people. The moment a student understands what you're trying to explain to them, you know you're doing a good job. That's why teaching is the right fit for me. The next step, once my master's degree is complete, will be to teach in schools. I have to decide: should I teach in kindergarten or in a higher grade of middle school?

Choice 1 : Teach in kindergarten.

Choice 2 : Teach in higher grades of middle school.

Go to university to become a professional piano player.

I realized that I didn't want to be an average piano player. I want to be the best one. This is why I want to pursue a professional career in piano. I want to play with other artists, but not commit to any band. I just want to be hired for some gigs from time to time, and maybe even create my own music. This is how I know I'll feel accomplished, by being the best.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Chose to start a piano teaching business.

I realized that school pressure was too heavy on my shoulders. During my time at the CEGEP, I learned many useful skills on this instrument, and I can humbly say that I know a lot about piano. This is when I decided that I could use my knowledge to help people who don't have thousands of dollars to spend on piano lessons. I started my own piano teaching business where I give piano lessons for an affordable price. I just want to share my passion with others.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Chase fame as a team.

We all decided to quit our schools, and to start our band. We just play in as many places as we can. If we're not rehearsing, we're doing gigs; if we're not on the road, we're in the studio. We're living the true rock and roll dream. At first, the gigs were in Quebec (the province), so I wasn't away from home for more than 2 days. However, an indie label wants to sign us, and wants us to go on tour in the United States. We would be gone for 6 months, and I don't even know how much we'll make since we're just starting out. My band is all-in, so do I leave the band or go on an adventure?

Choice 1 : Leave the band.

Choice 2 : Go on tour in the United States.

Leave the band.

Even if I had fun with the band, the tour in the United States was too much for me. It's hard to let go, but I hope it's for the best. I hope my knowledge will help me find a good job in the music industry. I have some contacts who want to start a band with me, so I'll maybe try that out, and play gigs in Quebec only.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Go on tour in the United States.

I decided to live this crazy adventure with my band mates. When we played our first gig in the United States, another label wanted to sign us. We were over the moon. We devoted all our time to making music, and decided to sign with the bigger label who wanted to hire us. We're now the most popular musicians in Canada.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Find a music-related job on the side.

I decided to still play with my band, but to not spend all my time with my band mates. It was consuming all my life, but it lacked stability. This is why I decided to find a job on the side to at least have a fixed salary, but to still be involved in music. This is when I found the perfect job for me: sound technician. I ensure sound quality during concerts. I practice this job 3 days a week, so I have a fixed salary.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Teach in kindergarten.

I chose to teach in kindergarten because the kids seemed more fun to be around. Their pure and bubbly energy makes me happy to go to work. But sometimes, their energy can be overwhelming. It's hard to go to work every morning and always be so high-energy, even if it is what those kids need to stay stimulated. I don't think it was the right job for me. I'm exhausted all the time, and I'm severely considering quitting.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Teach in higher grades of middle school.

I teach 5th and 6th graders, and it was the best decision for me. They're more mature than the kids in kindergarten, and they don't drain my energy. Since they're more knowledgeable, it's more intellectually stimulating to talk to them. I can also talk about more serious subjects, which makes teaching truly rewarding. I think I made the right decision by choosing to teach higher grades of middle school.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Being a psychologist in the private sector.

I decided to become a psychologist in the private sector. Indeed, the higher salary convinced me. A typical day for a psychologist in this field is to counsel patients and give diagnoses. Patients receive therapy in a psychology clinic, which can be either a group of psychologists or only one psychologist. That leads me to ask myself: should I start my own psychology clinic, or should I try to get hired in one?

Choice 1 : Start my own psychology clinic.

Choice 2 : Try to get a job as a psychologist in a psychology clinic.

Being a psychologist in the public sector.

I decided to work in the public sector because it guarantees me a fixed salary and a fixed schedule. In this field, there are a many things you can do. For example, you can analyze human behaviour, counsel patients, give conferences, and the list goes on. Psychologists in the public sector can work in a wide range of settings. Now, I have to make a choice: should I work in a hospital, or should I work in a school?

Choice 1 : Work in schools.

Choice 2 : Work in hospitals.

Start my own psychology clinic.

I started my own psychology clinic, and I feel better than ever. I chose a place with a great energy, which can help the patients feel at home and welcome. Furthermore, I even decided to host a yoga workshop every month to reach more people. Business is doing great, but I do feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I have. Indeed, I'm alone, and I have to take care of all the business myself. It will take some adaptation.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Try to get a job as a psychologist in a psychology clinic.

I reached out to a psychology clinic, and ended up getting a job as a psychologist. The most rewarding part of working with psychologists is when you all express your opinions and learn from one another. It is a priceless experience and can create friendships for life. Indeed, only psychologists know how mentally exhausting this profession can be.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Work in schools.

I believe growing up is when people need the most support. This is why it's so important to help students manage their stress, resolve conflicts, and navigate family challenges. By doing that, they build self-confidence and grow in a healthier way into the person they're meant to become. I'm grateful to be a part of their childhood and development. You're only a child once!

Choice 1 : Choice of program.

Work in hospitals.

Working in hospitals can be demanding. I work with nurses and doctors to support patients mentally. I meet a lot of different patients. Some people deal with sudden trauma, while others have chronic conditions like anxiety or depression. I think being surrounded by illness and death can be hard on a psychologist's mental health, but it is a powerful reminder that every moment should be cherished.

Choice 1 : Choice of program.