What to Do When You Regret Your Major (But Can’t Afford to Start Over)

You spent years earning your degree, only to realise the job it leads to isn’t what you imagined — or worse, there’s no job waiting at all. You’re not alone. Many people discover that their chosen field no longer fits who they are or what they want. But what if you can’t afford to start over? The good news is you don’t have to. With the increasing availability of flexible courses in Australia, it’s possible to make a meaningful change without going back to square one.

There are practical, affordable ways to pivot, repurpose your existing skills, and create a career path that actually suits you — even if your current degree feels like a dead end.

Step One: Separate Regret from Reality

Regret can cloud your thinking and make everything feel like a mistake. Before making any big decisions, take a breath and unpack what’s really bothering you.

• Is it the content of the work?
• Is it the lack of job opportunities?
• Is it how the career fits into your lifestyle?

Sometimes it’s not the degree itself that’s the issue — it’s the narrow path we believe we have to follow. Plenty of degrees build valuable skills that can transfer to other fields. Instead of seeing your major as wasted time, think of it as a foundation you can build on differently.

Take Stock of Transferable Skills

Even if your major doesn’t lead to a job you love, the skills you gained are likely more useful than you think. Look at your coursework and past experience and ask:

• Did you work on group projects?
• Write reports?
• Analyse data?
• Solve complex problems?

These are all valuable, transferable skills in a wide range of roles. You might not need to “start over” — you might just need to reframe what you’ve already done in a new way.

Talk to People Who’ve Changed Paths

It’s easy to assume everyone else has it figured out — but most people change direction more than once in their careers. Reach out to people in jobs that interest you and ask about their path.

Some useful questions:

• What did you study?
• How did you make the transition?
• Would you do anything differently?

You’ll likely find that many successful people didn’t take a straight line to get where they are — and hearing their stories can give you ideas and confidence for your own next step.

Upskill Without Starting Over

If your current skill set doesn’t quite get you where you want to go, consider adding to it instead of replacing it entirely. Short online courses, micro-credentials, and part-time training programs can help you move toward a new career without a massive investment of time or money.

Look for:

• Courses with practical, job-ready skills
• Flexible scheduling (especially if you’re working)
• Industry-recognised qualifications

This is where courses in Australia come in handy — many are designed specifically for working adults who need options that fit their life, not just full-time students.

Build a Career “Bridge”

Rather than jumping into something completely new, build a bridge. This means finding a role or industry that connects your current experience with where you want to go.

For example:

• A journalism graduate might move into marketing or UX writing
  
• An education major might transition into corporate training or HR
• A science graduate could explore roles in regulatory affairs or technical sales

This approach allows you to carry over some of your existing background while opening new doors, rather than making a hard break.

Rework Your Resume (and Your Story)

If you’re pivoting careers, your resume needs to reflect that shift — and it starts with how you tell your story. Employers care less about your degree title and more about what you can do.

Tips for a strong transition-focused resume:

• Lead with skills and outcomes, not job titles
• Tailor your experience to match the role you’re applying for
• Include any relevant upskilling or short courses
• Highlight soft skills like adaptability and communication

Even if you haven’t had a formal job in your new field yet, showcasing transferable skills and ongoing learning demonstrates initiative and potential.

Let Go of the Sunk Cost Fallacy

It’s tempting to stick with a career path simply because you’ve already invested time and money into it. But if it’s making you miserable or leading nowhere, that’s not a good enough reason to stay. The cost of staying stuck is often higher than the cost of making a change.

No learning is ever truly wasted. Your degree likely gave you valuable skills — even if the direct path it promised isn’t the one you want anymore.

Create a Plan That Fits Your Life

You don’t have to quit your job or go back to university full-time to change direction. Many people transition gradually — taking evening courses, freelancing on the side, or volunteering to gain experience in a new area.

Break it down into manageable steps:

1. Identify 1–2 career paths you’re curious about
2. Take one short course or workshop in that field
3. Update your resume with new skills and experiences
4. Apply for entry-level roles or internships in the new area
5. Keep refining as you go

It won’t happen overnight, but it can happen — and without starting from zero.

You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind

Regret can feel heavy, but it can also be a sign of growth. You’re not who you were when you chose your major, and that’s okay. Life changes. Interests shift. You gain perspective.

What matters most is what you do next. Your degree is just one part of your story — it doesn’t have to dictate the rest. Take control, start small, and give yourself permission to move in a direction that feels more aligned with who you are now.