Is a philosophy degree actually worth it for your career?

Do you guys think pairing a philosophy major with English studies actually pays off in the real world? I’m wondering if there’s a future in academia or maybe somewhere else entirely—honestly, I wouldn't even mind teaching. I’ve been thinking about how many people here have taken a similar path, and I’d love to hear about your experiences or even just stories from your friends. Personally, I feel like there are plenty of us out there, but I’d really value some outside perspective before I dive in. My plan is to stick with English as my primary focus, but I’m seriously considering picking up philosophy as a heavy-hitting secondary subject. I’m just second-guessing whether it’s a smart combination to pursue.

On another note, why is it that certain unbearable jerks just can't stand seeing someone genuinely passionate about something, specifically when it comes to philosophy or the humanities? It honestly turns my stomach when people act like that, even if they’re just being condescending verbally rather than doing anything more direct.

Druid said:Another thing—why can't so many insufferable jerks tolerate someone actually caring about something, specifically a passion for philosophy or the humanities? I find this kind of behavior absolutely revolting, even if it’s just verbal.

If their actions were actually rational, you wouldn't feel such disgust... and clearly, that's why you're asking, isn't it?

Look, the answer to your question lies right there, in your own disgust and intolerance...
you're assuming it stems from ignorance or a lack of understanding.

There. Hopefully, that clears things up and makes it easier for you.

Now, go enroll in a philosophy program already.🙂

Druid said:Honestly, the way some people act just turns my stomach, even if they're only talking big.

And that’s exactly the point right there. You aren't any better off—if anything, you're actually worse!

mistyscout2 said:Do you guys think double majoring in philosophy alongside English or maybe American Studies actually pays off down the road? Whether it's teaching or some other career path, I don't care—just wondering. How many people here have done this, and what’s the vibe (either your own experience or just stuff you've seen from friends)? I feel like there are plenty of people out there doing it, but I really want to hear from others. I'm thinking about signing up; honestly, I'll probably end up at a philosophy department regardless, but I'm just not sure if it's a smart combo. English is my main thing for sure, while philosophy is one of those "heavy hitter" subjects I'd love to pick up.

English paired with philosophy? That's a killer combo. Use English to get the job, use philosophy to feed your soul (though, fair warning, there are a ton of unemployed philosophy professors out there lol). Just follow your heart.

mistyscout2 said:Second thing—why are so many unbearable jerks unable to handle someone being passionate about something, specifically when it comes to philosophy or the humanities? It honestly makes me sick how some people act, even if they're just being verbally toxic.

Even though Pandora gave great advice about using your own disgust as a way to understand the situation, I gotta say that being intolerant toward passion (what those jerks do) and being intolerant toward intolerance (what mistyscout2 is doing) aren't exactly the same thing.

Thanks, mistyfox812 🙂.

I definitely agree that being intolerant isn't the way to go; honestly, embracing different perspectives is something I’ve always tried to prioritize as part of my own personal growth. But sometimes, when someone's primary attitude is just pure, unadulterated intolerance, that kind of energy tends to plant seeds of more intolerance in others, and by its very nature, you can't really "tolerate" that cycle. I'm not talking about physical conflicts or anything like that, just that internal sense of tolerance we carry. It’s pretty similar to how hate works—if you embrace hatred, then you're a hater, regardless of how you try to frame it. That's why I think it's better to lead with love to help clear out that hatred, because if you let hate sit there, it doesn't really trigger anything else in you besides more of itself 🙂.

When I used the word "vile," I just meant that I felt their behavior was wrong and that's how I perceived them. I might have been a little too blunt with my wording there, but I guess I was just speaking from a place of heat in the moment 😉.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts 😉.

I’m all for you majoring in philosophy, but stay far away from English. A ton of people absolutely bombed their entrance exams—I even failed mine, just so you know.