Need insight. is it normal i want to study music instead of chemistry? wtf.

Here is the thing. I have always been a good student. Dedicated, focused, always made sure that my grades were good and I never went on a test unprepared. All this enabled me a nice scholarship, which I am receiving now in college. In order to keep it, I must maintain a certain average. An average which cannot be achieved without studying. I study chemistry, which has almost always been my passion. As long as I can remember, I wanted to get a PhD in my field, be a scientist and achieve something big. Help the humanity… I've always been very ambitious and driven. Now, to the problem. Another passion of mine has always been music. It was always a secondary interest, not as strong as chemistry/academic area. In the past year, I started attending a lot of concerts of legendary artists I always admired. I also started listening to music even more than I used to. And I fell in love. I love music more than anything in the world. Words cannot describe how it makes me feel. And I am losing interest in chemistry. I feel really weird about this. Recently, I have not been able to study like I used to. I kind of lost my focus. I just want to spend all my time doing something connected with music. I even started going to my exams almost completely unprepared. This is so unlike me. My grades are slipping. I cannot seem to be able to mentally kick myself anymore and make myself study. And what scares me the most is that I don't really care. Which is absolutely idiotic, because my scholarship enabled me to go to all those concerts in the first place. I'm scared of the direction I'm going in, and I think that, at this point, I need some insight. The thought of quitting college has crossed my mind several times, but I won't be doing that, as it is a great source of income and, well, my dream. At least it was as some point?! I'm confused. Really. Besides, I worked so hard to get in my college I feel it's a real shame to throw it all away. And I know I would regret it if I didn't achieve my full potential in the field of chemistry – get that PhD. But… I became completely obsessed with the idea of being a professional trumpet player. That being said, I have never played trumpet before in my life. I played guitar for 4 years when I was a kid, but that was it. I start playing trumpet next month. Already enrolled in class. I plan on buying one too, and the money will go out of my scholarship. So… What do you all think about this? Am I crazy or what? Is it crazy to think that I could become a musician? I am now 20 years old. How can I regain my interest in chemistry? It's not like it's completely gone, it has just become secondary. Whenever I'm not doing something related to music (college work), my mind goes in a haze and I sort of can't focus. And the sad thing is that I have enough time to do both. I just can't seem to stick to my plans for studying. I mean, WTF is wrong with me?! Opinions… Greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for taking your time to help me out.

Voting Results
92% Normal
Based on 48 votes (44 yes)
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Comments ( 15 )
  • ck38

    Finish your phd. It will be a waste if you don't. Then focus on your music.

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  • Cobrakitnu

    Do what YOU want, not necessarily what others/your family wants. It's obvious that you love music, much more than chemistry. Follow YOUR dreams. No one else's.

    Good luck.

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  • dontgiveup:)

    You're not crazy!:) do what your heart desires. It's NEVER too late to learn something new, if you're dedicated and put in effort, you can accomplish ANYTHING!:) you're still young and if music is what you want to do, go for it! The decisions you make now, make your world tomorrow!:)

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  • puppyface

    I seem to be on the same boat as you are. I'm 2nd yr chem eng and like you, I chose this to make my own positive impact on the world. Right now I'm seriously lacking the motivation though I had it in school... And I dream of being a doctor/designer all the time. I guess the grass just always seems greener on the other side.Don't give up on your degree. You will regret it if you do, just use music as your relax time and if you want to pursue music, why not part time or later on?

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  • jondoerandom

    We can switch, man.. I studied music and worked in the industry as a musician. Can't stand it anymore.. Although i love chemistry! Think if I'll go back to school again that's gonna be my major!

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  • Care-free

    You should do what you feel it's right but I'm just gonna give you an advice which you don't have to follow. Dump music cuz most of the people who study music don't get good payments!

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  • Girl-vrs-Problem

    Oh god wall of text Nnyyyeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhh

    You could always mix chemistry and music. like the elements song.

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  • AquaPatty

    As someone who IS going into music with academic prospects in near reach (valedictorian, etc), of course I'll be the first one to say that there's nothing wrong with it; however, if you haven't even picked up a trumpet yet, you're a bit late to the game. Music is highly competitive and it takes more time and energy than you can probably imagine right now.

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  • 7789dur

    Can you take a break from college? Take a year off, reassure everyone you're feeling a little burned out (even if you're not, it's probably the excuse they'll feel best about) and you just need some time to regain your focus. Spend that year playing music. If you're still completely in love with it by the end, well, you know what you really want.

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  • Thatguy777

    As long as you're not Rebecca Black, there is hope for you.

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  • Appreciate

    why trumpet? that's orchestral music :O
    if i was gonna go into music i'd be a drummer and join a band :D

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  • spacerandy

    It would be a real shame to throw away all you've accomplished so far. Congrats, btw. I say you should *carefully* analyze which of the two would most likely work out and concentrate on that more. Music might or might not work for you, so don't plan anything yet. Besides, you don't have to be skilled at just 1 thing; you can do both things successfully or if not, keep one as a hobby.

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  • shade_ilmaendu

    Maybe if you put more focus on your music the desire to do chemistry will come back? I'd say do both if you can, but whatever you decide do what you want and fuck what anyone else says.

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  • dappled

    A colleague of mine is fairly famous for both Physics and for his musical career. It's possible to do two things.

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  • Just go with music science and chemistry have nothing to do with everything they say it's bogus also stop writing as much my god don't be so annoying

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