I Hate Computer Science. What Should I Do?

Stephen BirbJune 27, 2023

0 62 5 minutes read

Table of Contents

Do you feel like a fish out of water when it comes to computer science? Are you struggling with the algorithms, code, and networks?

You’re not alone. Many people feel like their relationship with computer science is strained.

If you find yourself saying “I hate Computer Science”, there are ways to take control of your studies and make the most of this field.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to tackle your computer science struggles and come out a success on the other side.

I hate Computer Science

Computer science can be a difficult subject to understand, especially if you’re not used to it.

You may find yourself overwhelmed by the concepts and feeling like you’ll never get it.

If that’s how you feel, don’t worry!

There are plenty of resources available to help you learn computer science fundamentals and become an expert in this field.

Why Do People Struggle with Computer Science?

Computer science can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have any prior experience in the field.

The language of coding is confusing and it can take a while to learn how it works.

Algorithms and data structures can be complex, requiring intense concentration and focus for full comprehension.

And, computer networks can seem like an impenetrable barrier between you and success.

Strategies for Overcoming Computer Science Challenges

Find a mentor or tutor: Having a mentor or tutor who is knowledgeable in computer science can help you stay motivated and make sense of difficult concepts.
Take breaks: Taking short breaks during your study session will help you to clear your head and stay focused for longer periods of time.
Form study groups: Collaborating with other students can be beneficial in that it allows you to learn from each other’s successes and failures.
Break up large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks: By breaking up large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, you’ll be able to focus on completing each task one at a time and eventually arrive at the end goal.
Take notes and review regularly: Taking notes as you go along in your computer science journey can help you stay organized and review information more efficiently.
Practice coding to improve your skills: Practicing coding can help improve your skills and confidence when it comes to coding.
Ask questions when needed: Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the more you understand, the better your performance will be.
Seek out online resources for help: There are many online resources that can help provide guidance when you’re stuck on a particular problem. Utilizing these resources can save you time and effort.
Set achievable goals: Setting achievable goals can help you stay on track and make progress toward your ultimate goal.
Reward yourself: Celebrate small successes along the way by rewarding yourself with a treat or outing. This can help to keep you motivated and focus on your long-term goals.
Stay organized: Keeping your notes, assignments, and files organized can help you stay on top of tasks and save time.
Create a study plan: Having a study plan can help you stay focused and organized while working towards your goals.

Switching Options (Alternate Fields)

If computer science isn’t for you, don’t worry. There are many alternative fields to explore. Here are some switching options you can consider for your major.

Medicine: If you’re interested in healthcare and helping others, pursuing a career in medicine can be fulfilling. You could become a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or medical researcher.
Psychology: If you enjoy understanding human behavior and mental processes, psychology might be a good fit. You could work as a therapist, counselor, researcher, or in industrial-organizational psychology.
Environmental Science: If you have a passion for the environment and sustainability, consider studying environmental science. You could work in areas such as conservation, renewable energy, or environmental policy.
Creative Arts: If you have a flair for creativity, you could explore fields like graphic design, illustration, photography, writing, or filmmaking. Pursuing a career in the arts allows for self-expression and can lead to diverse opportunities.
Business and Entrepreneurship: If you’re interested in management, leadership, and entrepreneurship, studying business could be a good fit. You could start your own venture or work in areas like marketing, finance, or human resources.
Education: If you enjoy working with people and sharing knowledge, a career in education might be fulfilling. You could become a teacher, professor, instructional designer, or educational consultant.
Social Work: If you have a passion for helping marginalized individuals and communities, social work could be a rewarding field. You could work as a social worker, counselor, or advocate for social justice.
Biology and Life Sciences: If you’re interested in living organisms, studying biology or life sciences could be a good fit. You could pursue a career in research, healthcare, biotechnology, or environmental conservation.
Sports and Recreation: If you’re passionate about sports and physical activity, you could explore careers in sports management, coaching, athletic training, or sports journalism.
Hospitality and Tourism: If you enjoy working with people and creating memorable experiences, the hospitality and tourism industry offers various opportunities. You could work in hotel management, event planning, travel agencies, or restaurant management.

Should I Quit Computer Science?

Deciding whether or not to quit computer science is a personal choice that depends on your individual circumstances, interests, and goals. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:

Reflection on your interests and passions: Evaluate whether your lack of enjoyment in computer science is a temporary feeling or a long-term disinterest. Consider your true passions and what fields or subjects you find more engaging and fulfilling.
Career prospects and opportunities: Assess the job market and future prospects in computer science. If you are unhappy with the field but there is high demand and good career opportunities, you might want to explore different specializations or roles within computer science before deciding to quit entirely.
Exploring alternative fields: Research and explore the alternative fields you are interested in pursuing. Look into the skills, educational requirements, job prospects, and overall fit with your interests and goals. Consider talking to professionals or individuals working in those fields to gain insights and guidance.
Personal satisfaction and well-being: Your happiness and satisfaction with your chosen field are important. If you find that computer science consistently brings you unhappiness or negatively impacts your overall well-being, it might be worth considering a change.
Long-term goals and aspirations: Reflect on your long-term goals and aspirations. Consider whether computer science aligns with those goals or if pursuing a different field would be more fulfilling and enable you to achieve your objectives.

Conclusion

Computer science is a challenging but rewarding field. It requires dedication and hard work, but with the right strategies, you can be successful.

Finding a mentor or tutor who can help you understand difficult concepts, breaking up large tasks into smaller chunks, and taking notes while studying are just some of the ways that you can overcome your computer science struggles.

On the end note, if computer science isn’t for you, there are many alternative fields to explore.

Whatever path you choose, be sure to stay organized and motivated throughout the journey.