27-year-old Literature and Psychology student interested in critical theory and academia. How should I plan my career?
I'm a 27-year-old undergraduate student studying Literature and Psychology. I had several years of educational gap before returning to university.
My deepest interests are critical theory, psychoanalysis, cultural studies, Marxism, Žižek, Hegel, and Dalit studies. I genuinely enjoy reading and thinking about these topics and can imagine myself pursuing research or teaching in the future.
At the same time, I come from a modest background and worry about financial stability. I often wonder whether I should focus on building an academic career, pursue a more practical psychology-related path, or develop a broader strategy that balances intellectual interests with employability.
My long-term dream is to study abroad and eventually become a researcher or professor working on culture, ideology, caste, and critical theory.
Given my age, interests, and circumstances:
- What career paths would you realistically recommend?
- How should I prepare during the rest of my undergraduate degree?
- What skills should I prioritize developing?
- Is an academic career in critical theory still realistic today?
- What alternative careers would fit someone with these interests?
I'd appreciate honest advice, especially from people in academia, literature, psychology, or social sciences.