"I Get Called Donut Boy"—College Graduates Reveal How Their Jobs Differ From Their Degrees
"I majored in History and Kinesiology, and I work at a Krispy Kreme. I get called 'donut boy'"
A 28-year-old woman refused to let her degree define her, and now she’s stuck living the kind of “oops” story people only tell after graduation. One second she’s crushing classes and making the Dean’s List, the next she’s getting called “donut boy” and hearing constant complaints from strangers who think they know her whole life.
Her classmates are doing the same mental math, just with different majors. A Behavioral Science grad is out here working as a stripper. A Special Ed major is now a career planner in the Marine Corps. A Childhood Education student plans to sell self-defense keychains instead of teaching. And the Psychology major? She’s basically turned the degree into a recurring life activity.
It’s not just that their jobs don’t match their diplomas, it’s that the mismatch comes with real, messy consequences, and everyone has an opinion.
“In college, I was a communications major, and now I’m depressed.”
TikTokAnthropology, Archeology, and History.
“In college, I majored in Anthropology, Archeology, and got a minor in History. I was a published archeologist by age 21, and I made the Dean's List every single semester. Now, two years later, my nickname is ‘dumb bitch’ at a restaurant, and I get reprimanded constantly by the people around me for being stupid.”
TikTokBachelor's in Behavioral Science.
“I got my associate's in General Studies, my bachelor's in Behavioral Science, my master's in Administration of Human Services, and now I’m a stripper.”
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Mismatch and Career Choices
Many students choose their majors based on passion rather than market demand.
Special Ed
“I was a Special Ed major in college. Now I’m a career planner in the Marine Corps, so I’m using my education to the fullest extent.”
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Bachelor's in Childhood Education.
“I’m graduating next May with my bachelor's in Childhood Education, but I make self-defense keychains, and this is going to be my full-time job when I graduate.”
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Psychology.
“I majored in Psychology, and now I go to therapy.”
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A degree in Financial Management.
“Believe it or not, I got a degree in Financial Management. My Asian parents told me to study money to make a lot of money. Of course, I listened to them, did everything right, but found out 10 years later that I was so unhappy. After 10 years in that blood-sucking, boring job, I quit and started a meal prep company.”
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Mechanical Engineering.
“Well, I dropped out of college, but while I was there, I majored in Mechanical Engineering and had a double minor in Physics and Computer Design and Manufacturing. Now I get paid to be an idiot on the internet.”
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Degree in Advertising and Public Relations.
“I originally went to my local community college and got my associate's degree in Liberal Arts. Then I transferred to Temple University on a full academic scholarship and got my Journalism degree. Ultimately, I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Statistics…And now I sell compromising videos and photos of myself online and tell people how to have sex.”
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That’s how the “dumb bitch” nickname from the restaurant hits harder when you remember the Dean’s List and the published archeology bragging rights.</p>
Meanwhile, the Behavioral Science grad’s pivot into stripping feels like it belongs in the same pile as the anthropology to restaurant reality check, just with a different kind of shock.</p>
By building a personal brand and connecting with mentors, individuals can create opportunities that align more closely with their interests and skills, ultimately enhancing their career trajectories.
Electrical Engineering
“I majored in Electrical Engineering, and now I am an Electrical Engineer. Y’all really hate on STEM majors until we all have jobs!”
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Bachelor's in General Arts with a minor in Philosophy.
“I completed my bachelor's in General Arts with a minor in Philosophy, I have my paralegal license from the Law Society of Ontario, and I did my master's in Public Policy with a focus on Law. I currently tell people not to murder each other on the internet and sell weasel-themed merchandise.”
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Psychology.
“I studied Psychology in the hopes of helping crazy people. Now I sit in a forest playing music on a UFO, talking to people who don’t exist. And I realize I’m the crazy one.”
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To play the harmonica.
“In college, I spent most of my time avoiding my studies and learning to play the harmonica. Today, I make my living playing the harmonica and am known as the grandmother of the harmonica.”
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Majored in History and Kinesiology.
“I was a double major. I majored in History and Kinesiology. I wanted to be a professor. Now I work at a Chipotle, where I get in trouble for smacking bean bags, and then I work at a Krispy Kreme, where I get called ‘donut boy’ by adults.”
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Early Childhood Education.
“I got my associate's in Early Childhood Education, then I was a dual major in English Composition and Criminal Justice, and I started my master's program in Criminology. But now I sell potato chips.”
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Then the Marine Corps Special Ed major walks in like, “Actually, my degree still counts,” which makes the whole group question what “using education” even means.</p>
Bridging the Gap with Internships
This proactive approach not only enriches a student’s resume but also helps them better understand the demands of their chosen field, ultimately leading to better job satisfaction.
Theater – Acting.
“I majored in Theater – Acting. And I act like I give a damn every single day of my goddamn life.”
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Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Psychology.
“I double majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Now I’m a middle school math teacher.”
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Computer Science Degree.
“I went to college to get a Computer Science degree to make video games. Now I educate people on autism and motivate them through public speaking.”
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The article highlights a troubling disconnect between graduates' degrees and their current jobs, prompting a reevaluation of the educational system. It points out that many graduates are finding themselves in roles that do not reflect their academic training, leading to feelings of anxiety and disillusionment. This trend suggests that the focus on grades and theoretical knowledge may not adequately equip students for the complexities of the modern workplace.
A call for a more holistic educational approach is evident, advocating for the inclusion of emotional intelligence and social skills as core components of the curriculum. By prioritizing these qualities alongside traditional academic achievements, schools could better prepare students for the collaborative and innovative demands of today's job market. This shift could not only enhance job satisfaction for graduates but also foster a more adaptable workforce.
Many are concerned about the gap between college degrees and real job opportunities.
Schools should focus on helping students secure rewarding careers that offer financial stability. While pursuing personal passions is vital, it’s equally essential for colleges to align their programs with employer needs.
Ongoing conversations around this issue suggest that meaningful changes are possible, which could enable future graduates to thrive without the weight of debt.
The conversation around the disconnect between college degrees and career paths is becoming increasingly relevant.
Nobody wants to be the “wrong” major for the job they ended up with.
For more boundaries trouble, see how the food-critic friend demanded tweaks to gluten-free recipes.
