<p>Sounds to me like, when it comes to the day-to-day work, you want to do architecture. As most everyone has said on here, architecture makes a huge difference, especially in this green era where we want to develop more energy efficient buildings and such. Do what you love, and if you change your mind you can always go back to school and switch careers.</p>
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While the overall question you posed (how to decide between conflicting goals) can spawn endless debate, for your situation the answer is simple. Don’t go the game-designer route. For one thing, you seriously underestimate the amount of time you’ll spend in front of the screen. Video-game developers work in modern-day sweatshops, and being in the office from dawn until late in the evening is the norm. Just spend a little time with google looking into what game developers say about themselves and their jobs, or the lawsuits about not being paid overtime, and you’ll get a sense of what I mean. For example <a href=“http://ea-spouse.livejournal.com/274.html[/url]”>http://ea-spouse.livejournal.com/274.html</a></p>
<p>i feel like i’m struggling with the same thing for my major… linguistics or french (basically worthless, but my passion) or chemistry (something i like a lot, but not all that much… but potentially very important with nanotechnology and all that new stuff)? </p>
<p>well, anyways, that was basically a pointless post 
good luck to both of us, i guess. :)</p>
<p>Do what makes you most happy! If you take more joy out of helping the world and making a big impact, then go for that. If you are content just being self-sufficient, then thats good too. Go with your gut!</p>
<p>You can use your skills to build houses for the need. or how about the classic: donations? it’s so easy to make a difference i doesn’t matter what your career path. think outside the box</p>
<p>Look into the disability rights movement. Both the traditional stuff (such as wheelchair access, blind access – google “visitability”) and the newer stuff (such as neurodiversity access).</p>
<p>An architect can have a huge impact on the lives of people for whom traditional architecture creates barriers. There are people who live in institutions simply because they cannot find housing that they can live in.</p>
<p>i am struggling with this same issue, I tend to try to positively impact from whatever platform I find myself, but do I pursue public policy or non profit work? or can I make a difference with whatever major I choose?</p>
<p>I guess I should have been more direct in the first post; that’s just an example. My choice isn’t between public service and architecture. I explained it a few posts later:</p>
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<p>It’s such a decision. One on hand I’m obsessed with nutrition and health, but don’t want to sit behind a desk all day, and need to be involved in some design-related field (so no nutritionist jobs). On the other hand, a job that allows me to be out more, but isn’t something I’m as passionate about (but still are.)</p>
<p>Pandem, gottcha. i so get it. I love math but love being around people more, and want to continue trying to make a difference/positive impact. I am having a hard time trying to merge my diverse passions into a major/career that utilizes my strengths and my passions.</p>
<p>I recently found a quote that I really liked, and I thought it was applicable here:</p>
<p>Dont ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.</p>
<p>If you’re more passionate about architecture, choose that. I doubt you’ll regret it.</p>