What should I do about my future?

I'm currently in my first year of college and so have a lot of options open to me about my future career but am confused as to which path to take.

I've always had a passion for writing and cars and so am working towards my goal of being a journalist for an automotive magazine. I've done some work experience, gotten a few pieces published and have been told by a couple of journalists that I have a talent in the business.

On the other hand, i'm really materialistic. I've recently got a decent paying job at a local restaurant and since I can now buy things like clothes, car insurance and an iphone i'm enjoying having this new financial freedom. A job as a journalist for a magazine starts at £15,000 a year which is barely enough to scrape by. However, if I was to start a scholarship in quantity surveying I could be earning 30k a year while in uni then go on to 50k with a job ready and no student loan to be paying off for the rest of my life. The only problem is I don't know if I would enjoy the work.

I'm constantly told to do what you love instead of going after money and being shallow but from seeing my parents struggle with money and debt, and the fact that unless you are making a lot of money in a capitalist society you end up having to watch every penny, which I don't want to do.

Even though id love to be a journalist, the thought of making plenty of money in a job id probably succeed in really appeals to me and since i'm at this point in my life where I could pursue any career path I want if I put my mind to it, I want to make the right decision will I still can.

I'll start with every person is different. You need to figure out what is a priority in your life. I'm assuming you're in your late teens/early 20's since it's your first year in college. It's easy to get materialistic and crave money when you're first starting out on your adult life, but later on your priorities can (and most likely will) change. From my experience, I took business classes in college after high school, I've been working at an office job for 15 years, I'm good at it, I'm successful at it… I completely hate it (I'm currently going back to college to pursue a different career path). This is where your particular personality will come in. If you prefer to have money now so you can spend now, then pursue the surveyor route (maybe you could minor in English or journalism so at least you get credit for it should you change your mind). If you want to have pride and enjoy in your work and don't mind doing without and applying for multiple jobs to gain experience and working in overdrive to eventually attain your goal where you will have money later on down the road, pursue the degree. Regardless of your route, the most successful people (i.e. "wealthy", "comfortable") got there with hard work and determination, very few are lucky and rich(and most wealthy people save and spend wisely), and I would concentrate on those qualities over fancy cars and clothes. It's early in your college career, why not take a class corresponding to each profession and you may want to even throw in a basic accounting class to help you with that money you're earning.

This is just my personal experience. In no way am I telling you what to do, this is just what I have chosen. I have always had a strong desire to help people, and I have always wanted to make a difference. A lot of the careers that I was interested in require advanced degrees that I can't afford to obtain, so I have decided to pursue a degree in Business Administration/Accounting, because it is a very safe choice. It is well-paying, and I know I will always have a job. To satisfy my desire to help others, I volunteer at a local animal shelter, and it is very rewarding.

I have found a way to have a financially rewarding career while still making a difference. What I'm trying to say, I guess, is that you will always be able to write, even if you don't make writing your career. You could always freelance on the side, or just keep writing as a hobby. But if writing is truly what you want to do with your life, than choose to be a journalist. Either way, I think you will be fine.