This isn't a sexuality-related issue, but you guys give such great advice that I figured I'd post here anyway. I just have no clue what to do with myself, career-wise. I work in retail part time, but it's not enough to pay my bills. I've been living off savings for the past few months, but I have to make a change. I have a useless degree (BFA), and I've thought about going back to school to become a teacher. But I'm afraid of saddling myself with more debt when I'm not even sure that's a career I'll like. I think I need something that's challenging- my current job is easy, and extremely boring. But I don't want something so competitive and challenging that I'll only have a one-in-a-million chance, which is why I'm not so keen on the arts as a career anymore. I've been depressed for a while, but I'm in therapy and I think that's helping. I still feel like isolating myself most of the time and I still feel really, really indecisive about most things. I know this is something I kind of have to decide for myself, but I just feel totally clueless right now.
What made you consider teaching? Do you enjoy teaching kids or adults? Can you combine teaching with the arts which seems to be a big interest of yours, e.g. can you teach art, acting, music or what ever field your passion is in? Teaching job opportunities, is there a demand for teachers especially in your interest field, e.g. Art? What is the general salary being paid to teachers and is that a good income to cover your living expenses and pay pack your debt? For me it's always been about doing something that interest and challenges you, if you love doing it and can earn a living from it. So my advice to you would be to do a little research, approach any option you have by asking yourself questions like the ones I've asked you above and then get reliable facts from the market/industry to base your decision on. Look at it as a due diligence study. You are 25 and its a good time to specialise in something, before you know it you will be 30 and it will become more difficult to start from scratch the older you get so now is a very good time to get a qualification that's in demand, one in which you have an interest and one that will be able to pay your bills!
I know it's been a while since I started this topic, but I'm still in the same situation, so I hope it's not too late to reply. >.< I was thinking art history at a college level, but I don't think I'd mind teaching at the high school level either. Again, I'm just not sure. That would be great, but at this point I'm not sure how to tell the difference between something I'd love doing in theory and in practice. I mean, I majored in art because I love to draw, but of course having an art career is not that simple. I know this is the depression talking, but I have serious doubts about my ability to enjoy any career right now. And I'm afraid of wasting time and money on school only to discover that's it's not something I'll enjoy. I definitely don't regret going to art school for the experience, and the loans I have now are actually pretty minimal. But going forward, I definitely want the career/school decisions I make to be more purposeful. Telling me I'll be 30 before I know it just makes me panic, honestly.
How long ago did you graduate? They usually have career counselors for recent alumni but if you've been out of school awhile then I agree it's not a good idea. Instead of going to school full time, have you thought about enrolling in one class that sounds interesting to you? It might help you see what it is you're interested in. Another thing you should do is narrow down the possibility of things that you might be interested in. First what are the types of jobs that you like? Do you want to get into health care, business, arts, etc? You said you're interested in the arts so narrow down the list of possible jobs in the arts. Then try to figure out what exactly is important to you in a job. Stability, money, hours, interaction with people and look for jobs that fit that criteria. Also what are your strengths and weaknesses? Those are good things to think about when considering a career.Then look for shadowing opportunities if possible or even volunteer opportunities! I'm sure that there are plenty of art museums you could volunteer in or you could talk to an old art teacher about teaching art. Also, if you enroll in at least one class, I think you would be allowed to use the college's services which would allow you to intern and shadow. 10 Artistic Careers With The Brightest Futures: NEA And BLS I found this and thought it might be useful to you Also another thing is... it's ok to change your mind. If for example, you do decide to become an art teacher and you realize it's not for you, then afterwards you can do something else As long as you don't go to a ridiculously expensive school, I"m sure you'll be able to get a degree at a reasonable price. And as you said your loans are minimal so if you do get a teaching certificate and decide you don't like it, you won't be that much in debt anyways. There's nothing wrong with not being certain. I'm going into teaching but it's not what I always wanted to do. I'm still not sure what my one passion is but I"ve narrowed it down to a few options and am going to shadow in all of them and see which is my best fit while working. A lot of people are in our same position too and it's ok Just keep moving forward and don't get stuck on your indecision. Actively pursue things that interest you and don't get discouraged. Finally, get connected with people. Network. Meet lots of people and make new friends. Tell them about your dilemma. They might help you out and give you advice and direct you to a career that you love. Hope that helped!
Well its really easy to stand outside the race and stare at the finish line and say how awesome it would be to finish, but fact of the matter is you have to be in the race in the first place. If you dont put yourself out there, whether that is more school, or even just taking some time to explore yourself (traveling, finding new hobbies, or whatever). If its enough of a priority to make things change, then you will. Its funny but thats how life works sometimes, you just have to visualize the things you want, and it gives you opportunities. Take them!
