6 answers
Piper
Student
Barrington, Rhode Island
1
Question
Asked
1082 views
Should I pursue what I actually like in college (considering major and likely careers resulting), or should I pursue a major with a career with a more successful prospective career?
For example, I love art and deep down I want to pursue something art-related, but it is hard to advance and earn money as an artist. Therefore, I am considering a Business major and Chinese, even though I have no real drive for business, I am just assuming it will be easier for me to find a financially comfortable job after school.
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6 answers
Ce Ji
55
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Ce’s Answer
Hi Piper, I understand you're having a tough time deciding on your path. Choosing a direction in life is never easy. I want you to know that your love for art is special, and thinking about practical things shows how smart you are. Remember, life doesn't have to be all or nothing! You could major in business or Chinese to gain stable skills and still keep your creative spirit alive by minoring in art, joining art clubs, or taking online courses. Many artists started with different careers! It might also help to chat with people in the art world to see what their journey was like. What's most important is keeping your passion and curiosity alive. No matter what you choose, if you put in the effort, you'll do great.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
225
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hey, Piper! Thanks for reaching out to us. Many of my college students have faced the same questions you're dealing with, and you're definitely not alone. Let me share how I approach this with my students. As a counselor, I've seen many young people struggle with these decisions. There's one student I'll always remember. He was the oldest sibling, and he felt the pressure to support his family. He was torn between chasing his dream job and choosing a more practical career path that promised stability.
I asked him, "How does it feel to be a young adult wanting to support your family but considering giving up your dream because it doesn't pay well?" We talked about the benefits of finding a stable job right after college versus pursuing a passion with uncertain job prospects. As a mentor, I believe in sharing real-life examples that inspire and help students see their situation clearly.
I told him about someone who faced the same dilemma. This person chose a practical path to secure a job and save money, which eventually allowed him to pursue his passion. True happiness often comes from following our dreams, but it's also important to be practical. Earning a decent living can be crucial, especially if your passion won't immediately support you.
Remember, you can always find a balance between passion and practicality. Best of luck with your journey!
I asked him, "How does it feel to be a young adult wanting to support your family but considering giving up your dream because it doesn't pay well?" We talked about the benefits of finding a stable job right after college versus pursuing a passion with uncertain job prospects. As a mentor, I believe in sharing real-life examples that inspire and help students see their situation clearly.
I told him about someone who faced the same dilemma. This person chose a practical path to secure a job and save money, which eventually allowed him to pursue his passion. True happiness often comes from following our dreams, but it's also important to be practical. Earning a decent living can be crucial, especially if your passion won't immediately support you.
Remember, you can always find a balance between passion and practicality. Best of luck with your journey!
Michelle M.
Actress
2522
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Piper !
You seem to be a smart student who knows what career she wants ! It's great that you're getting feedback and I'd be happy to give you some advice.
Since many high school students have not yet experienced college, many make generalized assumptions of a career without even knowing how their career will be. This can hold people back from their dream career. It may be that this perspective is reached because people just think of the creation, not the other things that an Art Career consists of. You wouldn't just be creating, there's a great deal of networking, community membership and involvement and college is a perfect, structured way to really get to know this career.
Creating art can be combined with any full time job if that's what you want. That, or you can be a part of the professional art community full time if that's what you want. You will guide your path and there's no telling what you career will be like, especially before it's even started. Once you begin volunteering in your field, it will make it seem real to you and you will meet other artists and people that manage art and see that you can very well do this career. I left three links below of places you can volunteer at and network with. Connection is important for this career.
As you go through your academic path for art, it's going to start to occur to you how you'd want to take this career. The good thing about the art fields is that you can always freelance, have your own business and or sell your creations online. Many artists sell through flea markets, bazaars, fairs or consignment shops. It's a very exciting career that can keep you busy all day. You'd always be able to get a job to obtain paychecks, but never give up your dream before you begin. You never know how your life will be five years from now and how many additional supports you will gain over the years.
You are very much aware of your passion and have stated "I have no real drive for business". It is always a mistake to major in something you're not interested in. It's pointless and college costs money and time. Why would you want to stop your dream of being an artist for something you are not connected to ? You have good insight and I encourage you to spend your time and investment for the experience the Art Department at college will give you. Don't pay one ounce of attention to the stereotypes or negative things people say about being an artist. People who say those things are mostly people who don't understand the first thing about the career. Your career will be unique to you and will depend on how much dedication you give to it.
Please do not give up your dream Career in the world of Art. Often times, it may be regretted and that's never a good feeling. So stick to your instincts, don't let anyone hold you down and enjoy the path for the exciting career you love. A real career, not a stereotype !
ART GALLERIES IN RHODE ISLAND TO VOLUNTEER AND CONNECT WITH https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28960-Activities-c49-t1-Rhode_Island.html
ARTS ALIVE BARRINGTON https://www.artsalivebarrington.org
22 ILLUSTRATION FIRMS IN RHODE ISLAND https://www.inven.ai/company-lists/top-22-illustration-companies-in-rhode-island
You seem to be a smart student who knows what career she wants ! It's great that you're getting feedback and I'd be happy to give you some advice.
Since many high school students have not yet experienced college, many make generalized assumptions of a career without even knowing how their career will be. This can hold people back from their dream career. It may be that this perspective is reached because people just think of the creation, not the other things that an Art Career consists of. You wouldn't just be creating, there's a great deal of networking, community membership and involvement and college is a perfect, structured way to really get to know this career.
Creating art can be combined with any full time job if that's what you want. That, or you can be a part of the professional art community full time if that's what you want. You will guide your path and there's no telling what you career will be like, especially before it's even started. Once you begin volunteering in your field, it will make it seem real to you and you will meet other artists and people that manage art and see that you can very well do this career. I left three links below of places you can volunteer at and network with. Connection is important for this career.
As you go through your academic path for art, it's going to start to occur to you how you'd want to take this career. The good thing about the art fields is that you can always freelance, have your own business and or sell your creations online. Many artists sell through flea markets, bazaars, fairs or consignment shops. It's a very exciting career that can keep you busy all day. You'd always be able to get a job to obtain paychecks, but never give up your dream before you begin. You never know how your life will be five years from now and how many additional supports you will gain over the years.
You are very much aware of your passion and have stated "I have no real drive for business". It is always a mistake to major in something you're not interested in. It's pointless and college costs money and time. Why would you want to stop your dream of being an artist for something you are not connected to ? You have good insight and I encourage you to spend your time and investment for the experience the Art Department at college will give you. Don't pay one ounce of attention to the stereotypes or negative things people say about being an artist. People who say those things are mostly people who don't understand the first thing about the career. Your career will be unique to you and will depend on how much dedication you give to it.
Please do not give up your dream Career in the world of Art. Often times, it may be regretted and that's never a good feeling. So stick to your instincts, don't let anyone hold you down and enjoy the path for the exciting career you love. A real career, not a stereotype !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Qiang Ma
Project Manager
1
Answer
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Qiang’s Answer
Okay, so the user is trying to decide between following their passion for art and choosing a more practical major like Business or Chinese. They love art but are worried about financial stability. Let me break this down.
First, they need to assess their priorities. Are they willing to take the risk of a potentially unstable income in art, or do they value financial security more? Maybe they can look into art-related careers that have better job prospects, like graphic design or art therapy. But they mentioned they don't have a drive for business, so even if they major in it, they might lack motivation, affecting their performance.
Then, considering hybrid options could be useful. Combining Business with Art might give them the skills to manage a creative career. Also, minors or electives in art could keep their passion alive while pursuing a more stable major.
Long-term happiness is important too. If they choose Business solely for money, they might end up unfulfilled. But if they can find aspects of Business that interest them, like marketing for creative industries, that could be a middle ground.
Financial considerations are real. They should research average salaries and job availability for both paths. Maybe internships in both fields could provide practical insights. Also, building a portfolio while studying something else might keep their options open.
They might need to talk to professionals in both fields. Mentorship could offer guidance and realistic expectations. Flexibility is key; many people change careers, so their major isn't a life sentence. Online courses and side projects can help pivot later.
In conclusion, it's a balance between passion and practicality. They need to weigh their values, explore compromises, and maybe start with a dual approach. Testing the waters through internships or courses could help them decide without fully committing yet.
Choosing between passion and practicality in college is a deeply personal decision, but here's a structured approach to help you navigate it:
1.Reframe "Either/Or" to "Both/And"
- Hybrid Paths: Combine art with business or Chinese. For example:
- Major in Business/Chinese + Minor in Art/Design.
- Pursue roles like art marketing, gallery management, creative entrepreneurship, or cultural consulting.
- Skill Stacking: Develop transferable skills (e.g., digital design, writing, project management) that apply to both creative and corporate fields.
2. **Assess Your Risk Tolerance**
- Art Path: Requires hustle (freelancing, networking, portfolio-building) and may involve financial instability early on. However, creative industries (e.g., UX design, game art, animation) are growing and can offer stability with the right specialization.
- Business Path: Offers predictability but risks burnout if you lack intrinsic motivation. High-paying roles (finance, consulting) often demand long hours, which may drain you if you’re not passionate.
3. Test-Drive Both Worlds
- Internships/Shadowing: Try a business internship (e.g., marketing firm) and a creative gig (e.g., art studio, design agency) to compare environments.
- Side Projects: Build an art portfolio or start a small creative venture (e.g., selling prints, freelance design) while studying business to gauge viability.
4. Financial Realities vs. Creative Fulfillment
- Art: Research niche opportunities with stability (e.g., art therapy, industrial design, museum curation). Platforms like Patreon or NFTs have opened new revenue streams for artists.
- Business: Salaries vary widely—marketing roles average $50k-$70k starting, while finance/consulting can hit $80k+. Ask: Is the paycheck worth potential dissatisfaction?
5. Long-Term Flexibility
- Career Pivots: Many professionals shift fields later. A business degree could fund your art pursuits (e.g., saving to start a studio). Conversely, art skills can differentiate you in corporate roles (e.g., creative problem-solving).
- Geographic Factors: Some cities (e.g., Berlin, Taipei) have thriving art scenes with lower costs of living, making creative careers more feasible.
6. Mindset Check
- Passion ≠ Suffering: Loving art doesn’t mean you must starve. Modern creatives often blend artistry with tech (e.g., 3D modeling, AR/VR design) for lucrative niches.
- Business ≠ Boredom: Explore business specializations aligned with creativity (e.g., branding, cultural analytics, sustainable fashion startups).
Action Steps:
1. Take a Gap Year? If uncertain, consider deferring to intern/work in both fields.
2. Course Sampling: Enroll in intro business and art classes your first year to feel out both.
3. Network: Talk to artists who monetize their work and business professionals in creative industries.
Final Thought:
Your major isn’t a life sentence—many pivot careers. Prioritize building adaptable skills (critical thinking, communication) and a portfolio/network that supports multiple paths. If you choose business, keep creating art on the side; if you choose art, learn business fundamentals to thrive independently. Balance security and joy by designing a path that evolves with you.
First, they need to assess their priorities. Are they willing to take the risk of a potentially unstable income in art, or do they value financial security more? Maybe they can look into art-related careers that have better job prospects, like graphic design or art therapy. But they mentioned they don't have a drive for business, so even if they major in it, they might lack motivation, affecting their performance.
Then, considering hybrid options could be useful. Combining Business with Art might give them the skills to manage a creative career. Also, minors or electives in art could keep their passion alive while pursuing a more stable major.
Long-term happiness is important too. If they choose Business solely for money, they might end up unfulfilled. But if they can find aspects of Business that interest them, like marketing for creative industries, that could be a middle ground.
Financial considerations are real. They should research average salaries and job availability for both paths. Maybe internships in both fields could provide practical insights. Also, building a portfolio while studying something else might keep their options open.
They might need to talk to professionals in both fields. Mentorship could offer guidance and realistic expectations. Flexibility is key; many people change careers, so their major isn't a life sentence. Online courses and side projects can help pivot later.
In conclusion, it's a balance between passion and practicality. They need to weigh their values, explore compromises, and maybe start with a dual approach. Testing the waters through internships or courses could help them decide without fully committing yet.
Choosing between passion and practicality in college is a deeply personal decision, but here's a structured approach to help you navigate it:
1.Reframe "Either/Or" to "Both/And"
- Hybrid Paths: Combine art with business or Chinese. For example:
- Major in Business/Chinese + Minor in Art/Design.
- Pursue roles like art marketing, gallery management, creative entrepreneurship, or cultural consulting.
- Skill Stacking: Develop transferable skills (e.g., digital design, writing, project management) that apply to both creative and corporate fields.
2. **Assess Your Risk Tolerance**
- Art Path: Requires hustle (freelancing, networking, portfolio-building) and may involve financial instability early on. However, creative industries (e.g., UX design, game art, animation) are growing and can offer stability with the right specialization.
- Business Path: Offers predictability but risks burnout if you lack intrinsic motivation. High-paying roles (finance, consulting) often demand long hours, which may drain you if you’re not passionate.
3. Test-Drive Both Worlds
- Internships/Shadowing: Try a business internship (e.g., marketing firm) and a creative gig (e.g., art studio, design agency) to compare environments.
- Side Projects: Build an art portfolio or start a small creative venture (e.g., selling prints, freelance design) while studying business to gauge viability.
4. Financial Realities vs. Creative Fulfillment
- Art: Research niche opportunities with stability (e.g., art therapy, industrial design, museum curation). Platforms like Patreon or NFTs have opened new revenue streams for artists.
- Business: Salaries vary widely—marketing roles average $50k-$70k starting, while finance/consulting can hit $80k+. Ask: Is the paycheck worth potential dissatisfaction?
5. Long-Term Flexibility
- Career Pivots: Many professionals shift fields later. A business degree could fund your art pursuits (e.g., saving to start a studio). Conversely, art skills can differentiate you in corporate roles (e.g., creative problem-solving).
- Geographic Factors: Some cities (e.g., Berlin, Taipei) have thriving art scenes with lower costs of living, making creative careers more feasible.
6. Mindset Check
- Passion ≠ Suffering: Loving art doesn’t mean you must starve. Modern creatives often blend artistry with tech (e.g., 3D modeling, AR/VR design) for lucrative niches.
- Business ≠ Boredom: Explore business specializations aligned with creativity (e.g., branding, cultural analytics, sustainable fashion startups).
Action Steps:
1. Take a Gap Year? If uncertain, consider deferring to intern/work in both fields.
2. Course Sampling: Enroll in intro business and art classes your first year to feel out both.
3. Network: Talk to artists who monetize their work and business professionals in creative industries.
Final Thought:
Your major isn’t a life sentence—many pivot careers. Prioritize building adaptable skills (critical thinking, communication) and a portfolio/network that supports multiple paths. If you choose business, keep creating art on the side; if you choose art, learn business fundamentals to thrive independently. Balance security and joy by designing a path that evolves with you.
Mike Doria
Strategic Communications
7
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I’m 49 years old and have spent the last four years learning to produce an album. The good news is, it’s almost done. The bad news is, nobody is trying to hire a 50-year-old record producer or artist. My degree is in communication, and I spent the first half of my career as a news reporter (which was my goal). Then I switched to communications and marketing (which I love).
I sing, write, and even do a little acting -- on the side or as hobbies. If I had to do it again, I would still go to college but pursue my art more aggressively. You will always be an artist in some form or another. But to market yourself and understand the business, etc., you must educate yourself accordingly. Having a business degree isn’t a bad thing. It’s a brilliant thing to get because you’ll have that knowledge as you pursue your art endeavors.
I used to be a news reporter. Now I do Public Relations. I got hired in the Public Relations world because I used to be a news reporter. I know how they think, like to be pitched, etc. I’m more valuable to a company having done that role in the past.
A degree in business and a subsequent job will likely get you in front of people who make decisions about artists, etc. That’s good intel to have.
What I’m trying to say is, never shortchange education. Being an artist isn’t just about singing, painting, or doing well. It’s about really knowing your craft and learning the why behind it. My other suggestion. Why not double major in college and get a business degree with an art degree? Then you get two degrees for the price of one. Set your future up to be successful and give you the means to support your art. Starving is not a fun way to live.
I sing, write, and even do a little acting -- on the side or as hobbies. If I had to do it again, I would still go to college but pursue my art more aggressively. You will always be an artist in some form or another. But to market yourself and understand the business, etc., you must educate yourself accordingly. Having a business degree isn’t a bad thing. It’s a brilliant thing to get because you’ll have that knowledge as you pursue your art endeavors.
I used to be a news reporter. Now I do Public Relations. I got hired in the Public Relations world because I used to be a news reporter. I know how they think, like to be pitched, etc. I’m more valuable to a company having done that role in the past.
A degree in business and a subsequent job will likely get you in front of people who make decisions about artists, etc. That’s good intel to have.
What I’m trying to say is, never shortchange education. Being an artist isn’t just about singing, painting, or doing well. It’s about really knowing your craft and learning the why behind it. My other suggestion. Why not double major in college and get a business degree with an art degree? Then you get two degrees for the price of one. Set your future up to be successful and give you the means to support your art. Starving is not a fun way to live.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
155
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Piper,
You're asking the right questions. One thing I would consider is that many people pursue their passion and experience burnout when said passion is tied to them making a living. Many seek stability in their career doing something of interest and fund their passion on the side. I won't tell you what to do but I will say that I've met many many of the people that do the latter. Their passions are what make them very unique and fun to work with and hang out with. Don't think that if you pursue a degree in business for the stability that you can't also pursue your passions.
You're asking the right questions. One thing I would consider is that many people pursue their passion and experience burnout when said passion is tied to them making a living. Many seek stability in their career doing something of interest and fund their passion on the side. I won't tell you what to do but I will say that I've met many many of the people that do the latter. Their passions are what make them very unique and fun to work with and hang out with. Don't think that if you pursue a degree in business for the stability that you can't also pursue your passions.