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What should I do if I'm stuck between two career options?

Part of me wants to become a cosmetologist, like a hairstylist or a makeup artist, but the other part wants to become a choir or music teacher. I've done research on both, and am in classes for both currently. (Online Cosmetology and Chorale).

career-path music cosmetology i-am-not-sure-what-i-want-to-do
Thank you comment icon Pursue what brings you joy. Keep an open mind and consider spending time observing professionals in these careers. Martha B
Thank you comment icon Since you are already in classes for both, focus on lifestyle vs. passion: 1. Job Shadowing: Spend a day at a local salon and a day in a middle school choir room. Observe that the physicality of cosmetology is manual labour on your feet; teaching is high -energy social management. 2. Career Stability: Research the Bureau of Labour Statistics for both. Teaching offers a steady salary and benefits, while cosmetology is often commission-based or entrepreneurial. 3. The "Hybrid" Path: Many professionals keep one as a side hustle. You could teach choir and do bridal makeup on weekends, or work in a salon while leading a community choir. Clarence
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Kimberly’s Answer

It's wonderful that you've narrowed down your interests. This is a great position to be in, as many people are still figuring out their direction. You're already on the right path by exploring both options and gaining experience, which will help you make a confident choice. Consider what you want for your future, like your preferred work hours and schedule. For instance, some makeup artists work evenings or weekends for weddings, which might not suit everyone. The most important thing is to find a career that makes you happy. I believe you'll make the best choice for yourself.
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Brandon’s Answer

Hi Nevaeh, I have been there as well earlier in my career and life, and it was so hard to make directional choices because I enjoyed a number of areas for work and career (and life!). What worked for me was ultimately to take a leap. It may not wind up being the perfect choice. You might also try a "conversation with your future self" exercise. I am an Executive Coach now and I use this approach when helping leaders make important choices where they are uncertain which path to take.


To do this, project yourself into the future, where you might be in roles in either direction. How does your "future self" experience the roles, the activities, the interactions with people, the impact you're making? And as you are doing this activity, what do you notice, in terms of thoughts, emotions, and "felt experience". That could point you towards your intuition, which you could use to make a choice. Or take a leap!
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Vianne’s Answer

Being torn between two choices is totally normal, especially when you enjoy and are good at both. It shows you're exploring your options instead of just picking something without thought. By taking cosmetology and choir classes, you're gaining real experience, which is the best way to decide.

Try to imagine what your daily life would be like in each career. Cosmetology is hands-on, creative, and involves working with people, offering more flexibility but less routine. Music teaching is also creative but involves more structure, with lesson planning, working in schools, and building long-term relationships with students. Neither is better; they just suit different lifestyles. If you can, talk to hairstylists, makeup artists, or music teachers to learn about their jobs.

Remember, you don't have to choose one and leave the other behind. Many people blend their interests, like teaching music while doing hair or makeup on the side, or keeping music as a big part of their life even if it's not their main job. Keep doing both for now, see which one you enjoy more, and know it's okay not to have everything figured out yet.
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Olivia’s Answer

Hi Nevaeh,

Feeling stuck between two careers is very normal, especially when you are interested in both. The good news is that you are already doing the right thing by taking classes in cosmetology and music. A helpful next step is to notice how each class makes you feel over time. Ask yourself which one you enjoy more daily and which one gives you more energy instead of stress. You can also think about what kind of work life you want. Cosmetology often involves flexible hours and creative, hands-on work, while teaching music usually offers a more structured schedule and steady income.

If possible, try each path in real life. You could shadow a hairstylist or makeup artist and talk to a music or choir teacher about their daily work. This can help you see what the jobs are really like. You do not have to decide everything right now. Some people even combine both paths, such as doing cosmetology while teaching or coaching music part-time. Keep exploring, pay attention to what feels right, and give yourself time to choose.
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Iesha’s Answer

My advice would be to narrow down your choice and make a list of the pros and cons. I would narrow it down so that you get a good return on your investment instead of paying for two career paths. Think about more than money. Focus on time, what your day to day would look like and stability too. Speak with a folks who are in these positions to get advice too. One thing that always worked for me was meditating too and listening to my inner self. Also, vision boards help too! Best of luck.
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Marcey’s Answer

Hi Navaeh! As you study both fields, have you thought about talking to professionals in each career? Maybe one path, like being a cosmetologist, could offer part-time work, allowing you to also teach choir or music. Have you asked choir or music teachers if they can work part-time or as substitutes, giving you the chance to be a full-time cosmetologist? You might not have to choose just one career. Speaking with alumni in both areas can give you a glimpse into their daily lives and help you meet more people in the field. These conversations could guide you in deciding if you can follow both paths. Trust your instincts and best of luck!
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Laurel’s Answer

Choosing between two career paths can be exciting and full of potential! Here are some positive steps to help you decide:

Make a Pros and Cons List: Write down the good and bad points of each option. Think about things like job happiness, chances to grow, work-life balance, salary, company culture, location, and job security.

Reflect on Your Values and Goals: Think about what you want most in a career. Is it passion, income, security, making a difference, creativity, or something else? Match each option with your personal and career goals.

Do Your Research: Learn as much as you can about both fields or roles. Talk to people in those jobs, attend informational interviews, or shadow professionals if you can.

Look at Skills and Interests: Think about which career fits your skills, strengths, and interests better. Where do you see yourself thriving and enjoying your daily work?

Consider Long-Term Goals: Imagine where each career could take you in 5, 10, or 20 years. Which one fits your future vision best?

Try It Out: If possible, do internships, freelance work, or part-time jobs in each area to get a feel for them.

Ask for Advice: Talk to mentors, career counselors, family, or trusted friends who know you well.

Listen to Your Gut: Sometimes, your instincts can guide you better than facts alone.

Stay Open-Minded: Remember, many people change careers several times. Your first choice isn’t set in stone.
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Jan’s Answer

Choosing between two career paths that match your interests and skills is a great position to be in. You're deciding between becoming a cosmetologist, like a hairstylist or makeup artist, and being a choir or music teacher. With your enrollment in online cosmetology and chorale classes, plus your research, you're already making progress. Here are some steps to help you decide:

1. Think about what you love doing and what you're good at.
2. Consider the kind of lifestyle you want.
3. Look into job opportunities and growth in each field.
4. Check out the education and certification needed for each path.
5. Try to get some real-world experience in both areas.
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Jill’s Answer

Think about what makes you happy. Work feels much easier when you truly enjoy what you do. You're also more likely to grow in that area. But you don't have to choose just one option. Maybe you can train for both roles and work part-time in each. Freelancing could give you the flexibility to focus on hairstyling during weekends, when salons and events are busy, and teach music during the week, when parents look for after-school lessons.
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Mrinalini’s Answer

Hi Neva, it's great that you're already taking classes in both areas. This gives you a perfect chance to explore each path. You don't need to make a decision right away; often, the journey itself will reveal where your true passion lies.
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Tara’s Answer

Hi Nevaeh! I do not have experience in either of these professions, but would recommend thinking about what you would like to achieve out of your future career and what are your goals. For example, is salary the most important deciding factor? Is a predictable schedule important to you? Once you know what you would prefer, it may help you decide. Also, with the two careers you are considering there may still be opportunities for you to do the other one on the side to keep up with your passion. For example, if you choose the path of music teacher, you may be able to still be a makeup artist on the weekends (particularly thinking about weddings). Also, know whatever path you choose you always have the option to pivot directions if it's not working out as you so desired. Best of luck!
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Kariba’s Answer

It's great that you're looking at different career paths. Think about your short-term and long-term goals and see which option fits best with what you need. Remember, your job doesn't have to be your main passion, but it's important to feel passionate about what you do. If you choose one career, look for ways to stay connected to your other interests through community service or part-time work. Take your time, as this is an important decision, and you'll choose the path that feels right for you!
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María José’s Answer

Choosing between a career in cosmetology or music education is a big decision, but it can be exciting too. Both paths offer their own special opportunities and challenges. Think about what makes you happiest: is it making things beautiful or helping others discover their musical talents? Consider your skills and see where they might shine the most. Look into the job prospects and growth in each field, and think about what people need right now. Ultimately, go with what matches your personal goals and values, and picture where you’ll feel most fulfilled. Now's your chance to explore and pick a path that inspires you.
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Marco’s Answer

If you're torn between two career paths, it's okay to take your time and explore both options without feeling rushed. You're already studying cosmetology and music, so notice which one excites you more and feels rewarding, even when it's tough. Think about what you want in the future, like financial security, a good work-life balance, and the kind of workplace you prefer. Talking to professionals in both fields can give you a real sense of what their jobs are like and what opportunities they have. Remember, choosing one career now doesn't mean you can't switch or blend in the other later. Many people successfully change paths as their interests and situations change.
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Nehad’s Answer

Try out short courses in each area to see what you enjoy. Look into which career has better future prospects. Decide what you value most in a job. Making choices without the right information can waste time and energy. Don’t just think about now; consider which option aligns with your passion and offers a steady income in the long run.
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Raquel’s Answer

Hi Nevaeh!

Quick disclaimer -- I am not a cosmetologist or a music teacher, but I can share some general advice for when someone feels stuck between two career paths, especially when both feel exciting and meaningful.
First off, it's actually a really good sign that you're drawn to both! It means you've been paying attention to what you enjoy, not just picking something because you "should." Since you're already taking classes in both cosmetology and chorale, you're doing exactly what you should be doing which is testing things out instead of guessing.
A few things that might help you decide (or at least feel less stuck):
1. Pay attention to how you feel: After a long day, which class leaves you feeling more excited versus drained? Which do you find yourself talking about more without being asked?
2. Try and picture your day-to-day: Imagine a random day in five years from now. In one version, you are working with clients, styling hair or doing makeup. In the other, you're rehearsing with students, planning lessons, and directing music. Which version feels more like you?
3. Be a little logical too: Okay, I promise I'm not saying "ignore your passion and just chase the money," BUT it is also important to think about compensation and financial stability. Life can be expensive and stressful, and having financial security can make it a lot easier to actually enjoy your work (and your free time). It's worth looking at things like starting pay, long-term earning potential, benefits, and how consistent the income tends to be.
4. Remember it doesn't have to be forever: I have said this in almost every piece of advice I have given because it is so relevant for everyone! A lot of people think their first career choice locks them in for life, but it doesn't. You could pursue one for now, and keep the other as a side passion, or even just switch later. Plenty of people do this.
5. Understand that there is overlap: Creativity, performance, working with people, and making others feel confident show up in both careers. This means that no matter which path you choose, you're still using the same core strengths!
I hope this was helpful, and I wish you the best of luck with your future! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Alondra
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Sue’s Answer

Hi! Both careers choices are very creative. There is no rule that you have to chose one or the other. I know people started in one area and then changed later in their career. Focusing in one area first and finishing the degree/training might be very helpful so that you are concentrating on fininshing well in one. Then after that is completed, start taking classes to learn about the other. I am a firm believer in not trying to do everything at once. You will often see people who have 2 bachelor's or 1 bachelor's and then a masters. Or a degree in one area and then just additional classes to learn about something in addition. My dad used to always tell me to be a lifelong learner. That has been invaluable to me. There is no rule that you have to choose only one area to learn. It might make sense to do the cosmetology training first so that you can have a skill and get paid to do it. Then once that milestone is completed, you can pursue music lessons privately or embark on a music degree as well. Good luck! Both options sound fantastic!
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Michele’s Answer

Neveah,

Your name is amazing! It's like heaven spelled backwards.

Both paths you're considering are fantastic and offer lots of possibilities. Many famous musicians have personal makeup artists, and by being involved in both worlds, you open up even more career options. My daughter works in medical support and also runs a Beauty Care Spa Salon. She's made many connections because people love her beauty and hairstyles.
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MonToya’s Answer

It's great that you're exploring both cosmetology and music teaching by taking classes. Since you're gaining experience in both areas, here are a few tips to help you decide. Focus on the classes or activities that you find most enjoyable and exciting. If possible, try to get some hands-on experience, like internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering, to understand what each career is like on a daily basis.
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Nevaeh! When I am faced with decisions like yours, I will usually make a pros/cons list so that I can get organize my thoughts onto paper. This helps me to focus on the main areas of benefits and drawbacks. When making a pros/cons list, it's also important to think about where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years if you are still in that same career (any further education/training you may need, marriage, children, etc.). As your life changes, you will want to factor in how your career can align in order to have a work/life balance. Also, as others have mentioned, if you have the opportunity to job shadow each career path, get some hands on training or a part-time job in those areas you may quickly realize which path you are leaning towards more. Best of luck as you navigate the road ahead!
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Kristen’s Answer

Hello! How amazing that you have 2 career paths you are passionate about! The positive with both of those options, is that you may not have to choose to fully eliminate one - For example, you can choose to be a music teacher full time, and pursue makeup/hair/cosmetology as a side business (e.g., special events, etc). Similarly, you could choose to go into cosmetology full time, and become a music tutor as a side business.
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Eric’s Answer

Try job shadowing! Ask a cosmetologist or a music teacher if you can spend a day or a few hours with them.
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L’s Answer

My Grandmother and father were both musical (he went to Juilliard - piano), so I am biased...

...but you must decide...or must you? Why not both? https://spreadgreatideas.org/contrasts/vocation-vs-avocation/

Ask yourself why those two - they appear dramatically different. Have you been swayed by others?E.g. my father's profession biased my interests - initially for, but ultimately against (he was a lawyer, but didn't enjoy it - likely would have been much happier as a musician).

While you are young, explore as much as you can "hands on" - internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, interacting with professionals in those fields, etc.

Understand there is no "right" path - your interests may evolve, and you may end up somewhere totally different!

Congratulations on being introspective!

😀

L recommends the following next steps:

Ask yourself what truly makes you happy
Explore as many options as you can while you are young
Don't put too much pressure on yourself
Many different paths for both e.g.:
https://www.tspadelaware.com/business/cosmetology-career-paths-beyond-the-salon/
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