2 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Apple Valley, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do I choose between being a therapist and being an actor?
I'm a 17-year-old high school student; I've loved doing theater for years. But I'm afraid I won't make any real money if that were to be my career. I'm passionate about helping children through therapy, but I think I would be happier in the long run if I were to pursue theater. I'm mostly worried about the job market surrounding theater, and the long-term money-making aspects.
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2 answers
Alexander Laurence
Childrens Art Instructor
4
Answers
Sonoma, California
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth!
I feel a lot of what you're saying as an artist myself, it is hard to choose between what you love vs what will be comfortable in the long run, but I don't think you have to sacrifice both.
I think there's plenty of career options to incorporate children's theatre into your work, or even doing theatre through small independent companies while pursuing another career is always another option as well. You can always have a career that allows you to pursue your creative passions as well, so that theater doesn't feel like something you're entirely giving up on.
Best of luck!
I feel a lot of what you're saying as an artist myself, it is hard to choose between what you love vs what will be comfortable in the long run, but I don't think you have to sacrifice both.
I think there's plenty of career options to incorporate children's theatre into your work, or even doing theatre through small independent companies while pursuing another career is always another option as well. You can always have a career that allows you to pursue your creative passions as well, so that theater doesn't feel like something you're entirely giving up on.
Best of luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
This is one of those decisions that feels like you’re choosing between security and fulfillment. You don’t necessarily have to give one up to build the other. The real task here is designing a path that protects your future and honors what energizes you.
A career in therapy is structured: you’d study psychology, go on to a Master’s program, complete supervised hours, and become licensed. It’s a longer, more defined pipeline, but it leads to relatively stable, meaningful work with consistent demand, especially if you’re interested in supporting children.
Theater, on the other hand, is less predictable. Income can be inconsistent, opportunities can be competitive, and progress isn’t always linear. Your concern about financial stability is valid; it’s something many actors go through. But here’s the part people don’t always say: success in creative fields often comes from persistence, portfolio-building, and strategic positioning, not just raw talent.
Now, instead of asking “Which one do I choose forever?” try asking, “How can I build a dual-track strategy for the next few years?”
A very practical manner would be to anchor yourself in a stable, purpose-driven path, like psychology, while actively continuing theater alongside it. College is actually one of the best environments to do both. You can major in psychology (keeping your path toward therapy open) while participating in theater productions, taking acting classes, joining performance groups, or even creating your own work.
This does two important things. First, it gives you a secure professional pathway you can rely on. Second, it allows you to test your commitment to acting in a real-world way, such as auditions, rehearsals, and performances, without the immediate pressure of depending on it for income.
There’s also more overlap between these two paths than it might seem. Strong actors develop empathy, emotional awareness, and communication skills, all of which are essential in therapy. And therapists who understand expression and storytelling often connect deeply with clients, especially young people. There are even niche areas like drama therapy where both interests intersect.
Financially, many people in creative careers build hybrid lives; they may have a primary profession that provides stability while continuing to grow their artistic career over time. This isn’t “settling”; it’s a strategic way to sustain both passion and independence. You don’t need to have your entire life decided at 17. What you need is a plan that gives you room to explore, build skills in both areas, and make a more informed decision later, based on real experience, not just fear of the unknown.
If you follow a path where you completely ignore theater, you may always wonder “what if.” But if you give yourself structured space to pursue it while building a strong foundation in psychology, you’re creating options rather than limiting them. You’re not choosing between two identities; you’re figuring out how to integrate them in a way that works for your life. And that’s a much more powerful place to be.
Best wishes!
This is one of those decisions that feels like you’re choosing between security and fulfillment. You don’t necessarily have to give one up to build the other. The real task here is designing a path that protects your future and honors what energizes you.
A career in therapy is structured: you’d study psychology, go on to a Master’s program, complete supervised hours, and become licensed. It’s a longer, more defined pipeline, but it leads to relatively stable, meaningful work with consistent demand, especially if you’re interested in supporting children.
Theater, on the other hand, is less predictable. Income can be inconsistent, opportunities can be competitive, and progress isn’t always linear. Your concern about financial stability is valid; it’s something many actors go through. But here’s the part people don’t always say: success in creative fields often comes from persistence, portfolio-building, and strategic positioning, not just raw talent.
Now, instead of asking “Which one do I choose forever?” try asking, “How can I build a dual-track strategy for the next few years?”
A very practical manner would be to anchor yourself in a stable, purpose-driven path, like psychology, while actively continuing theater alongside it. College is actually one of the best environments to do both. You can major in psychology (keeping your path toward therapy open) while participating in theater productions, taking acting classes, joining performance groups, or even creating your own work.
This does two important things. First, it gives you a secure professional pathway you can rely on. Second, it allows you to test your commitment to acting in a real-world way, such as auditions, rehearsals, and performances, without the immediate pressure of depending on it for income.
There’s also more overlap between these two paths than it might seem. Strong actors develop empathy, emotional awareness, and communication skills, all of which are essential in therapy. And therapists who understand expression and storytelling often connect deeply with clients, especially young people. There are even niche areas like drama therapy where both interests intersect.
Financially, many people in creative careers build hybrid lives; they may have a primary profession that provides stability while continuing to grow their artistic career over time. This isn’t “settling”; it’s a strategic way to sustain both passion and independence. You don’t need to have your entire life decided at 17. What you need is a plan that gives you room to explore, build skills in both areas, and make a more informed decision later, based on real experience, not just fear of the unknown.
If you follow a path where you completely ignore theater, you may always wonder “what if.” But if you give yourself structured space to pursue it while building a strong foundation in psychology, you’re creating options rather than limiting them. You’re not choosing between two identities; you’re figuring out how to integrate them in a way that works for your life. And that’s a much more powerful place to be.
Best wishes!