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How do you decide between two jobs which are complete opposites?

I'm very into photography and the thrill of taking pictures but; I also am very into helping people mentally because I know it's hard to get support. I'm very good at photography and I'm currently doing it in school, I'm in high school. I'm also a very emotional person and I've always struggled mentally so I've always wanted to give everyone the mental support I've never gotten.

psychology help mental-health love support
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Hwal’s Answer

Milan,

I feel like I've been in your shoes, perhaps as a teenager, when I found it difficult to have to choose between a career in creative arts and a helping profession. What I didn't know back then, and which no one at the time told me, is that I didn't need to give up on one passion in favour of another. Now, in my case, I've clearly chosen a career in medicine/a helping profession for my full-time, paid career. At the same time, I've been able to use my creativity in several different ways over time, which fulfills my need for creativity, without worries about or concern for financial reward. Some examples include writing articles for publication and designing and implementing community outreach and education projects. So in your case, you could pursue both photography and a career in mental health, by making one a paid career and the other a passion that generates little to no financial gain but could be hugely fulfilling.

I was a registered mental health counsellor in Australia before practicing medicine in the US as a PA, so let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.

Good luck!

Hwal
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, this really helps me know there were other people with the same struggles. I think right now I'm definitely leaning toward the more medical side of things because of the pay and because it just seems better for me. I might end up doing something on the side. It is a little early to be deciding this but I've always been worried about not knowing what I'm doing with my education and learning things that won't aid me in my career choice for the future. Milan
Thank you comment icon You're very welcome, Milan. And I definitely hear you. I think it's important and helpful to be purposeful about your education. I'm a practical learner, especially now that I'm at a certain stage of life and career, so if I'm going to invest time, tuition, and effort over months and years into an academic/training program, I want to make sure that it either adds substantial value to my current career or sets me up for success in a different one. I would be curious to see where you go from here, Milan. Hwal Lee
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Anuj’s Answer

You do not actually have to choose; your two passions are incredibly complementary. You can choose one as your primary career and use the other to enhance it, or combine them directly into a unique niche.

Option 1: Combine Them (Art Therapy)
Look into Creative Art Therapy. Many licensed psychologists and counselors use photography to help patients process trauma and express complex emotions that they cannot put into words.

Option 2: The Core Career + Fuel Niche
Psychology/Counseling: Make this your primary career for financial stability, and use photography as your personal mental health escape.

Professional Photography: Focus your lens on capturing raw human emotion, working with mental health nonprofits, or documenting human stories to raise awareness.

Follow the path that allows you to heal others while feeding your creative soul.
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Mark’s Answer

First of all I think that we are entering a time where income is going to be irrelevant. We are about to enter a Golden Age where all of your basic needs will be provided for.

I could be wrong but I don't think I am. In any case please take my advice with a grain of salt.

The answer to your question is to combine your two interests. How? I don't know. Find some mentors. Talk to everyone you know. Be open to anything. Volunteer your time. Make progress every single day. Dreams come true with time and effort.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Milan
Thank you comment icon Hey Mark, this is a very interesting perspective. Do you have any sources to support the emergence of the Golden Age? Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Carrie’s Answer

Hi Milan, a creative outlet is its own reward! I think you have a great plan to both help people and do what makes you happy.
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Mark’s Answer

I am a Greek Orthodox Christian, just like Tom Hanks. I am just laity. I speak only for myself.

I believe that the events in Israel are inevitably pulling all of us into a Theocracy.

That's a Golden Age for some Christians. But not all.
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