5 answers
Stella
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How do I really know my life long vocation ?
I don't know if I want to be a musician or be in the science fields.
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5 answers
Robert Epstein
General Manager
57
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
That’s something I asked myself too. I wound up going into the science/technology field, and being a musician in my spare time. I think the question you have to ask yourself is: What do I love most…that also pays enough to live a life that I’m comfortable with? You have to figure the odds. How likely are you to get a high enough income as a musician versus the likelihood you could find a science-based job that you like? And remember, you can always change fields later. Be well and enjoy the adventure!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
It will be something that you love to do so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway.
There is always something in our lives that fits this particular description. This will be your true calling, and what you will pursue in life.
There is always something in our lives that fits this particular description. This will be your true calling, and what you will pursue in life.
Nathaniel Wander
anthropology/psychotherapy/writing
35
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
Hiyah Stella,
Please believe I’m laughing with you, not at you, but…
Lifelong? I’m 75, and still don’t know what my lifelong path is. I have been an anthropologist of one sort or another since I was 13, but also an educator, a politician, an environmental activist, a house-painter, an advisor and researcher on public health and the tobacco industry, an ecologist, a stable hand, a bird biologist, a science writer, a pharmaceutical research monitor, a banana cultivator, an online documents researcher, a psychotherapist, etc., etc., etc. At 69, I discovered I had a talent for fine art painting, and since have become a decent bird painter.
Ars longa, vita breva, as the Romans used to say: ‘Arts (skills) take a long time to develop, and life is short.’ Who knows what will happen to you during that lifetime, where you may travel, who you will meet, how your self-discovery will shape your interests. The point? Do what’s in front of you at the moment with as much enthusiasm as possible, experience as much as you can, become skillful.
As it happens, one of my closest friends is a ranking wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She administers an international wildlife treaty, supervises a staff, reports on bird populations, even gets into the field from time to time. She also plays cello in a community symphony orchestra, appearing in concert about 8-10 times/year. I’ll ask her if she’s willing to consult with you.
Nathaniel
Please believe I’m laughing with you, not at you, but…
Lifelong? I’m 75, and still don’t know what my lifelong path is. I have been an anthropologist of one sort or another since I was 13, but also an educator, a politician, an environmental activist, a house-painter, an advisor and researcher on public health and the tobacco industry, an ecologist, a stable hand, a bird biologist, a science writer, a pharmaceutical research monitor, a banana cultivator, an online documents researcher, a psychotherapist, etc., etc., etc. At 69, I discovered I had a talent for fine art painting, and since have become a decent bird painter.
Ars longa, vita breva, as the Romans used to say: ‘Arts (skills) take a long time to develop, and life is short.’ Who knows what will happen to you during that lifetime, where you may travel, who you will meet, how your self-discovery will shape your interests. The point? Do what’s in front of you at the moment with as much enthusiasm as possible, experience as much as you can, become skillful.
As it happens, one of my closest friends is a ranking wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She administers an international wildlife treaty, supervises a staff, reports on bird populations, even gets into the field from time to time. She also plays cello in a community symphony orchestra, appearing in concert about 8-10 times/year. I’ll ask her if she’s willing to consult with you.
Nathaniel
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Stella,
That's a great question, but hard to answer without knowing your talent and interest in music or in science.
Overall, it's probably easier to find a stable job in a science field than as a musician, but if you are a rising music star that could be the wrong advice.
You could also work as a music teacher instead or on top of being a performing artist which might be a bit easier and more predictable as a career.
If you decide for a career in science, you can always keep music as an important hobby that balances your science. If you decide for a career in music, you'll probably lose the science.
Good luck!
KP
That's a great question, but hard to answer without knowing your talent and interest in music or in science.
Overall, it's probably easier to find a stable job in a science field than as a musician, but if you are a rising music star that could be the wrong advice.
You could also work as a music teacher instead or on top of being a performing artist which might be a bit easier and more predictable as a career.
If you decide for a career in science, you can always keep music as an important hobby that balances your science. If you decide for a career in music, you'll probably lose the science.
Good luck!
KP
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Stella,
It's wonderful to hear your interest in both science and music! This reminds me of a student I met a while ago who was torn between his passion for orchestral music and his chosen medical career. The advice given to him was to embrace both - one for the daylight hours and the other for the night.
The potential of computer programming is truly remarkable. I've managed to create a digital musical interface platform using Visual Basic 6. It's equipped with 128 instruments, volumes, and pitches, allowing you to generate nearly any sound you can imagine. It's quite extraordinary!
The student had a keen interest in classical music composition within an orchestra. There's absolutely no restriction in pursuing both passions! The best approach is to follow what you excel at and what brings you joy, ease, relaxation, and minimal stress. A touch of positive stress or 'eustress' is often part of any job and can be managed. Otherwise, work can become monotonous! Your parents' careers were likely shaped by their unique talents, which are genetically inherited from their parents.
As for me, I've spent 51 years in the field of computer software development, alongside 35 years of experience in nutrition and dietetics. It's entirely possible to blend two career paths! This became evident when a client requested a 14-day food menu.
May God's blessings be abundant in your life,
JAMES.
It's wonderful to hear your interest in both science and music! This reminds me of a student I met a while ago who was torn between his passion for orchestral music and his chosen medical career. The advice given to him was to embrace both - one for the daylight hours and the other for the night.
The potential of computer programming is truly remarkable. I've managed to create a digital musical interface platform using Visual Basic 6. It's equipped with 128 instruments, volumes, and pitches, allowing you to generate nearly any sound you can imagine. It's quite extraordinary!
The student had a keen interest in classical music composition within an orchestra. There's absolutely no restriction in pursuing both passions! The best approach is to follow what you excel at and what brings you joy, ease, relaxation, and minimal stress. A touch of positive stress or 'eustress' is often part of any job and can be managed. Otherwise, work can become monotonous! Your parents' careers were likely shaped by their unique talents, which are genetically inherited from their parents.
As for me, I've spent 51 years in the field of computer software development, alongside 35 years of experience in nutrition and dietetics. It's entirely possible to blend two career paths! This became evident when a client requested a 14-day food menu.
May God's blessings be abundant in your life,
JAMES.