Let’s consider the age-old question that inevitably, and universally, pesters young people: what career should I pursue?
This question is asked throughout our formative years, usually by adults trying to make conversation with us. For many, myself included, the answer grows increasingly doubtful as you age. As a young adult, some of us don’t even know what we want for dinner that day, let alone what job we’d dedicate our life to. It is less socially acceptable to answer with “a princess”, or a “dragon tamer” at this age, although those would make riveting nine-to-five jobs.
Let’s consider two aspects of career choice: your talents and your passion. I believe that, ideally, these two would align. As an Arts student, I am all-too-familiar with the stereotype that we don’t make much money after graduation. When people make these lighthearted remarks, I laugh along, but I admit they’ve made me doubtful at times. Moments like these make me reflect, but I always reach the same conclusion. I pursue the Arts because, luckily for me, writing is something I am both passionate about and that I excel at. However, not everyone is lucky enough for these to conflate.
This is a common dilemma: whether to pursue what you’re good at, or what you enjoy. The safe option is to chase your talents, with the presumption that you’ll excel at your job and easily climb the ranks. This job may leave you emotionally unsatisfied. Perhaps what you enjoy doing is less conventional or financially rewarding, but it makes you happy. What should you do?
There is no single solution to this problem. In the end, hopefully you choose a career that you feel is “right”. Everyone has different priorities: evaluate your own! My friendly advice is to explore your options and interests, talk with career counselors, as well as people you know and trust, and believe that you deserve to do fulfilling work: whatever that means for you.
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