Do What I Love, or Be Realistic?

Question

I have always been drawn to the arts: drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, acting, etc. I am currently a single mother of a two year old little boy that I love so much. I struggle with my decision to go into the health field just because its practical. I feel like I'm not proving to my son he can do what he loves and still be happy. I know we will struggle if I do what I love. If I choose the medical field, we will have benefits, insurance, retirement, and a comfortable income.

Any Advice?

Answer 1

Well,I work in the health care field,and I will tell you its not as glorious as it seems,but i do love my job!

I will also tell you (not to scare you because god knows we need good workers in the field) that when you work in health care you often work long hours,the work isnt all that glorious,and at times your married to your job(because every place is so short of help)

What I would suggest to you before you go any further is that you stop and evaluate things and ask yourself

Do i realy have an interest in healthcare ?

What do I realy want to do ?

If your only considering healthcare because of the benefits and money,then stop right there

I have said it before and I will say it again (although it soes depend on where you live to) its not all that gloriouse !!

You cant get into it because of the money because the money isnt realy there - healthcare is a job you get into because you have a love and passion for the work..

Since I dont know your answers and can only go by what you posted in your question my suggestion to you would be -

Follow your heart and do your art

and if the benefits are what your realy after then take out a part time job on the side..

If it were me: I would pick up a full time job,work on my arts on the side for a couple years,get some money set aside,and then cut back to part time work and put more effort into my arts

I have been in the same spot your in,single mom and all,but had 4 children I was raising

I followed my heart and went through with healthcare, but thats because I have a love for the work - I love what I do - and I have been married to my job many times (meaning lots of long hours and overtime and not seeing my children that much) because it is a very demanding field that is very short on help

Answer 2

Art is something that is pretty easy to do on the side.  I have a 1 year old and a full time job and still manage to make and sell jewelry and handmade cards.  You can moonlight with your hobby and passion until it looks like it could provide a steady income stream, then switch over full time.  

Answer 3

do both... i know that sounds lame but really...

focus on your artistic abilities and get a degree at the same time!

but you do need to be a little bit realistic and know where to draw the line, you don't want your son to grow up thinking that art and stuff are more important than being a mother, but don't give up on your dream all together, keep working on it but haveing a reliable income is nothing to be ashamed of to your son