If you are majoring in the arts and humanities, you might be wondering if you made the right choice. After all, careers in the arts are hard to come by whereas STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers are increasing. While I can’t decide for you, there are some things to consider when pursuing a creative field.
If you are majoring in a creative subject, odds are you are already passionate about it. Music, art, theatre and design are all majors that require some previous interest and skill. Creative careers are harder than “normal” jobs, though. You might have long hours, tight deadlines or be constantly on the road.
Creative jobs require different things than your typical job. That is why you should be certain creativity is the path for you. Here is how you can determine if being creative is your calling.
1. There’s Nothing You’d Rather Do.
If the only thing you can see yourself doing is your creative passion, go for it. For some people, deciding to be a musician, writer or artist is easy. It’s they only path they want to go down. Questioning your choice does not automatically mean you should not pursue it, though.
Knowing that your passion is what gets you up in the morning is a sure sign that you made the right choice. You’re not interested in a regular job, so you spend all of your free time working on your craft.
2. It Consumes Your Thoughts.
If all you ever think about is writing your next story or giving your next performance, you are destined for creating. The way to success in a creative field is that constant drive and passion that makes you work hard.
If your craft is all you ever think about, you can be sure that it is the only way you will be happy. This coincides with the first point, but if your art consumes you and your thoughts, it is worth a shot to make it your career.
3. You Love Being Challenged.
Most day jobs involve showing up at the same time each day to do the same thing. That’s not the case with creative jobs. Every day will be different. You will have a lot of work to do one day then maybe a chill day the next.
These creative jobs also involve challenges. You will probably have to keep looking for work on a regular basis, proving yourself over and over. If that doesn’t faze you, you can go into a creative career with an edge that not everyone will have.
4. A Normal Day Job Sounds Boring.
If you can’t bear the thought of working for the same old company day after day, year after year, a normal day job won’t make you happy. Most creative people need creative stimuli to avoid getting bored. While some jobs can be interesting, you won’t be fulfilled if you aren’t working on your craft.
A daily routine is nice for some people, but not everyone needs that structure. If you know that you would be bored in a day job or that it won’t make you happy, don’t force it. Being creative is a great thing, but it’s not always possible in a normal job. If being creative is what will make you happy, you should pursue that.
5. Happiness is more Important than Money.
I’m not going to say that you shouldn’t make money. We all need some money to live and survive. But, there comes a point where making a ton of money is not worth the unhappiness you have to face.
Most creative careers don’t lead to a rich lifestyle; the term starving artist is not just a term. Most creative people get past this, though, because their creative pursuit makes them immensely happy.
If you know that happiness is more important to you than a fat pay check, you should pursue your creativity as a career. You will thank yourself later.
So…
Do you want a career in the arts? What makes you do what you do? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter (@HannahHaefele)!
Thanks for reading!