Career Choice.....Sigh.....

And, just to muddy the waters a bit more, there's something to be said for time.

I could have more money, and perhaps enjoy my work more...but I wouldn't have the time to enjoy the rest of my life.

I've opted for the job that pays reasonably well, that I don't care for, because it gives me the money and the time to enjoy the rest of my life. 40 hours a week I don't much care about--but I've got the freedom, and the finances, to enjoy the rest of it.
 
It's kind of funny to think: good paying job = stable but boring... dream job = risky and low(er) paying, but fulfilling.

Going back to the original post, dance can be a successful career if you keep on training, stay in good physical shape, and work with the right people... and learn how to save money wisely for retirement and/or other family needs.

If there is a job you want to do, but find it to be a "dream job", well make it a reality already! If need be, have a back up job, do something part time, do freelance work if you can, have a weekend job. Again I could be talking about of my behind considering I don't have a family yet, but no one should have to be dedicated to a stable, boring job just because it pays well and supports the family. What about your needs and wants? I remember watching an episode of Oprah where a woman who had a great paying job (forget what field) gave up her materialistic life to join the circus!! She loves it more than anything else and has scaled back on everything in her life, but couldn't be happier.

Overall, just be wise financially, if you have a spouse with insurance, then that helps a lot obviously. Just don't keep dreaming because you think something is too far-fetched.

-Ms. Positive :p
 
Peaches said:
And, just to muddy the waters a bit more, there's something to be said for time.

I could have more money, and perhaps enjoy my work more...but I wouldn't have the time to enjoy the rest of my life.

I've opted for the job that pays reasonably well, that I don't care for, because it gives me the money and the time to enjoy the rest of my life. 40 hours a week I don't much care about--but I've got the freedom, and the finances, to enjoy the rest of it.
Click to expand...

You make a good point Peaches. It's nice to have the money to say, travel. I haven't been on a vacation in years. :( I had to go ahead and buy a condo instead lol.

Time is a big thing, but when I think of the overall picture, I don't want to spend the majority of my time doing something that doesn't make me excited to get up in the morning. It's all about the balance though. I don't think I'd give up my job to join the circus, but hey if I can do something that I like and it keeps most things in check, well then that's good enough for me.

/moving onto the 3rd cup of coffee, still haven't woken up yet today.
 
Yep, it's all about balance.

Personally, a job never has been, nor ever will be, anything more than a means to an end. I would feel very differently, I'm sure, were I single. Now, though, no job will be enjoyable enough to warrant severly cutting into my time with DH. That's just me, though.

For some of us "good paying job = stable but boring... dream job = risky and low(er) paying, but fulfilling" is reality. I wanted to be a farrier, but was told that I'd have 10 years before my body gave out. And then what? It generally doesn't come with insurance and a retirement plan. The other day there was an article in the paper about what I'd consider to be my dream job. On a certain level, it hurt to read that article. But they talk about these people living in sparse cinderblock rooms over stables. Fine for me...not fine for me and DH. And not fine for the obligations I know we'll have down the road.
 
And to add onto Peaches post, the most enjoyable jobs also seem to be the most taxing on one's physical well being (sports, modeling, dance). Even if a "dream job" isn't feasible, it's important to still keep it in your life as a hobby or side thing... or go find someone with LOTS of money!! I'm kidding, I'm kidding. :rolleyes: Always be able to support yourself.
 
I think LC and Peaches have summed up both sides of the question pretty well. I was briefly a financial planner, Peach, and we pointed out all the things you did when we had a client who looked like they were underinsured, etc. But LC has a point too - if you're wise with your money, you don't have to have tons of it. Ultimately one has to do a personal risk-benefits analysis and decide what they can live with.

lcdancesport said:
I remember watching an episode of Oprah where a woman who had a great paying job (forget what field) gave up her materialistic life to join the circus!!
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, Circus Ape! *That's* what I REALLY want to be!
 
nucat78 said:
I think LC and Peaches have summed up both sides of the question pretty well. I was briefly a financial planner, Peach, and we pointed out all the things you did when we had a client who looked like they were underinsured, etc. But LC has a point too - if you're wise with your money, you don't have to have tons of it. Ultimately one has to do a personal risk-benefits analysis and decide what they can live with.



Oh yeah, Circus Ape! *That's* what I REALLY want to be!
Click to expand...

Thanks Nucat :) I could certainly use a financial person right about now so I can get everything in order. Right now I'm at the edge of the pool, sticking my toes in the water, just waiting to dive in. lol

lol @ Circus Ape comment. :p
 
I will say, before I totally give the impression that I've sold out for money and time...

I actually prolly could have made more money...if I'd spend a bit more time in school (at the expense of being happily married for those years, and my sanity), and was willing to work more hours. I've gone several rounds with my fil about this. I took the less pay, in order to have the time.

No, I don't really like my job, but I always knew I wouldn't, no matter what I did. I don't like the work, but the whole job package (hours, environment, boss, perks, etc.) make it worthwhile. To me, at least.
 
fascination said:
chica...don't fret

A) there is no rule that you have to ever figure out who you are or what you want to be...lots of people force it and end up dedicating years to something they hate so that they can feel successful
B) you are young...neither my spouse nor I discovered our real passions or vocations until our mid -thirties
C) just keep reflecting upon what your greatest gifts and greatest limitations are and what gives you joy and keep your eyes open to make decsions that move you in the direction of the things that give you joy and the things for which you have skill... trust that with reflection clarity will come...
D)life is too short to feel that sort of pressure...enjoy today, reflect and plan as ideas unfold for you
F) nothing you've done thusfar is a wasted only a piece of the puzzle teaching you something about yourself
Click to expand...

I love your posts fascination...always calms me down...it really will all be all right. :D
 
Peaches said:
I will say, before I totally give the impression that I've sold out for money and time...

I actually prolly could have made more money...if I'd spend a bit more time in school (at the expense of being happily married for those years, and my sanity), and was willing to work more hours. I've gone several rounds with my fil about this. I took the less pay, in order to have the time.

No, I don't really like my job, but I always knew I wouldn't, no matter what I did. I don't like the work, but the whole job package (hours, environment, boss, perks, etc.) make it worthwhile. To me, at least.
Click to expand...
well here's the thing about that...and I tell my son this all the time; "while you are finding:rolleyes: yourself, do something that pays well so that if you ever figure it out you'll have more than a snowball's chance in hell of achieving it..."
 
fascination said:
well here's the thing about that...and I tell my son this all the time; "while you are finding:rolleyes: yourself, do something that pays well so that if you ever figure it out you'll have more than a snowball's chance in hell of achieving it..."
Click to expand...
Very good advice. (Although I'd add...and be very smart with your money so as to not box yourself in. A good paycheck can be handcuffs as well.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Dance Ads

Advertise on Dance Forums Reach dancers, teachers, studios, event organizers, and dance-friendly brands. View ad options
Back
Top