Exploring the Choices: Web Design or Teaching Art

Are you torn between a career in web design and teaching art to kids? This question has puzzled many, leading to a myriad of thoughts and feelings. Here are some insights and tips to help you navigate this decision.

Let the Universe Pick It for You

Starting your career can be daunting, especially when you have to choose between two paths that both seem exciting in their own right. The universe may surprise you with an answer if you let it. Sometimes, the best decision is to trust in something larger than yourself.

Or, Do Both

Why limit yourself to just one path when you can pursue both? You can try to merge your interests and skills into a dual career. For instance, you can build a career in web design with a side focus on creating educational tools that help kids learn art. This approach can provide financial stability while allowing you to stay true to both of your passions.

Or, Go to Costa Rica

If you're looking for a break or a change of scenery, consider taking a sabbatical to travel. Costa Rica offers a beautiful setting with a rich culture that can help you refocus and gain new perspectives. Alternatively, you can teach art to kids there, combining your passion with the opportunity to broaden your horizons.

Don't Take a Stranger's Opinion Too Seriously

Understanding your own heart is important. Don't sell yourself short by considering others' opinions too heavily. You know what truly makes you happy, so make a decision that will support that happiness. Just because a stranger may believe one path is better doesn't mean you should follow that advice uncritically.

Financial Considerations and Personal Satisfaction

It's important to consider both the financial and personal aspects of your choices. In one year, you may have made a great salary doing work that nearly destroyed your marriage and health. While the money might have seemed worth it initially, it ultimately drained your quality of life, leaving you in debt and in need of financial repairs. Conversely, a year later, after you lost that job, your life improved. This teaches us that money is not the only measure of success and happiness.

Alternative Career Paths

If financial stability is a concern, consider the possibility that you don't need to choose between a high salary and a fulfilling career. You can find ways to increase your earning potential without sacrificing your personal satisfaction. For example, web design can be a lucrative career, but it can also be frustrating if you have to deal with bad clients. On the other hand, teaching art to kids can be incredibly rewarding, as evidenced by the high job satisfaction your partner has experienced.

Try Both Before Making a Long-Term Decision

If you're still torn between the two paths, try both for a time. You can start by taking short-term jobs or freelance work in both fields to get a taste of each. This can help you understand what aligns more with your long-term goals and values.

Flip a Coin and Listen to Your Reaction

Another option is to use a simple decision-making tool like flipping a coin. After you've made the decision, pay close attention to your reaction. Does the result feel natural or are you still hesitant? Your subconscious reactions can provide valuable insight into which path might be the right fit for you.

Consider Your Desire or Lack Thereof

Sometimes, you might not have a strong desire for either job. In such cases, consider what you would do if you could choose anything. This may reveal a better path for you. For example, if you find that you don't have a strong desire for either job, but you do find that you value freedom and personal fulfillment, it might be worth considering a more flexible career.

Personal Experience:

Personally, I would lean towards teaching art to kids. While web design can be frustrating, dealing with bad clients, it is a challenging and often unrewarding career. On the other hand, teaching art to kids can be incredibly rewarding. In my experience, my partner teaches kids art, and she has a much higher level of job satisfaction than I do, as a print-based designer. This difference in satisfaction might indicate that teaching art to kids could be a better choice for someone who values personal fulfillment over other aspects of a career.