<p>When I was in my pre-teen years my dad and mom expressed to me that if possible you should strive to have a career that you love because you spend too much of your life at it for vacations and retirement to make up for it. Love what you do!!</p>
<p>My dad graduated from the CG Academy, was in the CG for 23 years, and has masters degrees in optical engineering and business. My mom has an undergraduate degree in French, and masters and doctoral degrees in music. Both were the first in their immediate families to complete college as second generation Americans. Both continue to work in their chosen fields and are close to 70. I ask them when they will retire and they say, “when I am no longer excited and inspired by what I do…” My dad has “tried” to retire 3 times, was bored and went back to work both teaching at the college level and working part time at an industry in his field.</p>
<p>I have an undergraduate degree in Musical Theatre and a masters degree in Directing. I currently teach full-time at the college level and freelance as a theatre director when I can fit it in. I love what I do! When I was in my 20s and early 30s I was freelancing in my field as a performer, director, teacher and sometimes supplemented my income with additional employment. I never regretted what I was doing as human being and as an artist. who doesn’t want more money, but I was able to support myself and doing what I loved was a part of that, so I was thrilled! With a full time teaching position I am now more financially comfortable, which is great, but in all stages of my career I have been fulfilled and able to support myself at a sustainable level… never was I rolling in dough. </p>
<p>Everyone has to decide the life they want to live and how money will play into that life. Life always throws us curve balls, and as individuals we need to assess with our loved ones what is the best path to follow at that time. No one can judge the choices of another. What is a happy life for one could be dissatisfying for another. </p>
<p>College has gotten more and more expensive and the economy is unstable. Everyone needs to make the choices that are best for themselves and their families. </p>
<p>I was an arts major in both undergrad and graduate school. I currently teach arts majors. Many of my friends from school and former students still work in the arts others have moved on to other fields of employment but use their arts background in their jobs and/ or are arts lovers/ possibly more creative thinkers because of their education.</p>
<p>I know college is expensive, but there are many options. A life lived pursuing and developing passions is not wasted. In my experience, there is a way to turn those passions into money earning jobs. However, those opportunities may not be following a straight and narrow path. Some will be more comfortable with this that others. When possible, one should pursue the path that they think will lead them to the life they would most like to lead. This may not always be possible… but may be someday. :)</p>