What's Your Passion
 

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately trying to figure out a lot of things but mainly my career. I am a recent graduate with a B.S. in Family and Child Studies. I'm currently in graduate school pursuing a Master's in Public Administration. I know that I'm blessed to be in the postion that I'm in right now and I thank God for it everday. However I feel like this may not be my ultimate calling. I'm the only one in my family who has made it thus far and I don't want to dissappoint anyone. I sometimes think about not continuing but I don't want to seem like a failure in the eyes of my family, peers, church members, etc. Everyone has a lot of faith in me to do the right thing, which is go to school, get a couple of degrees, and have a career.

I've always had a passion for hair. I've always wanted to go to cosmetology school, get my liscence, and eventually open up my own salon and day spa. My mother has discouraged this since I first mentioned it in high school. For some reason people seem to think that this profession isn't acceptable. I really don't understand it.

As of right now I've decided that I would continue my Master's program but I want to go to cosmetology school as well. Maybe after I work a couple of years and save enough money my dream will come true. On the other hand I don't want to spend two years of my life in school for something I really don't want to do.

My question for you all is this. What is your passion? Have you ever thought about it? If you could do anything you wanted to do without worrying about money or what people thought about it, what would you do.

Also, have you ever been in my position. Any words of encouragement, advice, or comments are welcome.

Re: What's Your Passion
 

You know what, people that truly love you want you to be your happiest self. Only you can say whether that means finishing your current program or stopping and pursuing your cosmetology (sp) aspirations.

I do know you'll have more than a few sleepless nights trying to live the dreams of others particularly while you're single, (my assumption, apologies if I'm wrong on this.)

Parents always want the sun and the moon for their children (I know I'd deliver it on a platter for my children if I could). But at the end of the day, your moms will love the fact that you "did the thang" and you're happy.

...besides I know she'd be looking for the hook-up on the beauty salon thing, right? :p

Re: What's Your Passion
 

Your not the only one. I teach independent living classes to adults who are disabled and I found out that I would like to teach. I have a BS in Communications with a focus on Public Relations and I am working on a Master's in Rehabilitation Adminstration. After this I want to get my certification in teaching and I found a program that can help me reach my goal. I would just drop everything and go ahead and start this teacher's program, but I only have three more classes to take and have so much invested (time and money) towards my master's that I have to put my future plans on hold for a little while longer. But when I told my parents they were very supportative.

So if you want to pursue cosmetology, go for it. But if your almost to the finish line with your master's then finish it and pursue your dreams. You will always have something to fall back on.

Thanks Tony and UpPinkies for the replies. I think I know for sure that I want to pursue the cosmetology school now but I just don't know how I'm going to fit it into my schedule. I've realized that dropping out of grad school is not an option because I rely heavily on my graduate stipend and my salary from my internship. UpPinkies you mentioned having something to fall back on. I've been thinking about that a lot. As of now I just think that I need to follow through with grad school because of the invested time on part, the shcools, and my internship.

UpPinkies, your situation seems a little different though. It seems to me that all of your prior education want be a waste, unlike myself. I want to do something that as nothing to do with government or public service.

I wish you the best in your endeavors and once again thank you for the replies.

Hi Candygirl,

Having been in your situation, I can understand. I would weight the pros and cons of each decision or road ahead that lays in front of you. (i.e. you like doing hair, but do you want to spend every Saturday on your feet working on hair 'til 7 at night). Also, look at ALL the avenues availible. For example, see what all is availible for people with cosmotology skills. Look beyond just opening up your own shop - you could do hair/make-up for TV stations, TV shows, etc. Maybe even theatrical make-up.

You will make the right decision :cool: As staqted earlier, regardless as to what other people may THINK, you are the one that lives your life....not anyone else.

bumping this because GC has all the answers and i'm trying to figure out my passion too.

LOL @ greek chat having all the answers:D

How much less are you willing to make for your passion to come true? For example you make 40,000 are you willing to make 30,000?