Should i do the career my mothers feels is best (vet nursing) ?

Question

Basically I cant choose a career ,so I ask my mother and she told me to be a vet nurse.

I am creative and prefer to work on projects individually and have the flexibility of where I work so I don’t think vet nursing would suit me especially If I am only doing it only for money. I would like to stay at home or maybe work in a studio.

I do like working with others what I mean to say is I can work alone also. I do art and write in my spare time and get enjoyment from this but I don’t know how to make money from it. I do things like book illustrations digitally on an iPad and I think they are good but I could be wrong. I outline photos so I sort of cheat but the image looks good.

I never studied art further because I have schizophrenia and not much money and am too paranoid to go on the train for an hour to learn concept art / digital art / visual art or design in the city.

problem is I am not confident on computers and like to move around a lot. I also still feel in regards to my illness that anything in public I can’t do and would be hard for me ,I need to find the best choice of career for someone with my issues that a style of work would do for them I think i am also have apspergus syndrome but undiagnosed.so may be on the autism spectrum,

I worked at hospital for a bit though a program and best time I had was meeting* a nice lady I worked with and being apart of the mental illness art gallery I was able to sell some art that was hand drawn using stencil to copy. I got called back to do another one as the lady missed out on getting it and completed it that weekend.

i am only motivated when people ask for my art other wise I don’t really push myself to produce art,

I think my mother just wants me to get employed and out of the house as I spend most days inside . I don’t want to be a problem on the government any more I want to pay my way I just don’t know how. I have been unemployed most my life and am almost 30.

i just need to find a direction and feel happy and low stress and need to find something I can stick at. Because I won’t get my pension back once I am off it.

any thoughts,

btw I have a cert 3 in captive animals which is my highest education probable why my mother suggested vet nursing to me

so basically should I do vet nursing which may get me a regular job or some how develope my skill and try to sell a book or something and try get better at art instead. practical or whimsical, Choice which one should I choose.

Answer 1

Hi Lou,

First of all, congratulations on tapping into your creativity! Many people never get that far and are pushed into various careers by their parents. I too am an artist (when I am not counseling) and it IS hard to stay motivated when you are home with no external pressures. I too work from home and it can be a struggle.

I think you have a real opportunity to create a career from art and writing given the digital age we live in. I would suggest getting a subscription to Skillshare (you can get two months for free) and really learn digital and traditional art. There are so many short classes on the platform that will give you the skills you need including business ideas.

I would also consider a certificate in digital art. You may be able to get one online via a local community college.

Also, tap into why you are drawn to animals. Start to make a log of all things that are important to you or move you in some way. For instance, they can be places, objects, animals, words, or colors. Instead of feeling the need to work in the vet field how about creating some art around animals and those things you are drawn to.

I would also suggest volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue. You would more easily be able to manage the amount of time you spend there which is important for your health. But also contributing to a cause that is important to you may give you some clarity on your career and make you feel good!

All the best,

Jennifer

Answer 2

Hi Lou! My name is Casey!! I see that you have thought about this a lot!!

I would love to give you advise but ultimately this is your life and you should decide on a career YOU want to do. I understand family is an important thing to you, and that is so important but you should look inside you and really ask yourself what you would really enjoy and like to pursue!!

I would love to have a session with you and talk to you more about your goals and what you have been experiencing!! Contact me if you are interested or would like to talk more!