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In rural India where science stream - Math + Phy + Chem - was almost automatic for me for 2 years 10+2 schooling (before 3-4 yrs of college began) because I ha

In rural India where science stream - Math + Phy + Chem - was almost automatic for me for 2 years 10+2 schooling (before 3-4 yrs of college began) because I had scored quite well in my 10th board examination. Because, for the world around me it was obvious that I would be studying medicine or engineering (I chose engineering as I had seen number of thick books a relative had - he was a medical student - that had scared me). Fine arts and creative fields are reserved around there for people who didn’t score well in school level, or have very rich patents or are women (don’t kill me, I am just stating it), or have rich patents and are kinda “aware” (in a “woke” sense; hope this term is not highly offensive). For the rest it’s just - what will pay and pay ASAP. Almost after more than a decade and a half later when all this happened and now that I am a senior software developer I really wish I had picked creative fields to study but that thought goes for a long pause, every time, the moment I think about the definite hardships I would have had to face and almost definite failure (statistically). I do believe the ecosystem around me at that time collectively nudged me towards a wise and practical choice, even though I barely do not hate software development (sure I do not like/love it) and almost every day I think/fantasise about getting into writing, history, film making etc. I hope I am able to maintain this dream and reality balance for long enough to retire safely and comfortably.

MeinBlutIstBlau 5y ago
> I really wish I had picked creative fields to study but that thought goes for a long pause, every time, the moment I think about the definite hardships I would have had to face and almost definite failure (statistically). This reminds me of this web comic that explains that exact situation[0]. Also here are a few others[1][2]. It really is a "grass is always greener" scenario. I personally love music (know guitar, wanna learn piano), making pottery, and drawing (if I could honestly devote the time to it). The reason I don't do them "professionally" is because there is very little money in it and it's extraordinarily difficult to make a career out of them unless you have been playing since you were very young and everything is muscle memory. I was not that fortunate. Regardless, I do them for fun now. I work my office job during the day to support those things during the night. Hopefully one day I can phase my day job out for those :) [0]https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/war-and-peas-eternal-dilemma-light.jpg?ssl=1 https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/... [1]https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/war-and-peas-lies.jpg?ssl=1 https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/... [2]https://i2.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/war-and-peas-the-worst-union.jpg?ssl=1 https://i2.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/...
ngc248 5y ago
Never confuse "passion" and a "job". In very rare cases, your job will be your passion. You can always follow your passion on the side and make it your main thing, if it picks up. Any software developer job at least lets you live comfortably. Creative fields though, totally different ball game. If you are a "hit" you will make it, else you will flop.

MeinBlutIstBlau 5y ago

> I really wish I had picked creative fields to study but that thought goes for a long pause, every time, the moment I think about the definite hardships I would have had to face and almost definite failure (statistically). This reminds me of this web comic that explains that exact situation[0]. Also here are a few others[1][2]. It really is a "grass is always greener" scenario. I personally love music (know guitar, wanna learn piano), making pottery, and drawing (if I could honestly devote the time to it). The reason I don't do them "professionally" is because there is very little money in it and it's extraordinarily difficult to make a career out of them unless you have been playing since you were very young and everything is muscle memory. I was not that fortunate. Regardless, I do them for fun now. I work my office job during the day to support those things during the night. Hopefully one day I can phase my day job out for those :) [0]https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/war-and-peas-eternal-dilemma-light.jpg?ssl=1 https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/... [1]https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/war-and-peas-lies.jpg?ssl=1 https://i0.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/... [2]https://i2.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/war-and-peas-the-worst-union.jpg?ssl=1 https://i2.wp.com/warandpeas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/...

ngc248 5y ago

Never confuse "passion" and a "job". In very rare cases, your job will be your passion. You can always follow your passion on the side and make it your main thing, if it picks up. Any software developer job at least lets you live comfortably. Creative fields though, totally different ball game. If you are a "hit" you will make it, else you will flop.