Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

Reflecting on one’s life through writing can seem indulgent, especially when the experiences are quite ordinary. However, I believe there's a valuable lesson embedded in my journey, so I hope you'll stick with me.

Around eight years ago, I embarked on my pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in acting. What motivated such a seemingly reckless choice? Aside from being a naive 19-year-old, I had my reasons. Acting felt like a natural talent for me, and the circumstances that led to this realization seemed almost fated. If this sounds overly dramatic, I won't deny it—at that time, acting appeared to be the answer to all my dilemmas.

My love for art is profound. While I enjoyed creating, my then-passion—music—proved incredibly challenging. Some days, practice was enjoyable; other times, it felt like a struggle. I watched friends and aspiring musicians dedicate hours daily to their craft. My biggest achievement during a summer break was managing a few four-hour sessions. It’s safe to say I didn't feel up to par.

Acting, however, was a different story—it came effortlessly. How rare is it to discover something you're genuinely good at? For a while, I even imagined I could reach extraordinary heights. The excitement of potentially excelling was intoxicating.

Acting was a social pursuit, offering me an opportunity to overcome my awkwardness. I believed that developing communication skills and charisma would naturally make me "good with people." Plus, I hoped it would help me attract more romantic interests—like many young people do.

It felt like a golden opportunity, a chance to earn a living doing something I loved. It was akin to winning the lottery in my eyes.

I wanted desperately for the dream I had at 19 to materialize, so I chose to ignore the realistic implications of my decision. Like a gambler, I focused solely on the prospect of success, failing to weigh the risks until nearly a year post-graduation. After four years of training, I transitioned from acting daily to facing an abrupt halt in my career. Gradually, the optimism I once held was replaced by the sobering realities I should have considered beforehand.

I found myself in a state of panic as all the negative consequences of my chosen path crashed over me at once. Four years too late, I began to contemplate my realistic chances of success and the likelihood of landing roles that truly inspired me. I realized how little control I had over my fate; even perfect performances could lead to a lackluster production.

I worried about financial instability, the prospect of living with my parents well into my late twenties, and how I had not transformed into the charismatic actor I once envisioned. Despite my talent, I still found greater joy in music, which felt much harder to pursue.

I also recognized that networking wasn’t something I enjoyed. Even as my social skills improved, I realized I would never find pleasure in it. I was an introvert trying to thrive in an extroverted field, believing I could reshape my personality simply because I desired to.

Consequently, I opted to become a radiographer. This seemed exciting enough. I had heard from trusted sources that the job offered decent hours, which I thought would allow me to earn well while still pursuing music. I figured I could balance a serious job with music practice, despite my previous lack of commitment.

Four years later, I discovered the hours were longer than anticipated, and the work was less fulfilling than I had hoped. I had grossly miscalculated my ability to practice seriously while working.

I had fallen into the same trap again, failing to adequately research my new career and overestimating both the rewards and my capabilities.

So, what’s the takeaway? If you’re 19 and reckless, or perhaps older but not necessarily wiser (like I was), how should you approach career decisions?

1. Seek Diverse Perspectives

   Talk to individuals who have experienced the profession, both the successful and the unsuccessful. If you only listen to the successful ones, you will likely receive an overly optimistic view. Even those who might regret their career choices usually rationalize them. Seek out the skeptics and truly consider the potential downsides of your decisions. Visualize these scenarios—are they worth it?

2. Avoid Choosing a Career to Fix Personal Issues

   While it can be courageous to tackle personal challenges through your profession, it's vital to recognize that once you address those issues, your motivation for that career might diminish. Focus on self-improvement without tying it to your career choices.

3. Identify Your Strengths

   Discover what you excel at and pursue those paths. Recognizing your talents is crucial. You may not always have concrete evidence of your abilities, but if you feel skilled, trust that intuition. Compare your progress with others and heed your teachers’ feedback.

4. Engage in What You Love

   This advice may seem obvious, but there’s a crucial distinction. Your talents and passions often intersect, but not always. Especially in the arts, where risks and financial instability abound, ensure you have a genuine passion for your craft. Understand what a typical day in that field entails and assess whether it excites you.

5. Understand the Financial Aspects

   It's inevitable to confront the practical side of your career choice. How will you make money? What are the expenses? Assess the demand for your field and whether it will remain viable. If these questions make you uncomfortable, it’s crucial to confront them seriously.

In summary, if you’re uncertain about your future, analyze various options while considering the insights above. You may uncover a path worth pursuing despite the challenges.

And there you have it—a reflection on my life experiences. I sincerely hope my missteps serve as valuable lessons for you. Here's to learning from our past mistakes.

Chapter 2: Insights from Inspirational Videos

To further enrich this exploration of balancing art and medicine, let's delve into some insightful videos:

The first video, From Charlotte Maxeke to Oxford and Back Again, highlights the inspiring journey of a trailblazer who navigated challenges in pursuit of her dreams.

The second video, Why Medicine Needs Art | Jill Sonke | TEDxUF, discusses the essential connection between art and medicine, emphasizing how creativity can enhance the healing process.