Need a little advice...

[Smudge]

So I am about to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree, majoring in visual and performing arts... and I just found out that I really can't afford to go to a four-year school and get my bachelor's degree.

So after this semester, It's time for Smudge to join the work force but good.

..... I've drawn a complete blank as to what I'm *supposed* to do. AKA What is God's purpose for me?

I'm sure I could get a easy job like Subway... but that's not something I want to return to. If I'm done with school, I need to get my wings ready to fly so I can move out of my parent's house and get my life going.

I guess my dream ultimately was to tell stories and be an artist. I don't know what medium I want to tell stories in, whether it be screenplays, playwrights, books, comics, etc. I just am a very creative person with a zillion ideas in my head that haven't been able to come out yet... (NONE of these jobs provide an immediate income)

I'm also thinking of maybe leaving the country. It's hard enough getting a job here with a bachelor's degree... how will I compete with an associates degree? Maybe I go be a missionary or maybe I should look into starting a business? I always liked the idea of owning an inn or a b&b... but alas... no experience...

I just feel very lost. Like I have no plan... and I think I'm a bit depressed because all my life I've felt like an outsider, like I have no one to relate to. Now I'm being even more disconnected from my friends who are getting fancy 4-year degrees and probable careers...

Not to mention all those people who are those "bachelor's degree is the key to living a happy life, if you don't get one you are a failure" people... a lot of these folks are from church(I'd say most the people I know go to my church xD), so I have a lot of "explaining" to do if they ask about it. My mom is going to be so disappointed. :c

Which reminds me... my oldest brother dropped out of college(his senior year too... ;o; )and hasn't found work yet. He's 25 going on 26. He's one of those who has to fall to rock bottom before he starts living his life... so naturally my parents feel like failure parents and some of their super parenting lands on me because he's too far away to get it. Which can make me feel like a failure too.


Whhyyy do people hold such high expectations.....?

So thank you for reading this, Christian Chat is an awesome website. I think I really needed to unload this. Cannot do this in real life, I feel like a burden there... but here, I can at least express myself to people. Not just people... people who care. *happy dance*


*rolls in a circle, agonizing about future*

What I need to do is get myself injured, roll into the hospital and bat my eyes at the nearest doctor. XD lol.

Don't worry that won't happen. I hate hate hate hate hospitals. The very smell of doctor things makes me extremely depressed.


Yours truly,
Eeyore... who should go be a Tigger right now. Tigger is my favorite, after all.

 

[carolineh]

hello Smudge, I hope when you pray to God and ask Him His will for you and your career and life that you will be able to follow His leading and guidance...seek advice from the elders in your church and a career guidance officer or counsellor as there is wisdom in a multitude of counsellors...the most important thing about your future is that you are in a right relationship with God through Jesus..have you turned to Him in love and turned from your sins? as that decides your eternal future and not just your immediate future

 

[RickyZ]

Hi Smudge. May I ask what your book is about?

 

[adekruif]

Smudge,

If your dream is to tell stories and be an artist, then by all means pursue your dream! You don't need a Bachelors degree to pursue your dreams of becoming an artist. You also don't have to be employed as an artist to be an artist. Get a job at Subway like you said and start doing artwork and story telling in your free time. This also gives you the chance to figure out how you want to so your story telling and your art for that matter.

You're not a failure either just because you don't get a bachelors degree. NO one is a failure; period. How can something that God created and call good ever be a failure? Some people may make choices that make their lives miserable, but you are on the right track. Don't worry so much about what other people think of you, it will only make your life miserable.

People are always going to have expectations, but one thing that helps me is to look at it this way. Does Jesus love me any differently if I don't get this degree, or if I don't live up to person X's standards? Just sit down with your parents and tell them your situation, I"m sure they will understand, and if not you did/are doing all you can.

I like your doctor idea, sounds like a good plan to me.

Feeling completely lost is a scary thing, especially when it is about your future. As i'm sure you know,God is always there for you Smudge. I can only give you suggestions but ultimately He knows what is best for you. Keep praying and seeking His face and HE will direct your steps.

I hope that helps.

 

[AAAPlus]

I give this advice as a recent college grad who entered the workforce in his field (business) but also has seen a lot of his friends in this same situation.

It's pretty common these days to graduate (even with an AA) and not really know what you want to do. Hopefully you don't have any debt; if that's the case, then you're already way ahead!

First consider if you want to go to get your bachelors. Really seriously consider it. You can get student loans if getting your bachelor's degree is worthwhile for you, but don't get it if you're just trying to put off starting life. If you do that, you'll just be in this same spot in two years but with 10 grand in debt. For me, getting my bachelors degree was the only way to go. I got a degree in business and started working as a business manager. That's what I wanted to do, and now I'm doing it.

So if you've decided not to get a bachelor's degree, that's fine too. You still have a lot of opportunities. For now, get that job at Subway or wherever. Make some money and save it up, so that when you do finally figure out what you want to do, you're already in the workforce and have some money to start off your life. People will tell you otherwise, but we live in a place where making $8 an hour IS enough to support yourself (if you have some roommates to split rent/utilities with and you're working 40 hours a week). Also, working a random job will motivate you to figure out what you want to do. You'll also meet people who you might be able to network with to find that dream job. It's God's will for us to work, so at least find something. At the very least, it never hurts to have some extra cash.

Feel free to message me if you'd like some more insight.

 

[chip]

well, get that degree and then start looking for those open doors out there!
be in prayer concerning this and realize that when something pops up, it could be the answer to prayer!
you have art, so what other interests?
and book companies near you or newspapers that might need art work?
stores wanting art on their windows or ethnic restaurants needing some?
think of looking for places where you might be able to use your art skills, eventually and move into!
i think you will do fine, once you find that opening that exists for you!

and of course, if God has an entirely different plan, like Bob the surgery intern whom you meet ..... bat ..... bat .....bat!
LOL!
you know i am praying with you....

 

[Timofree]

Art is a great tool that God can use for you in the future, for me I love photography, but my main desire is to work full time for God, wherever, doing whatever. And I ask if it's His will, He will give me opportunity to use photography.

Like you my education wasn't working out, for different reasons. Which drew me to God, and seeking Him. Which then lead to studying for missions where I am now.......I'd say take a step, start with what you know is God's will for every Christian, reaching the lost, Jesus tells everyone to 'go' and make disciples Matthew, whether it's over seas, or to your next door neighbour.

Find an evangelistic ministry, at your church or another place, maybe overseas and give it a go. Don't worry if you haven't done it before, I used to be so shy and introverted, but as I've sought God He's blessed me with greater confidence and a desire to speak to people! As for money, if it's God's will He will provide all your needs. An amazing testimony of someone at college, he had hardly any money, but God provided about $12,000 for 2 years fees, money to live on, and to travel a long distance on a mission trip, God is so good, and He's not poor!

Whatever God calls you to, you are able to do it through Christ strengthening you