Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy's own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I always wanted to become a portrait artist, but my parents never valued art and thought that being an artist didn't have the same social kudos and importance as being a doctor, engineer or university lecturer. I never felt encouraged and supported doing drawings and paintings; they considered it as my fun activity, not something that I would pursue in the future.
So many years have gone that I'm now 30. On and off I doodle, but I am held back strongly by my limiting belief that "art doesn't have any value and it does not help humanity or contribute to the greater good. It is just for fun, advertising and entertainment".
How I can change this voice from my childhood? So far, I've had very little career achievement because I have never felt motivated by the jobs I've done. I do not want to live like this anymore!
This year, I decided to do the job I love – being a freelance portrait artist. I'm also interested in sustainability issues and would love to increase my knowledge in that field. I have just volunteered for a recycling project. But what will help me find a job in art or sustainability?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy's and readers' help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or reply personally.
