I've been brought up on the saying "do what you love" and have followed that down to the letter, to this very day. But in the run up to Ucas, university and ultimately a job, I'm beginning to hear "are you sure?" and "where is that going to get you?" And this has got me thinking.
My life up to this point has solely been in education; primary school, secondary school, sixth form college and next, university. I don't really know anything of the real working world. My day is filled with history, art and english, not phones calls, meetings and business partners. There's been work experience, which is very valuable and gives you a good sense of the workplace, but it is not the same as holding down your own job. It gives you an idea of different professions to help find what you would be suited to. But it's a shame that I can't continue with what I know I love doing in college as a career.
Understandably there comes a time in one's life when things need to be taken more seriously. But why can't "do what you love" be taken further into university and beyond? I don't think pursuing a passion means that you're not taking things seriously. In fact, you are taking this choice so seriously that there is no point wasting time and money on something you will not be passionate about. I want to study history of art at university next year because it's what I am interested in and what I am good at. Why should I pick a degree that I won't enjoy or be good at, to end up in a job that I also won't enjoy or be good at?
One reason for doing what you love is the tripling university tuition fees. If you're paying that much you might as well get the most out of it and do something you enjoy. The increase in fees is already being attributed as putting students off, as the number of university applicants fell by 8.7% compared to 2011.
There are lots of people out there who would disagree, but I don't think that using every penny wisely means choosing a course that is more likely to lead to money or prestige. For me, it's about investing in long-term job satisfaction over financial stability.
So how can students turn a beloved subject into a beloved career? It must be possible; I hope it is, anyway. Teaching? Volunteering, maybe? Although money has to be made somehow, right? Perhaps some kind of research work might fulfill one's passion? Any suggestions are welcome.
In my case, the answer may be found in art galleries. But I need to explore this work experience-wise, which is difficult to come across (trust me, I have tried and I'm open to advice and suggestions, if you have any).
There are so many kinds of jobs it isn't possible to do a specific degree suited for some, if not most, chosen occupations. So the question is, did "do what you love" even exist in the first place? Or was it another one of those fairytale one-liners that my parents lifted from a parenting book, which I have taken a bit too seriously? I am beginning to think so.
And, is it even sensible to want to do what I love in the the current job market? Does the idea of doing what you love still apply? The sensible old lady in my head keeps telling me not to neglect opportunities because it is not "my passion". Maybe it is selfish or close-minded, but if something isn't going to get you to where you want to go, should you still do it? Maybe, seeing as I don't even know where I'm heading yet.
Ruth Martin currently studies at Woodhouse college and wants to apply for an undergraduate degree course in History of Art. She blogs at RedRuth and tweets as @Ruth__Martin.
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