I recently quit my job as a "Graphic Artist" to work for PetCo. I LOVE my new job, but I've gotten the feeling more than once now that people think it was a step down for me to do this. Apparently the title of "Graphic Artist" is somehow higher than "Reptile Specialist/Sales Associate." Not to mention the fact that I also took a pretty big price cut. Well, I have the urge to clarify - if only to get it all out of my system.
I never wanted to be a graphic artist. Never. In fact, I purposely did not apply for such available jobs. I excel at graphic arts and web design. I really do. I've been doing it since I was 11, both for myself and sometimes professionally to help out with projects my parents have done both of whom worked in advertising (my mother is a professional graphic artist and now does freelance work). But I don't like doing it for work. I like to use these talents for my enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others - not for business. I knew that if I did it as a living, when I got home I wouldn't feel like doing it for fun. And that's exactly how it worked. There's nothing like a client (or worse - you're completely unartistic boss) to suck all of the freedom and life out of art. I can't say that I was proud of one single graphic or web project I did there. I had to dumb down everything I did because that's what they wanted.
I have always wanted to work with animals. Ever since I was a child. I can't remember NOT wanting to work with animals. Whether it was at a pet store, as a dolphin trainer, or some kind of rescue, I always wanted to be working with animals. And my skills with animals far exceed those with the computer. I rescue, I breed, I've cared for just about every type of animal you can think of in some way or another. There's little more satisfying than increasing the quality of life of another creature and NOTHING more satisfying than being able to say that you SAVED that life. I can say that. I can say that about a number of different animals which have come into my care. This is what I do. This is what I love.
How often I have been told that I would probably never be able to really do what I want, that I'd have to settle for some other job, only able to pursue my real interests when I'm not working. That a job is only to make money, that your life isn't your job. Why? How depressing! Eight hours a day, five days a week, basically the rest of your life - and all spent doing something YOU don't want to do? I didn't want to settle for that. I will never settle for that. You shouldn't have to. If you have a calling you're supposed to live it! Well that's what I'm doing. How can someone turn there nose up at that? Life isn't about money. Life is about living. And I will never waste another year and a half of my life pretending that I don't have dreams and vision.
I don't care if you think I made a poor "career choice." When I wake up in the morning, I'm happy to go to work. And when I die I can say that I didn't slave away my life for nothing.
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Do what you love m'dear
and God will bless you in it.
It's not a poor career choice;
you chose the "career" over the mere "job"
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Only one opinion matters: Yours.
Money buys 'things' for a few years. Passion for your work buys much, much more.
Good for you. -
How wonderful for you! You have done exactly the right thing. It doesn't matter how many people tell you it was a wrong choice, because your happiness in your work comes first! Try telling the same people to give up something they like and do something they don't want to and they'd soon complain! Besides, working with animals is not just a job, there is so much more to caring for those creatures who are more vulverable or in need. They usually give their affection freely and show that they accept you without predjudice or barriers. We could learn a lot from them. Most people do a drudge a day job because they can't get such highly vocational, satisfying work, and those that do have a 'well paid' job often use it to make money so that they can escape from it to be with animals or nature! You can always pick up ordinary 'treasures' along the way, but picking up a dream is something most will miss out on. Go for it special girl!
Love
Lianonsidhe
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So true! Thank you so much.
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You made the best choice for certain!
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RIGHT CHOICE
In my opinion. My granddaughter worked in a bakers shop low wage to many tempting cakes etc. What she really wanted was to work with horses another low paid job but one she loves. Yes she made the choice that's her in my avatar picture on the horse she has on loan. She barely makes enough money doing the job (she is self employed ) to pay the stabling shoeing and other fees for the horse she also has 3 dogs and food for them doesn't come cheap. She can't afford fancy clothes or nights out but guess what? She is happy really happy whatever the weather hot, wet, cold, chillblanes in winter ..
You have made a Life choice to live your life doing what makes you happy so good luck to you I say. May your God be with you -
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Thank you! That is wonderful.
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