Three years ago, I was 28 years old, and I thought I knew where I was going with my life--I was going to get my Ph.D. and be professor. Although, to be fair, I had my doubts even then about this plan, I was nevertheless sticking to it. Because staying in school is easier than getting a job? Possibly.
Then I actually taught, and found some other jobs, and I realized a few things: one, I do not have the patience for teaching. I realize the challenges I face in the classroom are the same ones other teachers face, but I'm just not equipped to deal with those challenges. Instead of getting better at handling them, I get worse. And two, art history didn't really interest me the way it used to. Not that it was ever my passion, mind--that was reading and books. But I did like to learn about it. Nowadays putting more art history stuff in my brain feels like a major effort.
Essentially, because I didn't listen to that little inner voice that was telling me I needed to do some major rethinking, I had a mini-breakdown and completely checked out of school and work. Yes, I went a little Elizabeth Gilbert, except I didn't get travel or do anything fun.
Now, physically and financially I'm in almost the exact same place, but emotionally and directionally I'm a little lost.
Have you ever had to change careers or goals, and how did you deal with it?
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