A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hi. I don't have a relationship question, it's more of a life question. But I read this site everyday, and people seem to be very helpful. I need some advice. I am 18 and in my first year of college. This is normally when people figure out what they want to do, right? Well, I thought I had it all figured out. I am majoring in psychology and I really like it. The only problem is that I have doubts. I want to be a psychologist, but in my soul I know I am an artist. I love to create things, especially writing and I would love to try acting. I feel like I am meant to be an actor. But I've never really tried it, unless you count the random church plays I did as a kid (I don't haha!) I don't even know where to start, and I am scared to change to a theater major and not like it/am bad at it/parents think it's stupid. Plus the industry is such a hard one to break into, and I go to school where there isn't really any big acting gigs around (I intend to move to LA in my 20's, or whenever I am done with school, regardless of my career. I hate where I live currently!) I don't know what to do. Should I forge ahead with my psychologist career, and ignore my heart? Or should I switch to theater in hopes that I like it and succeed at it, to fulfill my dream? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, TasteofIndia +, writes (6 January 2011):
 Hello my dear,
I am currently a double major in college - in Psych and Theater. My passion is theater... specifically, theater history, but directing, acting, being backstage - it is all a thrill. I'm a Senior, and just put in my graduate school applications (cross your fingers for me) to pursue theater further.
Double majoring is difficult, but not ridiculous! It takes extra time, but I'm willing to give it to dedicate myself to theater and make myself a back up plan. It makes you a double threat later in life. Theater and Psychology really do hand-in-hand - you have to be able to get into the heads of others to be able to get into the head of a character! It's very applicable.
Also, you need to think about if you mostly want to perform on stage or on film. If your dream is to move out to LA, then mostly you should just focus on taking acting classes, taking as many opportunities as possible to be an extra or audition and network, network, network! All of that you can do on the side while you continue in your education. Whatever major you choose.
School will help perfect your craft, but mostly it will have you studying a lot of history, reading a billion and eighteen plays, and learning the ins and outs of technical stuff, etc. Acting you learn from experience and good teachers... and you can find good acting coaches beyond university.
I don't want to discourage you - I absolutely adore being a theater major. But, I would only go to being a theater major if you are excited about any career in theater - Art Therapy (like BettyBoup suggested), maybe teaching or training or working in youth theater? Maybe you'll find you are really great at running the lightboards or stage managing.
You just started school. You've got awhile to settle on a major! And, you could always make Theater your minor! Go take some classes and see if you enjoy it. If anything, you'll at least get your Fine Arts core over with!! Good luck, sweet. Or, should I say... break a leg?
A
male
reader, Iykeiscool  +, writes (6 January 2011):
Girl, simple n plain answer i got for u, follow ur passion as an actress,psych may come next. Pursuing ur hearts desire wuld build u up spirit soul n even body. Plus..it'd always be with u,part of you, cos its you. Bye, see u on d other side..
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A
male
reader, idoneitagain  +, writes (6 January 2011):
You are looking at this from the point of either/or, whereas the possibility exists to do both. You say that you want to become a psychologist and that in your soul you are an artist. It is possible to be more than one thing, I have done so in my own life, and if you want it badly enough there is plenty of time to become qualified as a psychologist and become an actress at the same time. Start from where you are at. This means, continue with what you are enrolled in but start to investigate acting, there are things you can start with which have been suggested, such as acting groups or short courses, and see how big a part of your soul wants it. As time goes on, you can decide where to put most of your energy, but remember it doesn't have to be one or the other. Lastly, follow your dreams. Your dreams can change, that's normal, but whatever inspires you, aim to do it within the confines of your responsibilities.Good luck.
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A
male
reader, Dr.LanceMerryweather  +, writes (5 January 2011):
 Psychologist - schmycologist - they're two-a-penny. Ah - the prosenium arch(did I spell that wrong?)the boards - GO FOR ITTTT!!!!!
You'll always regret it if you don't.
As someone else here pointed out, time is on your side. If - after a few years - things don't work out, you can always go back to training as a - well, almost anything, but - this is your DREAM - MAKE IT REALITY!!!
I am a closet rock guitar god - never had the guts to do it big time, probably due to my traditional, conservative upbringing. My son, on the other hand, followed in my musical footsteps and - with my encouragement, contacts and assistance, is now a brilliant lead guitarist in a prominent, world-reknowned rock band!!! The guy is loving and living the life.
So, don't live your life thru your kids - grab it for yourself - is my advice!!!
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A
female
reader, natasia +, writes (5 January 2011):
 I think:
If you want to be an actress (or, at least to try acting and see if that is what you want to do - as it is still an unknown in this sense), then you can, BUT ...
first get your psychology training.
Why? Because you can easily do your training, have that backup, go into acting after university, and see how it goes - but if it doesn't work out, or you need to support yourself while you are doing your acting training and/or waiting for jobs (which SO often happens with actors) then you can do some part-time psychology - private clients, high fees per hour - on the side to support yourself. It will be your golden ticket, it will keep you independent, it will mean you are safe and secure financially, and can still try out your dream.
So no, don't switch: do psychology, as you like it anyhow, and also start joining some theatre and/or film groups at college now, to see if you like that.
Easy, huh? : ) Good luck!
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female
reader, BettyBoup +, writes (5 January 2011):
 I agree with CaringGuy. It would be a good idea to finish your degree and get qualified.
It's always worth going after your dreams. But remember a dream may not always turn out to be as good as we imagine. Best thing to do is try it out! As already suggested take acting classes on the side. These will be fun and you can find out if you are any good at it and if you really still want to follow that dream.
Another thing that came to mind when you said you do psychology but want to also be an artist, is Art Therapy and Drama Therapy! I am currently studying creative expressive arts therapies. It involves working therapeuticly with people using your art form. If you are interested in psychology and therapy but want to be an artist, it may be something you might want to look into.
Just a thought. Remember you are never too old to go after your dreams but you will still have to supposrt yourself at the end of the day.
Good luck!
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A
male
reader, StillLoving  +, writes (5 January 2011):
Did you know that Samuel Beckett had a psychologist called Bion? http://www.bbk.ac.uk/english/skc/beckbion/
That contemporary theater and literature are deeply related. Don't make brutal choices, start your career, but be open to life, and be curious, curious, curious...
You're young, you've time on your side.
Best of Luck.
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A
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reader, CaringGuy +, writes (5 January 2011):
My best suggestion to you is that you stay at college and study, but join an acting group so you can get some experience in acting. Psychology will actually help you understand people and act in a far better way, and at the same time you'll get some stage experience. It's absolutely worth following your dream, but don't do it at the total expense of reality. It's worth having something as useful as psychology behind you as well.
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