Hey everyone, In high school, I worked hard on my portfolio and was accepted into several art schools. However, the intense application process left me feeling burnt out, and I struggled with imposter syndrome. I initially wanted to study animation to tell my own stories, but after seeing how competitive the industry is, the uninspired projects being produced, and the ideological leanings of many studios, I started to question whether pursuing animation professionally was the right choice. Eventually, I convinced myself that art should remain a hobby rather than a career. Because of this, I sold my iPad Pro and the laptop I used for digital animation and chose not to pursue an animation degree. Instead, I enrolled in a construction management program. While I find aspects of it interesting, it’s a demanding, technical field with a heavy emphasis on mathematics and problem-solving rather than aesthetics and storytelling. Now, in my second year of college, I still feel uncertain about my future. Lately, I’ve been questioning whether I let fear of failure, adversity, and imposter syndrome push me away from an artistic career. Despite my efforts to move on, I still feel drawn to creative work. Even with the rise of AI-generated imagery and the instability of the entertainment industry, I’m beginning to realize that staying true to my artistic aspirations might matter more than financial security alone. Next year, I’ll be attending a yeshiva (seminary) in Israel that includes an internship, which has given me time to reflect. I’m now wondering—should I pivot to a more creative field like filmmaking or journalism, or should I stay on my current path with construction? On one hand, construction management offers financial stability, but I worry that I’d just be an average professional making good money rather than an artist with true passion. I don’t want to live a life that feels like settling. Recently, I’ve started making comics again and genuinely enjoying it. However, I recognize that industries like animation and game development, while more aligned with my creative interests, also have significant financial and structural challenges. I’d love to hear from others who have faced a similar dilemma. How did you balance artistic passion with practical career considerations? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!