I'm in a bit of a career dilemma.

[Guest Laser_iCE]

kk, this is probably the most personal thing I've posted on these boards to date, so here goes...

At the start of the year, I started doing a joint degree of a Cert. IV, Diploma and Bachelor in IT Networking, Network Engineering, and IT (all accordingly). Now, I pretty much failed the Cert. IV because I'm lazy, but I'm still able to go back and complete the crap that I failed to get my Cert. IV while I do my Diploma... (Both take 6 months) However, IT, while it has always been my passion, is starting to bore me. I'm spending less time on the computer now than what I was before (due to a whole bunch of factors), and because of that, I've found things like eating healthy and exercising...

Which kind of leads me to my other choice.

Since I can remember, I've always been very... Well, a drama queen. I never did drama or any sort of arts in high school, I did stupid crap like Physics and Economics and Legal Studies, but the past few years, I've really wanted to get into acting, and I never knew how to.

So, this leaves me deciding between my two choices... Do I continue studying IT, although it'll bore me to tears, but I have a much better chance of making money? Or, do I start fresh and do acting/drama, and hope I'll be picked up or placed in a role of some sort and make it big? I've got a part time job at the moment working at Subway, so it's not like I'm looking for a career straight away, however, I'd really love to get into acting... But then there's the money and crap of IT...

I'll also leave this open to discussion about any choices that you wish you had made or any secret passions you might have, that perhaps your better half or we here at MoDaCo just dont know about :D

I may as well add also, that while I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm not that bad at acting, so getting somewhere I don't think would be a hassle, and I'm not exactly an IT tard.

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

I think i'm inclined to say 'if you don't give acting a go, you'll always wonder'... although in an ideal world couldn't you get the IT qualification while also trying to get an acting gig...?

I'm a firm believer in taking the plunge and doing what will make you happy rather than what is necessarily 'safe' and 'well paying'.

That's why I chucked in my day job and now do MoDaCo all day :D

P

[Guest chucky.egg]

I voted "IT", but TBH neither is certain.

Getting into IT isn't about qualifications, most employers seem to rate experience way above that (even if they say "must be XYZ" in the advert).

If you're bored of IT already, and haven't even finished your course then does it make any sense at all? You're (probably) not just going to walk into a high paid job the day you leave Uni.

Having said that acting isn't a career, it's something people do when they're afraid of real work. :D

Why limit to those choices? What about...

Property development (loads of cash if you're lucky/good)

"Body guard" (military background preferred, but loads of cash and perks)

I always wanted to get into the bomb disposal squad, but then I discovered you get more for playing the trumpet in the band (no, really, you do!).

Pick a job from the paper that you know you don't want. Wow them at interview. If they offer you the job go for acting, you're obviously quite good. Otherwise go for the money, you can buy hapiness in the short term.

[Guest Disco Stu]

I think i'm inclined to say 'if you don't give acting a go, you'll always wonder'... although in an ideal world couldn't you get the IT qualification while also trying to get an acting gig...?

Might be a good idea to finish off the Diploma etc for the next 6 months while looking into a possible diversion into acting. With respect, you might think you'd make a good actor but you should get that confirmed by a professional. I know standards aren't too high over there since we've seen your most popular TV shows.... :D :D :D

Sorry, couldn't stop myself

FWIW I've reached 45 without knowing what I want to do when I grow up.

[Guest peekie]

FWIW I've reached 45 without knowing what I want to do when I grow up.

You have reached 45 and know what you want to do be a moderator on modaco :D

[Guest Laser_iCE]

Haha, hmm... Well this has just confused me even more :D I was actually considering what Paul said, about doing IT and then doing acting on the side... But I think maybe the whole acting thing is just me wanting to be famous.

As for being a bodyguard, I've been offered a few jobs, and I was told if I did the training course, I could become one of the bouncers at one of the clubs in the city... Thing is, is that if you kick the wrong person out, you're pretty much either over or dead.

I think it's just that I have a really short attention span :D I can't finish anything off after doing it for any longer than a few minu

[Guest awarner (MVP)]

Simple answer, go for the IT job and do acting with a local group.

This way you get paid but can also do the fun stuff on the side.

If you are any good you will be spotted unless you would prefer to be an extra rather than the main star?

[Guest G1LIW]

heh, "Bodyguard" eh? I know a few lads in that racket (I'm ex RMP(v)) - it's actually called "Close Protection", and unless you're ready to take the ultimate in privacy invasion from a very unfreindly chap with nasty intent on your principle, I'd give that particular careeer a miss :D

Re the original two choices, remember: MANY budding actors go through all manner of pauper-like jobs before they even get a chance at the big time - yes, it can lead to happiness, wealth, and success, but only for the lucky few - If it's truly the way you want to go, then go for it, and the best of luck to you :D

[Guest purpleangel]

hey there...

well u'v got the looks... well u do have the guts as well right? you should have! go wherever the road takes you..... :D

[Guest Confucious]

Finish your course first - possibly acting on the side. Then try acting abut if it doesn't work out you always have your diploma to fall back on - or possibly get IT contracts in between acting jobs.

It doesn't have to bone or the other, does it?

While you have less acting work you can take IT roles but as the acting gets more and more you can cut back on the IT until you are a major Hollywood star and never have to look at a computer again!

Sounds good in theory....

[Guest Laser_iCE]

Well, that's what I kind of plan to do now... As bored as I am with IT, it's something that is easy for me when I think about it, so I'll just stick with that, and more than likely, I'll get a job or something and will just end up forgetting about the acting for a while :D Thanks for all the help guys, I'd rather let someone else make my decisions for me :D

[Guest rikwebb]

Well I am a 38yr old Senior IT Consultant, and realy bored with IT now !!!!

The money for IT work is not what it used to be, and the pressure is far greater.

As for acting / singer etc.... I hope we are not going to see you on X factor :D

Try 'Dry Stone Walling', no boss to nag you, middle of a field, no stress, and very well paid cos there are not many left :D

Seriously though, get your qualification, and do acting after, then if your 'crap', you can always do the boring mundane stuff.

Rik :D

[Guest mcwarre]

Cover your six!!!!

If possible do qualificiation and acting. Use the IT as a necessary evil to fund your 'real' career.

Good luck