Grace Period is over.
For those who don’t know, either because you paid for your entire education or your parents handle all your money, your Grace Period is a euphemism for: YOU HAVE 6 MONTHS TO FIND A JOB. During this 6-month time period, you are expected to find a stable income, which will hereafter allow you to pay off monthly student loans.
Truthfully, Grace Period was over on November 15th of 2010. However, I write this post now because Sallie Mae didn’t start withdrawing from my bank account until this month.
*sigh*
I vowed to myself that I would pay off my student loans without my parents help. Thus far I was able to pay December. Substitute teaching has saved me enough to pay January. But after?
I am in a dilemma between what I want to do, versus making enough money to live a lifestyle without debt.
As an unpaid Production Assistant at the Globe, this internship only reinstates that I am meant to be in the theatre. It is the one location where I have never gotten tired of being indoors all day. Though I am making coffee, photocopying scripts, and lifting props, I know it means something when I can say I love what I'm doing.
Unfortunately, reality tells me theatre will not provide enough to pay a year’s worth of tuition over 25 years, plus an apartment, plus a car, plus living expenses and whatever else I'll need.
I am worried, wanting to perform and live and breathe theater, but afraid I cannot make enough in this field to execute my life the way I want and to pay off my dues.
It is this common debate between passion and practicality. We all struggle with this, do we not?
Hanako, I don't think the two concepts are mutually exclusive - passion or practicality. You just need to figure out a way to make them intertwine.
ReplyDeleteSure they may not always intertwine just as you like, but any dream or goal is never achieved without some sacrifice.
The most important thing is that you found something you are outrageously passionate about. Revel in that. It is not everyone who finds that and very few find that at such a young age.
Basically, you accomplished the hardest part (finding the passion) now you just need to figure out how to make it work. Just remember, keep exploring all parts of theater, keep learning and observe where you provide value that people will be willing to pay for.
You have a wonderful spirit about you and tremendous energy. I'm confident you'll figure it out.
Mark
(from Sunday Company)