2 answers
Rereloluwa
Student
Charleston, West Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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I am trying to become a professional dancer and also an Ob/Gyn. How do I pick?
I am trying to choose between them
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2 answers
Filipa Sousa
Project Manager
6
Answers
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Filipa’s Answer
Hello there! If you're lucky enough to have two passions, don't let go of either. Dancing could always be a delightful hobby for you.
When it comes to deciding between the two, it's essential to consider the longevity of each career. Being a professional dancer typically has a shorter lifespan, often wrapping up around the age of 35. On the other hand, a career as a Gynecologist can extend far beyond that. At this stage, it's wise to nurture both passions. If you opt for a dancing career first, you can always transition into gynecology later. Unfortunately, the reverse isn't as feasible.
Another crucial factor to ponder is the financial stability each career path offers, and the potential balance you can achieve between them.
Remember, it's entirely possible to pursue a career as a Gynecologist while still enjoying dance in your spare time. Having multiple passions in life is a wonderful thing.
Best of luck in whichever path you choose!
When it comes to deciding between the two, it's essential to consider the longevity of each career. Being a professional dancer typically has a shorter lifespan, often wrapping up around the age of 35. On the other hand, a career as a Gynecologist can extend far beyond that. At this stage, it's wise to nurture both passions. If you opt for a dancing career first, you can always transition into gynecology later. Unfortunately, the reverse isn't as feasible.
Another crucial factor to ponder is the financial stability each career path offers, and the potential balance you can achieve between them.
Remember, it's entirely possible to pursue a career as a Gynecologist while still enjoying dance in your spare time. Having multiple passions in life is a wonderful thing.
Best of luck in whichever path you choose!
Thank you for the advice, Filipa.
Rereloluwa
Laura Pugh
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I LOVE this question!!! It’s giving all the big dreamer vibes, and I am here for it!! I wrestled with a similar dilemma when I was in high school and heading into college. My debate? Following my passion for dance or becoming a cardiac surgeon. Spoiler alert: I didn’t choose EITHER (LOL). I changed my mind my junior year in college and focused on Technology.
Both of your career dreams are incredible, and while they require different kinds of preparation and commitment, they each have their own unique rewards. So, let’s break it down with some pros and cons for each path to help you reflect:
Professional Dancer:
PROs:
1. Creative Expression – This was my absolute favorite part of dancing! You get to express yourself artistically and connect with others through movement.
2. Pure Passion – When you’re doing what you love every day, it doesn’t even feel like work—it’s pure joy!
3. Travel Opportunities – Professional dancers often get to explore new places and collaborate with inspiring people.
4. Quick Start to Your Career – Compared to becoming a doctor, the path to dance professionally is much shorter.
CONS:
1. Physically Demanding– Let’s be real, dancing is tough on your body. Injuries are common, and the physical toll can add up.
2. Short Career Span – Most dancers peak in their 20s or 30s due to the physical demands.
3. Financial Stability – It might take a while to find consistent work, and income can be unpredictable.
4. Competitive Field – The dance world is no joke! You’ll need serious skill, persistence, and some good connections.
OB/GYN
PROS:
1. Helping People – As an OB/GYN, you’ll literally change lives and help bring new ones into the world. Talk about impact!
2. Job Stability – Medicine provides long-term stability and a steady income.
3. Lifelong Learning – The field is always evolving, so there’s no shortage of growth and opportunities.
4. Long-Term Career – Unlike dancing, being a doctor is a career you can sustain for decades.
CONS:
1. A LOT of School – I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Becoming an OB/GYN takes YEARS of schooling and training—at least 10+ years.
2. Stressful – The medical field is emotionally and physically demanding.
3. Time Commitment – Between the education, residency, and long hours, other interests might have to take a back seat for a while.
4. Delayed Gratification – You won’t start practicing or earning significantly for quite a while.
How to Chose?
1. What’s Your Priority Right Now?
Dancing professionally is time-sensitive since it depends on your physical peak. Medicine, on the other hand, allows more flexibility to start later. If dance is your current priority, go for it while you can still chase that dream!
2. Dual Pursuit?
Could you do both for now? For example, pursue dance professionally while keeping pre-med coursework as a backup. Or look for colleges with strong dance programs or teams so you can keep both passions alive while figuring it out.
3. Think Long-Term.
Ask yourself the classic question: “What do I see myself doing 10 years from now?” Does the thought of performing on stage light you up, or does making a difference in people’s lives as a doctor bring you more fulfillment? Imagine the life you want, and let that vision guide you.
4. Shadow Both Careers.
Spend some time shadowing an OB/GYN and talking to professional dancers. Seeing what daily life looks like in each field will give you so much clarity.
Here’s the best part: You don’t have to completely give up one dream for the other. Some people start in one career and transition to another later. Others find ways to stay connected to both passions. Trust yourself and know that whichever path you choose, it’s possible to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Keep chasing those dreams—big things are ahead for you!!
Shadow/Talk with an OB/GYN
As a Professional Dancer their thoughts
Both of your career dreams are incredible, and while they require different kinds of preparation and commitment, they each have their own unique rewards. So, let’s break it down with some pros and cons for each path to help you reflect:
Professional Dancer:
PROs:
1. Creative Expression – This was my absolute favorite part of dancing! You get to express yourself artistically and connect with others through movement.
2. Pure Passion – When you’re doing what you love every day, it doesn’t even feel like work—it’s pure joy!
3. Travel Opportunities – Professional dancers often get to explore new places and collaborate with inspiring people.
4. Quick Start to Your Career – Compared to becoming a doctor, the path to dance professionally is much shorter.
CONS:
1. Physically Demanding– Let’s be real, dancing is tough on your body. Injuries are common, and the physical toll can add up.
2. Short Career Span – Most dancers peak in their 20s or 30s due to the physical demands.
3. Financial Stability – It might take a while to find consistent work, and income can be unpredictable.
4. Competitive Field – The dance world is no joke! You’ll need serious skill, persistence, and some good connections.
OB/GYN
PROS:
1. Helping People – As an OB/GYN, you’ll literally change lives and help bring new ones into the world. Talk about impact!
2. Job Stability – Medicine provides long-term stability and a steady income.
3. Lifelong Learning – The field is always evolving, so there’s no shortage of growth and opportunities.
4. Long-Term Career – Unlike dancing, being a doctor is a career you can sustain for decades.
CONS:
1. A LOT of School – I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Becoming an OB/GYN takes YEARS of schooling and training—at least 10+ years.
2. Stressful – The medical field is emotionally and physically demanding.
3. Time Commitment – Between the education, residency, and long hours, other interests might have to take a back seat for a while.
4. Delayed Gratification – You won’t start practicing or earning significantly for quite a while.
How to Chose?
1. What’s Your Priority Right Now?
Dancing professionally is time-sensitive since it depends on your physical peak. Medicine, on the other hand, allows more flexibility to start later. If dance is your current priority, go for it while you can still chase that dream!
2. Dual Pursuit?
Could you do both for now? For example, pursue dance professionally while keeping pre-med coursework as a backup. Or look for colleges with strong dance programs or teams so you can keep both passions alive while figuring it out.
3. Think Long-Term.
Ask yourself the classic question: “What do I see myself doing 10 years from now?” Does the thought of performing on stage light you up, or does making a difference in people’s lives as a doctor bring you more fulfillment? Imagine the life you want, and let that vision guide you.
4. Shadow Both Careers.
Spend some time shadowing an OB/GYN and talking to professional dancers. Seeing what daily life looks like in each field will give you so much clarity.
Here’s the best part: You don’t have to completely give up one dream for the other. Some people start in one career and transition to another later. Others find ways to stay connected to both passions. Trust yourself and know that whichever path you choose, it’s possible to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Keep chasing those dreams—big things are ahead for you!!
Laura recommends the following next steps: