Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 7/22/2010

Question
Dear Torski,

im writing on behalf of my younger brother.He is 21 years old and hasnt yet graduated from Commerce college. he is losing interest in studies.
He loves Dj-ing and has been working in that field for the past 4 years and is pretty good in it. But we realise that his career in disco-jockeying is not going to last long as he is already struggling and doesnt feel appreciated by others anymore.
We are trying to convince him to complete his education, which is very hard for him to do. He is an introvert by nature, and does not want to take up a career that involves too many people interacting with him, example HR.
i have even tried to ask him if he wants to join the industry of hotel management, but he has a problem with this field too as he loves his long hair and beard too much to get it cut short which this industry will naturally require!
We tried to convince him that he needs to make a few compromises but he feels the hotel or aviation industry is not for him.
He is an average student. Hates accounts,and loves music is something i know for sure.

What i wanted to ask you is if you could suggest a few career options that would suit him and what he needs to study to start off?

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Answer
Kuki,

Ultimately, no one has decide what is "right" for your brother, but your brother.  I can certainly empathize as a sibling how distress you can become trying to help steer him in a direction that matches his skills and talents.

You mention that he LOVES being a DJ.  Has he ever thought about contracting his services within restaurants for a karaoke night?  How about listing himself in wedding directories for potential bridal showers and wedding receptions?

At this point, if what he loves to do doesn't pay ALL the bills, in order to be energize, I would encourage him to continue to do what he loves as a side gig and take up another creative line of work for his FT gig.  Has he thought about teaching music at a local daycare to children?  Or maybe becoming a wedding singer, if he has the vocals for it?  (smile)

As much as it may not appear to you and I as the ideal career path, I feel that it is important for young people when they don't have the responsibilities and financial debt holding them back to pursue their dreams at all costs.  Jobs will ALWAYS be there, but if you find what you love to do and find a way to make $$ doing it, you'll never work a day in your life.

I hope this helps!

Claiming nothing but success in all of your career endeavors,

Torski Dobson-Arnold
Your Career Confidence Coach