Is anyone else talented at something, but feel closed in by it because of how others in your life put pressure/expect you to pursue that thing?
I've won some awards in the past and even found a really qualified mentor who let me move in with them for a year while they taught me, but I can't help but feel depressed.
Part of me wants to spend my life doing things that makes me happy, but if I did that I feel as if my talent and therefore life would of been a waste.
>>17227982
I recently decided to drop out of school and chase my dreams, despite the expectations of my friends and family. Every day, I have to defend my decision to those who know, or try to hide it from those who don't. Money is also an issue.
However, all of this doesn't matter. I made a choice and I'm sticking to it. You know what? I've never been happier. I **love** my life, as it is right now. I'm no longer stressed or worried, I'm simply free.
Don't bow down to the expectations of others. It's **your** life, not theirs. You need to be happy!
>>17228015
I wouldn't feel bad about it if I was only a little good, but I've already been recognized on a national level in a national competition. (I'm not bragging. I only placed in the top 10. Just trying to tell you why I feel sad).
I might be capable of contributing something to others if I work hard.
It sounds silly, but I'd like to do something simple like work with animals and live in a peaceful rural area like I've done in the past.
What makes you happy, and how is it different from what you're good at? Is there a reason you can't do both?
Because honestly, if there's something you can do well, and other people can RECOGNIZE that you do it well, and you're praised and rewarded for it, you should probably turn that shit into a career. Contrary to what 30 years of childrens' entertainment told you, we can't all just be anything we want. You're lucky to have a valuable skill.
>>17227982
I stopped drawing because everyone people would talk to me about that to the exclusion of other things. I'd rather be perceived as smart than talented so I focused on that.
>>17228086
That's really sad
You just stopped completely? Or do you just draw in private now? Wasted talent is a depressing thing
>>17228095
just stopped. it was distracting/annoying and I wasn't planning on making it a profession.
>>17228086
Did you enjoy drawing?
>>17228108
And what's your profession?
I stopped completely 3 years ago
Really hard to stagger back to my feet, the skill really disappears quickly
>>17228082
OP here. I might be able to do both, but I doubt I'll be able to work in a conventional setting.
I almost flunked out of high school because I saw no value in grades and assignments.
Thanks guys, I feel a lot better now.
