The 'write' feeling

Making the choice between teaching and authorship

Glenford Smith, Career Writer

QUESTION: I loved your article in Gleaner Careers of Wednesday, May 11 on 'Career change strategies'. I am a nurse and have wanted to change careers for the last couple of years. To make a long story short, I went into teaching.

Since I was trained in nursing, I teach nursing, but I am dying to get out of it all together. I have had an interest in English for the past couple of months, and have envisioned myself becoming a professor of English. When I've discussed this change with persons at the university, however, I am never encouraged to make the change. Instead, I have been pointed to science.

I am doing a postgraduate diploma in education. I am considering a doctorate in education but, of course, I awoke again tonight, went on the computer and began researching about writers such as Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison.

Then I question, again, should I bother to pursue doctoral studies or follow my feelings?

- Reader

RESPONSE: Thank you for reading Careers. I'm very happy you enjoyed the article.

Please resist the urge to make an impulsive career change based upon how you're feeling. You've noted the stability you're enjoying as a result of teaching. You've also said you love teaching. So you would do well to build upon this stability, which may provide the foundation for exploring your literary passion later on.

As you've noted, it will be hard to make a living on the basis of an English literature degree. Complete your studies in education. You're doing the right thing by researching the writers you love. Use your spare time to write and study on your own.

Explore ways of doing work which you could publish. You don't need a degree in English to do this. Start working on your book as well. Don't neglect your passion to write. Just be practical and pragmatic about it.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and success strategist. glenfordsmith@yahoo.com