I'm addressing this to Angelica. Thank you for sharing about your predicament. I was not happy to hear that. About all I can say is that when there are vaccines for the Coronavirus, then there will be a change in the social and political situation in the USA and then, most likely, there will be a new chapter in your life...

Thank you for the work that you do, Angelica!

If it makes you feel any better, this year has caused me to turn my back on my original career path. I went to school to become a teacher, but everything that has happened this year has shown me that it wouldn’t be a good idea- at least not for a while. What I’m trying to say here is that it’s okay to change your mind.

I think what can help would be to give yourself a chance to fully evaluate your study choices so far. What do you like in your current major? What originally drew you to it? What do you feel is lacking? What draws you to singing as a career? What would a musical career have that an interpreting/language-based career would not?

Do you want to be an interpreter in the future? That’s a cool career goal; you would be building so many bridges between people and knocking down language barriers. Are you studying a particular language? That’s honestly a good idea no matter what you study or do for a living because learning another language is good for your brain. Take a look at this article for more information: https://www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages/top-ten-reasons-to-learn-languages/

In addition to that article, I have some articles about singing careers that may help you make a decision:

https://collegegrad.com/careers/musicians-and-singers

https://www.theartcareerproject.com/careers/singing/

The most common results seem to be music teaching or voice teaching. One of my best friends from college is a major fan of Broadway, so she attends lots of Zoom classes from Broadway stars and popular acting, dancing, singing, and music teachers. One of my other college friends studied acting and music in college and now she’s a music teacher and actress.

None of that is to say you HAVE to become an instructor or teacher; you have more options. I know you don’t want to have to worry about social media, but you might be able to use it to your advantage here; if you build up a fairly dedicated following, it can help you score some new opportunities. Opening up your own studio or music school can be made a little easier by positive word-of-mouth and social media presence. In fact, can you score some steady work by singing at smaller venues? You know how there are comedy clubs and places like that for comedians and actors/actresses? Well, there are clubs where you can sing for a living. Having a positive social media presence can help you get your foot in the door.

I don’t blame you for not wanting to deal with the drama that is social media; it’s just so volatile and difficult to manage. People’s opinions change at the drop of a hat. Every little thing you do, say, or wear can be scrutinized. Real life can be dramatic enough, if you ask me. If you ever do need a social media presence, seek out some guidance from people who manage that for a living; they can help you stay safe and maximize the gains.

If you want more career options, talk to your advisors. They typically have contacts in the field that can help you. This honestly goes for all career fields, but especially in something as unorthodox as music. In addition, singing doesn’t have to be a full-time job for you; it can be a part-time job for you while you work something else.

Listen, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you; it’s okay if you change your mind now and it’s okay to change your mind in the future. You don’t have to have your entire life planned out right this minute. Try your best to leave yourself choices. Find something that you like enough and pays well enough; it’s okay if it takes several tries to strike that balance.

Socially-distanced hugs,

Angelica Barile

Hello from New York City. I need a translation: "...being judged for my every action and hated only for breathing, as many of the artists experience nowadays." This sounds serious.

Hi there, lovely! This is Jude. I just sent your submission to Angelica. Thank you so much for supporting our transformation!