I have to declare a major when I apply so I’m a little stressed about it.
I’d probably go literature or philosophy for the librarian track. And psychology for the art therapist track. I think I’d way more enjoy doing lit/phil for undergrad, but I think where I end up after matters more. I doubt many art therapy programs would want a lit/phil major.
I like the idea of being an art therapist as someone with a great deal of gender and gay. And it seems like a very vibes based profession which works for me. But if I was a librarian I’d probably read a lot more and that would make me happy. Plus maybe I could organize queer reading groups or something.
I’m curious if any of you have experience with either of those fields. Or just anything to add/offer.
My cousin is a librarian. He got his master’s from a decent school, but had a rough time finding work. He’s happy with his job now, but I have to tell you, it sounds like he’s very busy while on the job. I don’t think he has lots of time to read for pleasure. Do you enjoy arranging toddler reading hour, helping people use the internet, fighting the city for a budget, managing a part-time workforce, and showing kids how to use the Dewey decimal system? Because from what I’ve seen, librarians spend a lot of time doing those kinds of things, not so much reading the books they’re interested in. People are often happy to take a little time to talk to someone who is interested in their field. You might try reaching out to librarians and art therapists in your area and ask if they can give a little time to answer your questions and maybe direct you to some information about what their average days are like.
Another piece of advice from someone who has lived through some financial hard times: investigate how oversaturated the job market is. Is it hard to get hired? What starting salary might you expect? How much might that increase with experience? A job you enjoy is great, but it doesn’t compare to the feeling of not constantly worrying about making rent. That kind of stress will eat at you.
I didn’t mean that I would be reading on the job, just that spending time around books and libraries and other people who are reading would make me end up reading more in my spare time.
Part of what attracts me to the librarian position is that it is a sort of community position. I like the idea of being helpful with all sorts of different things. And I’d be great at badgering the city for money.
The idea of talking to people who work in those fields seems like a really good idea.
They both pay pretty similarly. Overall art therapists make 10-15% more according to glassdoor.
Sounds like librarian might be a good fit then!