To go, or not to go?
I'm an artist with a dual passion for healthcare, and I just graduated with my BFA this past May. I finally gave up on going to med school earlier this year and found that my job offers to pay for programs with a work commitment. I have been wanting to find another stable career with minimal schooling, as I'm holding 2 jobs in pharmacy right now and don't feel I can trust to keep it in the next few years with how the industry is going.
So I looked into radiology and signed up to finish my prerequisites starting this Fall. Only thing is, I'm now debating whether I should take a year to myself and give myself time to finish several creative projects, as I've had a hard life and never given myself time to actually live.
Thing is, I'm not that passionate about radiology, it's a settlement for me, and I really don't like how difficult it is to get into these programs. On top of that it's a severe time commitment with years already blocked out of my life. I know I want a stable job to build the future I want, but it feels like I have to put myself and my life aside and give my all to these classes, and even if I do get good grades, there's no guarantee I'll be accepted to a program next summer.
On the other hand, I have a strong feeling in me telling me I'll regret it, and to take the classes anyways, but I just know I'm going to hate starting the program next fall if I do get in, cause that means I've had already lost a year to focus on my creative projects and I won't be able to dedicate time for another 2-4 years after as I get into radiology and do my certifications.
Part of me wants to give my time to myself and focus on art, the other part tells me to be smart and suck it up, focus on getting a better job and more money. I guess I just wanna know if it'll be fine waiting a year to do my preqs to hopefully start a program in 2028 if I'm accepted. I know we can only predict so much, but do you think rad tech programs/jobs will be alright in the next few years? I wanna know if I'm gonna mess up a huge opportunity or if I have some room to slow down for a bit. I'm about to turn 25 and I don't want to be in certain positions in my early 30s but it feels like any decision I make right now will challenge my life significantly.
Any advice welcome, thanks