Should I pursue an art degree or a dayjob degree?

[Basman]

My life purpose is art related and doesn't have any formal degree requirements, therefor I was considering a degree in something else as a sort of day job. This could reasonably give a lot of security, especially because art can feel like such a precarious field, both financially and especially now with AI. 

But I'm quiet split on this idea. On the one hand, it's kind of a safe bet from a pure survival perspective and which makes parents and councilors alike nod their head in approval (because its so safe), but on the other hand, it takes away time I could be spending really immersing myself and learning my craft, which I'll ultimately need to actually get good at it.

The idea was that a day job degree could act as a kind of linchpin and fail safe, but It's also hard to find something I actually find interesting. One of my main frustrations is that I feel I don't get the time to just focus on my thing. A dayjob degree would be safer but also distract from my life purpose.

The argument against an art degree is that they are objectively terrible return of investments relative to how expensive they can be compared to anything STEM related. I used to think that you can effectively learn everything you need yourself, which is originally why I considered this path, but I recently changed my mind on that a bit. I think art training can be really valuable, but the majority of courses/degrees are expensive, which means I would have to go into debt for it. An art degree can also be very hit and miss and be more about the networking/experience rather than just learning technique compared to workshops/coursers (though I could be wrong about this). 

Sometimes I feel like being creative is kind of a curse. It is such a privilege to be making art. Literally. It would be way easier and more obvious what to do if I was autistic about programming or something. 

Thoughts?

[Jannes]

With finding your LP you want to take small bets. An art degree is a big bet. 

Coudlnt you already create whatever you want to create and learn by doing that?

[Hojo]

Do your passion as a side job. Art degree is like a tutorial. If you want to do it you will do it on your free time. If you end up having to do it for a job then want to do something on the side is completely drains you of your passion.

[Basman]

11 hours ago, Jannes said:

With finding your LP you want to take small bets. An art degree is a big bet. 

Coudlnt you already create whatever you want to create and learn by doing that?

Good point. I didn't think of it like that.

 

8 hours ago, Hojo said:

Do your passion as a side job. Art degree is like a tutorial. If you want to do it you will do it on your free time. If you end up having to do it for a job then want to do something on the side is completely drains you of your passion.

Have you had experience with this?

[Alex4]

I would do the art degree if you are sure it's your passion, but at the same time I’d try to get some alternative training with better job prospects. I’m doing a degree aligned with my purpose now at 30 years old, and I’m happier than ever, so you still have time to do a secure degree to ensure your stability and then pursue art. 
 

[Zenterus]

I've done it. Not worth it. Art is something you can develop yourself. You dont need a degree for it. The level of skill you possess is self evident by the merit of your art.

 

Hear me well, and get you a degree that guarantees you a job and some kind of financial cushion (bonus points if you're interested in it) and then pursue your more creative goals on the side. You will thank me!

[Basman]

2 hours ago, Zenterus said:

I've done it. Not worth it. Art is something you can develop yourself. You dont need a degree for it. The level of skill you possess is self evident by the merit of your art.

Hear me well, and get you a degree that guarantees you a job and some kind of financial cushion (bonus points if you're interested in it) and then pursue your more creative goals on the side. You will thank me!

Can you tell me more about your exact experience? I agree that you don't need credentials to be an artist but the training experience can be quiet valuable in of itself. That would be my main motivation. 

On 17/10/2025 at 7:51 AM, Alex4 said:

I would do the art degree if you are sure it's your passion, but at the same time I’d try to get some alternative training with better job prospects. I’m doing a degree aligned with my purpose now at 30 years old, and I’m happier than ever, so you still have time to do a secure degree to ensure your stability and then pursue art. 

I'm pushing 30 and I don't have any kind of degree, so I do feel the urge to just figure out and get going. I am considering something trades because I can't stomach a long academic education unless it is specific to something I want to do, like if I suddenly find out I want to become an doctor.