I wish I had been encouraged to explore activities that are unconventional for career choices. While I was encouraged to do these things as extra-curricular, it was always under the umbrella of being 'well-rounded.' My parents were certainly disappointed when I quit dance/piano/etc, but it was always very clear that these activities were not suited as a primary career choice. The people of Hollywood and Broadway were a very special kind of people-people who did not come from our family.
Interestingly, this is the same way most of my family treated gay people-we are happy they exist and they should be respected, but they don't come from our family.
As my children grow and express interest in various activities, I hope to find a balance between assuming every interest is a career choice and dismissing each as 'a phase.' If it turns out my child is good at playing saxophone and really enjoys it, why not encourage it? Why not let them audition for the elite band? They might become a world famous musician! And if they don't, so what? It's wonderful to have hobbies. Choosing a major in college certainly can have a major influence on your career, but it is not the only one. Changing your career to one that doesn't 'fit' your major is something people do all the time. It does not make you a failure. There are skills to be learned in every field that can transfer to another. That time is not wasted.
Interestingly, this is the same way most of my family treated gay people-we are happy they exist and they should be respected, but they don't come from our family.
As my children grow and express interest in various activities, I hope to find a balance between assuming every interest is a career choice and dismissing each as 'a phase.' If it turns out my child is good at playing saxophone and really enjoys it, why not encourage it? Why not let them audition for the elite band? They might become a world famous musician! And if they don't, so what? It's wonderful to have hobbies. Choosing a major in college certainly can have a major influence on your career, but it is not the only one. Changing your career to one that doesn't 'fit' your major is something people do all the time. It does not make you a failure. There are skills to be learned in every field that can transfer to another. That time is not wasted.