My daughter (an art major) is graduating from college in May and has accepted a job that more or less fell into her lap. It is a “good job” from a financial standpoint but something she never planned to do or has real interest in. On the other hand, her true passion is unlikely to lead to stable employment, at least right out of college. She is very anxious about financial security and being able to pay back her loans, but I am worried that she is starting on a path that will take her away from what she really wants to do. Thoughts?
It’s just a first job. Experience is the best teacher. Let her take it, and she’ll figure her own life out.
As someone who was an art major and ended up in an unrelated field and as a mother of a music major who is sacrificing a lot to do her art, trust in your D. I still paint and sell my paintings and D has plenty of unrelated work that fills the gaps between gigs. Many students finish school and suddenly they are faced with the realities of the market. There is something wonderful about wanting financial independence and going for it. You have no idea where this will take her. The great thing about art is it stays with you. If she really truly wants to pursue that passion she will find a way. What she “wants to do” right now is stand on her own two feet.Celebrate this.
Are you willing to pay her loans and support her if she chooses the less-stable path you feel she should be taking? If not, I think you just answered your own question.
I agree with the other posters. If she has been offered a solid job that pays well, that is really important, particularly if she is weighed down with student loans. Who knows , it may even lead to some other creative outlets for her.
Let her choose. It sounds like a great first job…and a good learning opportunity for her.
Phew - thanks! I feel better.
Let’s see, a good job that just fell into her lap?
How can my son sign up for that one (comp sci major who wants to be in theatre)?
And you’re worried? I think most of us wish we had your problems! :-j
Agree with others. If she’s truly driven to art, that won’t disappear. This job will fund loan payments, maybe provide money for art forays in other ways. At this point, learning to manage finances and the work experience can be the asset. Best wishes.
Epic hires so many young folks (and has a beautiful campus) that it’s almost like a college environment. I think it’s a great first job. Is she going to be a technical writer? Quality control?
Oh brother…this is the gal moving to Madison to work for Epic!
They hire tons of folks who major in many fields.
It’s a great first job. Some folks love it there…and others get great work experience and move on. Either way…it’s a winner.
Good for her! Help her get settled (as much as she wants you to) and encourage her to find time and energy to still devote to her art. What is her art form? Is it something she can do on the side, evenings, weekends? She might feel “great” knowing she is paying her bills AND still owning her own creative outlet and love.
And this better paying job might be the key (if she can save some $$) to being able to pursue an art career a little bit down the road when/if loans are paid off, savings account is built, etc.
Smart girl, your daughter. 
Thanks, everyone!
Another vote for “congratulations, she has a JOB!!!” Be happy.
I think there a dozen CCers with kids or friends of our kids who are working at Epic. I suspect she’ll like it there.
I’d only be concerned about the unrelated job if it’s in an all-consuming profession/field where constant 70-80 workweeks are considered routine and is the type when one’ constantly/regularly on call.
While working one of those types of jobs, most colleagues/supervisors ended up having practically no time or energy to have hobbies…much less actively pursue passions such as art or music because we spent so much time working in the office some would think we were practically living there.
If it’s a more reasonable 40-60 hour workweek, your D will manage fine.
I agree; it’s her choice and every first job has something to offer in the way of learning, personal growth and refining direction. Somehow, most responsible, self-aware people tend to find their way to the right thing. Your daughter sounds like one of them. Cheers!
Congratulations to your daughter on her job! I guess, you just don’t know what will be a mistake until you try it. Maybe it is a mistake (but it sounds like a good mistake). Maybe it isn’t.
She will make mistakes. She will also make decisions you just don’t like. It’s okay. It’s called life
S2 worked at Epic for two years and didn’t like it. but guess what? He lived frugally and saved enough money to buy a house. A three-bedroom, two-bath house at age 25. Not too shabby!!
ETA: And now he’s doing what he really wants to do.
I tend to think about this the way you do, OP, and worry about kids making decisions for financial reasons that could be soul-sucking. In this case, though, with it being a first job and your daughter clearly responding to a desire to be responsible, there’s very little downside. Congrats to her. (And to you, for keeping an eye out for what makes her happy.)