Career Crossroads

I am currently poised at a "career" crossroads.
Performing is going to cycle down in a couple months, as it always does in our winter which leaves me bored enough to take on a "normal" job.
And, truth be told, I need to re-evaluate whether or not I want to perform anymore.

While performing Spring-Fall, I also own a henna/body stain/face painting booth at festies and do fairly well.
Recently I've been lucky enough to find a tattoo parlor that wants me to do my temp body art in it.
I've been there two days and it's going well already, much to my surprise.

And now I am faced with a decision.

The place I worked for last winter wants me back. They've made that known all along, but since it was a contract position, I had to wait 6 months before I could even think of going back. I didn't sweat it.
The job is nice and secure with garunteed money eeping in.
This would start in September.
I like the people.
The work is good enough. Not challenging really and not artistic. More the challenge is in deadlines and problem solving. But in the lack of challenge I have time to write and draw and such, which is nice.
It is a 9-5, which leaves me with plenty of time for family and my other endeavors.
However, this is only a year contract with no extraneous benefits.

The other option is at the tattoo parlor. They are looking for someone to learn piercing. I can accept an apprenticeship for piercing, which is unpaid, do that and the henna for the next two months. Doing the henna at the same time allows me to make money during the apprenticeship (only about 2-3 weeks) and then I can make money doing both. After that I can move on to a tattoo apprenticeship, which is a couple months, but still do the piercing and henna to still make money.

During those apprenticeship times I'll most likely not make the same as I did at the more corporate job, though who knows.
The hours aren't nearly as good as the corporate for time with family but that could be worked by opening two days a week and closing two days a week.

I *love* doing the art very much and everyone at the studio thinks I'm a perfect fit. I really like the people at the studio, it just seems like a big risk money wise, not that I'll be losing any, I just won't be gaining as quickly for a few months.

So...would you keep it safe for another year or jump in the deep end and try out the new?
(and yes, if it doesn't work at the tat parlor, going back to corporate is probably an option)

Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK

Forums > Social Discussion > Career Crossroads