Ask Baba Yaga: Should I Pick the Career That Fits Me Or the One I Want to Fit?

Transcript after the jump.

Dear Baba Yaga,

I’m deciding between two careers. One would be well-suited for me. But I would fit the other like a square peg in a round hole. I’m qualified for it, but to truly do it well, I would need to be unselfish and empathetic. I’m not that person yet, but I want to be — very badly. So should I squeeze myself into the round hole until my corners fall off, or should I go where I fit?

BABA YAGA:

You are not dead wood, & neither is the life you wish to move inside of. Make yrself sinewy & fluent ; & know that yr work will move with you. If you make-believe that the world is static, you will find . a forest of stumps instead of tall trees, sucking up the good sap.

Previously: “Can I Do Something Reckless Without Suffering the Consequences?”

Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. She’s taking questions on behalf of Baba Yaga at [email protected].