Romanticism vs Pragmatism

Romanticism versus pragmatism, can a middle-ground be possible? One definition for romanticism is impractical romantic ideals and attitudes. Of late I have been tossed in a mind tussle between romanticism and pragmatism. A typical situation takes place last week. Last week is exam week in the primary schools and I see less students. So, I made use of the time to call up/email parents and teachers to get feedback about the emotional well being and behaviour of the students under my care.

It is rather strange that you can read about disasters, tragedies and struggles of people in the newspaper and not be affected; as if these people are aliens or of a different animal specie. It is quite a different reaction when you learn more about the struggles your students have to endure, especially hearing from the emotionally emaciated guardians. In a brief affected state of compassion, I will despair about the circumstances that engulf them. I then go on to romanticise the comfort no matter how small I can bring them. On that same vein of thoughts and mood, watching a documentary about Van Gogh's letters, his remarks like " The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore " move me. I then think about whether I want to pursue my vocation further, a degree in child pyschology perhaps.

On another evening however, I accompanied my husband to attend a bank customer event. The presenter shared his optimism of a market recovery taking place towards the last quarter of this year. He gave pointers to watch that may signal strong recovery and signs that the worst is over. In addition he discussed the golden rule to look for value. All these talk makes you feel guilty and idle for not actively and diligently looking after your financial investments.

So what seems to be the tussle? On the one hand I feel I need to be more committed to pursue both goals, making my money work and developing more skills in counselling. On the other hand I think it is rather difficult to swing from the subject of $ to the study of the intricate working of the mind concurrently. Thus I need to decide on which area to concentrate. If I am good with the former I will feel more secured financially and can derive more fun from travelling etc. Disparately, if I am good at helping others, I will feel more fulfilled and happy with myself. Alterrnatively, I can pursue both in a mediocre manner and derive small doses of joy occasionally from both fields (together with the pain of course). That is what I meant when I ask: Can a middle ground be possible or as the word suggests, will I end up feeling I am in the middle of no where; not forgetting that procastination is still a threat :)