Reflecting on My Career Plans After Graduation

As I approach graduation, I have started to think more seriously about my future career path. At this stage, I have three possible plans, but they are not equal in priority. My first choice is to continue my studies and apply for a PhD program, with the long-term goal of becoming a university lecturer in animation. My second choice is to change to another physical or more traditional industry, while keeping animation or illustration as a side career, eventually working toward becoming a freelancer. My final choice is to enter an animation company as a full-time employee.

The reason for this order is closely connected to my anxiety about the development of artificial intelligence. In recent years, AI tools have developed very quickly, especially in image generation, video generation, and automated creative production. As an animation student, I cannot ignore the possibility that many parts of the traditional animation industry may be replaced or greatly reduced by AI in the future. I am worried that before I reach retirement age, the demand for traditional animation workers may become much smaller than it is today.

Because of this concern, I see academia as a more stable and meaningful path. If I continue to study for a PhD, I may have the opportunity to research animation from a deeper theoretical and practical perspective. Becoming a university teacher would allow me to remain connected to animation while also contributing to education, research, and the development of future artists. This path feels more sustainable to me than relying only on production work in an industry that may change dramatically.

My second plan is to enter another industry for financial stability, while continuing animation and illustration outside of my main job. This option would allow me to protect my basic income while still building a personal creative practice. Over time, if my freelance work becomes stable enough, I could gradually move toward independent creative work.

Although working full-time in an animation company is still one of my options, I currently see it as the least secure path. I still love animation, but I also want to make practical decisions based on the changes happening in the industry. For me, career planning now means balancing passion, stability, and future risk.