I wouldn't consider myself "unusually but non-traditionally 'bright'" but I do identify with your struggle to find a way to reconcile your different interests. I spent many years trying to figure out the "one thing" I was supposed to do with my life, switching from one interest to another. Then one day I started to wonder why everyone was so keen on there having to be ONE thing. Why not 2? Or 20? I don't know where you live, but American society is so focused on individuals being a success, and it goes without saying that you couldn't possibly be a success unless you devote you mind, life and soul to "doing one thing, and doing it well!" I decided that I would rather have a life that incorporated all my different interests. At the same time, I don't buy the myth that you just go for whatever you want and somehow, magically, a job will appear at the end of it -- you have to live within reality. My path was as follows: I got degrees in Comp Sci (BSCS) and Math (MS), then took a job working 40 hours a week (and no more than that). I used the money from my job to finance a degree (MA) in the Humanities, going part-time in the evenings. My colleagues at work didn't understand why I would want to do this. But for me, it was just something I had to do. It was also one of the best and most challenging experiences of my life. With this degree, I have the option to teach night classes as an adjuct (lousy pay, but I enjoy teaching). On the side, I write poetry, garden, sing in a band, cook etc. That's what living a full life means to me. YMMV. My point is, though, that you should see your multiple interests as a strength, not a weakness. Take your interests, then find a way to support yourself that allows you the time to pursue them. Good luck!
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I wouldn't consider myself "unusually but non-traditionally 'bright'" but I do identify with your struggle to find a way to reconcile your different interests. I spent many years trying to figure out the "one thing" I was supposed to do with my life, switching from one interest to another. Then one day I started to wonder why everyone was so keen on there having to be ONE thing. Why not 2? Or 20? I don't know where you live, but American society is so focused on individuals being a success, and it goes without saying that you couldn't possibly be a success unless you devote you mind, life and soul to "doing one thing, and doing it well!" I decided that I would rather have a life that incorporated all my different interests. At the same time, I don't buy the myth that you just go for whatever you want and somehow, magically, a job will appear at the end of it -- you have to live within reality. My path was as follows: I got degrees in Comp Sci (BSCS) and Math (MS), then took a job working 40 hours a week (and no more than that). I used the money from my job to finance a degree (MA) in the Humanities, going part-time in the evenings. My colleagues at work didn't understand why I would want to do this. But for me, it was just something I had to do. It was also one of the best and most challenging experiences of my life. With this degree, I have the option to teach night classes as an adjuct (lousy pay, but I enjoy teaching). On the side, I write poetry, garden, sing in a band, cook etc. That's what living a full life means to me. YMMV. My point is, though, that you should see your multiple interests as a strength, not a weakness. Take your interests, then find a way to support yourself that allows you the time to pursue them. Good luck!