[Scruffy]

Regarding the parents;
I don't know what to tell you. I had the same problem with my own. Best I can tell you is make them happy but "To thine ownself, be true." Yes, learn a trade or a Career. It will carry you through the lean times and keep food on the table. But don't let the desire to do what you want die.
I am a guitar technician/luthier by trade. My parents said I couldn't make a living doing it. I have for the last ten years. Nine of those I ran a retail music store and established a clientelle. Now, After the store went under, I am on my own. I was umemployed for over a year and my repair business carried us through. It was tough and we still had food assistnce and unemployment for awhile. But, no one went hungry, and we never went without heat, lights, or water. Now I work at a nursing home. I clown, I do repair and I am making more in my repair busness then when I worked at the music store.
So, learn a trade. Be a Clown.
Do Both