My dilemma : Bass vs. Viola

[bakjewel]

I'm a student who at the moment is tormented by a decision I have to make.

Do I continue playing viola which I played for 4 years or do I ditch it and concentrate on playing the bass guitar(which I played for 1 year now)?

I would like to play both of course... but given the time constraints(I do need to study) and the fact that playing both might end up in me playing neither with proficiency.

I should play the instrument I like better but I really can't decide... they both have their own attractiveness and I happen to have no specific favourite genre.

So this is what I want your opinions on: as I like both instruments equally, it would be better for me to play something that will be useful in my life.

Which will benefit me more in going to and living in college? Bass guitar or viola?

[ForestThump]

Play both. John Cale did in the Velvet Underground.
You'll probably get more playing opportunities with bass guitar but you never know. Even if you play viola 15 minutes a day and bass guitar for 45 minutes, if you are well organized you won't regret it.
I did it with cello and it helped my bass playing quite a bit.

[Natrix]

I'm just curious to know if you've posted the same question on a Viola website.

[BassChuck]

If you like classical... play viola. If you like other kinds of music better.... play bass. If you want to be employed.... play viola. If you want to play in tune.... play bass.

[MonetBass]

Why not switch from viola to string bass? Is that not an option?