Pursuing a creative or artistic career can certainly be fulfilling, but it’s far from certain. Over the years, we’ve heard about the struggles from thousands of artists and creatives – it’s incredibly challenging and it can be tempting to wonder – what if you hadn’t pursued this path. We asked artists and creatives from across the community if they’ve every had those doubts themselves.

Daniielle Alexis

The most important thing to me is to make sure that everything I do is creative as that’s what makes me the most passionate and happy on this universe. Read more>>

Fernanda Romero

I’ve always wondered what would happen if I worked in an office and had to punch in from 9 to 5. Would I be happy? Would I be satisfied? I don’t think so because I like to be my own boss and have my own rhythm. Read more>>

Eddie White

I have a regular job as a dentist. I created an original music venue and community in 2008 with the help of my then-middle school son Clay. He is now 32 years old and still plays music every day. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Hebden

As a solopreneur, the question of whether I’d be happier with a regular job comes up often, especially during tough times. This year has marked many changes in my career as a graphic designer and artist. Read more>>

Anthony Briglia

I love to make art. While trying to get work out there can be a stressful and daunting task, the process of creating has always brought me great joy. Read more>>

Ali Kasemkhani

There is nothing like being a creative mind. I am professionally a dentist and as the motto suggest it is the “art and science” combined. The art is how to approach the issue and the science is what needs to be done for outcome based on available references. Read more>>

Art Carrillo

I am definitely happier as an artist. There is always a sense of moving forward and accomplishment. When I decided to paint, to do something I love, I was stuck, stagnant. I’ve had a regular job for most of my life. Read more>>

Trey (iii) Ansley III

Let me preface this by stating that I am an artist, but also have a full-time job. …but am I happier as an artist or a creative? I mean, are they not synonymous? (I had to look it up to realize that there may be a difference.) Read more>>

Grace Newton

The pursuit of happiness in a career choice is definitely an important goal for me. But that happiness is not achieved without some blood, sweat, tears, and unpaid bills. Read more>>

Aayush Yadav

I am very happy as am doing what I love and always wanted to do, it is tough but what I have learned is that you have to trust the process and believe in yourself. Read more>>

Elena Ricardo

I honestly think about this question all the time. I am a creature that really craves stability and control so I truly chose the worst job to foster that. Read more>>

Daniely Martins

I am happier with the stumbles of being an artist than I ever was with the perks of having a “regular job”. I believe I’ve been lucky enough to experience choosing and beginning a career outside of the arts, realising it wouldn’t fulfill me as the human being I want to be and then letting it go. Read more>>

Kendall Slocum

I’m lucky to be pursuing acting. Some of my happiest memories have certainly been spent auditioning, rehearsing, or filming. That being said, there’s a lot of uncertainty. For one, I never know when my next job will be.  Read more>>

Jackson Theuer

I think about this question a lot, because I have a social circle that pretty evenly includes creatives and people with regular jobs. It really occurs to me when I see certain people I know, and internally I think: Read more>>

Matthew Herring

My life began when I chose to become an artist. A regular job? Never again. Before all of this, I was an aspiring songwriter and musician, had earned a degree in Communication & Mass Media, and spent over a decade working as an advocate for adults with developmental disabilities at a non-profit. Read more>>

Cinders

We recently released a song called Don’t Wait Up which encapsulates our thoughts on this super well. The chorus says “safety it scares me when it’s within my reach”, which specifically talks about our fears of the 9-5. Read more>>

Kinneret Klein

I am happy as an artist, but it can definitely get tough on my mental health. At its worst, being a full-time artist is a constant state of desperation, relying on other people’s validation to sell tickets, sell merch, sell all of it. Read more>>

Roz Browne

This question is always one I think most creatives deal with. For me one day I can be totally happy at where I am in my career. Then on another day I’m questioning why did I ever get into this business. Read more>>

Deej Ragusa

I am a proud, passionate artist. I always have been and I’m sure I always will be. I’ve found many misunderstandings around jobs in the arts and I think a lot of that is lack of support around jobs in the arts. Read more>>

Guillermo Haro Jr

Since I had starting taking my artwork serious as a artist back in May 10 of 2021. I considered one night going out for a family a party I was invited too. Read more>>

Alexa Hendrickson

This is a topic I think about often. Growing up, I always thought I would pursue musical theatre, but I also had major book smarts. Read more>>

Kelsey Sha

I was on a call with my grandmother a couple of weeks ago. The first thing she asked me was, “Are you still doing that art thing?” Not in those exact words, obviously, for she spoke in Chinese, but that was basically what it boiled down to. Read more>>

Dina Richie

Owning Skin Rehab Beverly Hills has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I am driven by my passion for beauty and wellness and the desire to offer the best treatments to our clients. Read more>>