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.

Erin Goldman

I am very happy as a creative, however the job appears to look easier than it is. So often with positions in social media, we tend to see the highlight reels and not the struggles, or behind the scenes and it can get pretty dark especially is you struggle with perfectionism like I do. Whenever it gets tough or I experience an extreme low creatively in my profession, I always start to wonder about switching back to a “regular job”/9-5 or doing that part time. I come from a corporate background and worked in real estate and property management for eight years. It was secure but it wasn’t very creative and I felt my soul longing and yearning for more, as my creativity is such a huge part of who I am. Read more>>

Alexander Kuri

Clearly there are positive and negative things about pursuing your dreams by getting out of the process that we are all used to living, but I believe that is exactly what it is about, working on yourself, looking for your own opportunities, getting together with the right people and never stopping experimenting with your art. Definitely, all the time & effort I invested in my education was worth it. I think that starting your own project is the dream of any professional, and unfortunately in most cases your personal dream or project, starts taking form after many years of working for others. For me, my project has been a priority, I have worked hard on long before a formal job, and today I can say that working towards my dreams is the best decision I’ve made. Read more>>

Chelsea Hensbergen

I am so much happier and fulfilled by living my life authentically as a creative being. I tried to “do what you are supposed to” – get a corporate job, a steady paycheck, a regular schedule and worked as a marketing manager and various other roles during the beginning of my career. Every 9-5, regardless of perks, left me feeling drained, unhappy, and exacerbated my depressive episodes. I also couldn’t stand working under fluoresecent lights and staring at blank walls and computer screens all day. I enrolled myself in night classes at Irene’s Myomassology Institute in 2016 and became a LMT as the start of my breakaway from monotony. In 2017 I started working as a massage therapist 1-2 nights a week and in 2018 I started painting murals on a whim in the house I was renting to add some color and happiness to my life.  Read more>>

Jewel of Giovanni

I am thrilled to be a creative; however, sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. I want my audience to understand that I’ve always worked for myself, not because I didn’t want a regular job, but because I never got the opportunity. Working for myself has been a challenge, but it’s pushed me to become the best version of myself. While it is fun, it’s definitely not easy. There are so many tasks and responsibilities that can be overwhelming. Sometimes, I daydream about how much easier and cheaper things would be with a regular job – no significant responsibilities to worry about and not being the boss. But maybe it’s just not in the cards for me because no employer has given me the opportunity to experience it. If the opportunity arises later in life, I’m open to experiencing it. Read more>>