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.

Amanda Kathryn Liguori

As far as work goes, I am happiest when I am on set. Acting is my passion, and the biggest dream I have had since I can remember. I have had so many “regular” jobs and out of those, I have enjoyed being a teacher the most. I love my students so much and it has been so rewarding seeing them learn and grow! Read more>>

Indira Burgos

Am I happier as an artist? Yes, I am very happy as an artist. But do I sometimes think about what it would be like to have a regular job? Absolutely. When do I think like this? Read more>>

Barbara Lager

In all the possible lives I could have lived, I chose this one — and I’m grateful. Because choosing my creative path wasn’t the easy road. It’s not a guaranteed road. It asks for vulnerability, resilience and tenacity. It constantly asking me to believe in something that doesn’t always give immediate proof back, but nevertheless satisfying when it all comes together. Read more>>

Michelle Premer

I have had plenty of ‘real jobs’- retail, private transport for a mechanic’s shop, even detailing hearses and limos, but being a creative is by far the most peaceful of them all. It’s not just art, the process of starting a piece and working it to it’s end. Each step is a variation of therapy for me, like my gardening or my photography. Read more>>

Olivia Hoppe

I think about getting a regular job all the time. As an artist, I have an irregular income. I worry constantly about what if my husband gets hurt and we have to try to survive on just my income? Would we make it? Probably not. I have a lack of depth perception, so I don’t drive. Getting a regular job would be difficult. Read more>>

Skyler Montoya

Yes, I like to think that I’m happier as a creative than at your normal 9 to 5 job. Especially now, since I’ve had my daughter. It’s nice being home with her all day and still having work to do if I want (I’m not writing full time). Sometimes I do think about having a regular job, yes. Especially when it comes to money. Read more>>

Andrew Collins

Honestly I’m happy being a artist I get to hang with stars on a regular basis and yes sometimes I do think about what if I would’ve just chose the normal path and tbh I’ve never been normal my whole life I was born with attention deficit disorder and had to struggle with staying focused but I’ve always loved music but one day I while i was incarcerated I had a vision that I was on stage rapping for a mass crowd and they was singing my song with me and mind u a song that I hadn’t wrote yet and when I woke up I wrote the song and till this day I still perform the song from time to time but that’s when I came to the conclusion that this is the only path for me Read more>>

Katy Feiling

I’m absolutely happier as an artist, but yes, there are definitely moments when I’ve thought it might have been easier to just have a “regular” job. Those thoughts usually pop up during times of financial stress or when our household budget gets a little tighter. Read more>>

Britt Nichole

I’ve been a creative my entire life, having written my first stories as young as 5 (it’s true – ask my grandma!). It is something that has always come naturally to me. Read more>>

Joan Treppa

I’ve had the opportunity to be both a creative and an employee at a regular job. In fact, I was working a regular job when I made the decision to become a full time writer. I’d have to say that both are satisfying in their own way. But being a creative has taken my life in unexpected directions I never thought possible. Read more>>

Kashmira Khot

As a singer-songwriter in India, where Bollywood music takes more of a spotlight, you have to look for all other avenues before you even think of pursuing indie music full-time. Read more>>

Kel Jordan

I still have that thought every single day. Times have changed I’m a such a dramatic way in what feel likes a very short period of time. So many of us are living in survival mode wondering where our next dollar will come from while simultaneously already knowing how it will be spent. As an artist sometimes I struggle to stay afloat. Read more>>