Do you ever wonder what life would have been like had you chosen a more standard path? Does everyone have these doubts sometimes? We wanted to find out and so we asked as many talented artists and creatives as we could and have shared highlights below.
Bethany Maines
As an author and a graphic designer, my career path is immersed in being creative. My business partner and I own a design firm that focuses on non-profit communications, environmental design, and event branding. I find great fulfillment in the creative process and in being able to work on a wide variety of projects. I have worked in a “regular” office and sometimes wonder what returning to the corporate world would be like. However, in my business, we frequently work with many municipalities, non-profits, and individuals from corporate entities, and when I start to have those thoughts, I realize that I quite literally don’t like wearing those shoes anymore. (Creative freedom = wearing Vans whenever I want) Read more>>
Vitalii Hutsuliak
The question of whether I’m happier as a creative professional or if I sometimes think about having a regular job is both interesting and familiar to me. A few years ago, I worked at a regular company with the typical 9-to-5 schedule, a stable salary, and the usual office routine. It was a job that provided a certain level of stability, but there was always a feeling that something was missing. I fully understand what it’s like to work in a corporate environment, to follow strict rules and requirements. Now that I’m immersed in creativity, the feeling is completely different. My work gives me freedom—the ability to express myself through photo retouching and other visual projects. This space for self-expression, where I can create something unique that reflects my style and vision, makes every day special. Read more>>
Julia Curran
Honestly, I’m incredibly happy as an artist and creative. There are definitely days when I wonder if my brain would feel more rested with a regular 9-5, but in the end, I’d always choose the chaotic, small business life doing something I love over a job that is just that – a job. The last time I had this thought was just a few weeks ago, actually. My jewelry business is part-time since I also work for a non-profit doing marketing, and I recently took on a third job helping another jewelry maker with her work. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, trying to balance it all and questioning how much time I should be investing in my own business versus these other jobs, which provide more consistent income. Read more>>
Katherine Chung
For as long as I can remember, I’ve embraced creativity, whether it’s through my music journalism, blogging about my experiences with disability and chronic illness, creating content for others, designing on Canva, or crafting fan art for concerts. I’ve explored different forms of art throughout my education, but I’ve never quite seen myself as a traditional artist. Instead, I think of myself as a crafty person. I love making friendship bracelets to give out at concerts, painting canvases, and browsing Michaels for new craft ideas. I learn best by doing, so arts and crafts are a perfect fit for me—they’re also incredibly therapeutic, helping me relieve stress. Read more>>
Joe Raffa
The biggest challenge you will face as an artist is the choice to remain an artist. You’re constantly comparing your life to those who chose a life of financial stability. You constantly see the vacations your friends are taking and the cars they’re buying and the properties they own. You constantly ask yourself if you’d be happier if you chose that path. And your constantly reminding yourself that it’s not too late… you can “give up” and get a “regular job.” You’d be happier, right? Read more>>
Vanessa Dinh
Honestly, this is something I have been thinking about more recently after graduation and freelancing for over a year at this point. Ultimately, I am happy to be a creative, but I acknowledge that there will be times I will have to work harder than others with regular jobs to make ends meet. My current job(s) are freelance graphic designer and part-time hostess at a restaurant that I also design print materials for. The way I found this job was because I was experiencing frustrations in the job market, applying to dozens of jobs every day and not getting much contact after. Getting that first entry level position to get your foot in the door is challenging. Read more>>
Lola Tangle
I love being an artist. I couldn’t possibly be anything other than a creative, with or without this creative business. But am I happy? No. I’m mostly just tired. I tell myself this is just a season. But the leaves never seem to change all the way here. I never imagined that having my dream job would also mean I would have so many other jobs. I wasn’t entirely naive; I anticipated quite a few more. BUT NOT THIS MANY. I routinely work 7 days a week. I’m the creative, yes. But I’m also the boss, the accountant, the mediator. I’m doing payroll, HR, IT, social media, marketing, customer service, inventory. I’m the scheduler, photographer, videographer, web developer, web designer, graphic designer, installer, fabricator, driver, planner. Read more>>
El Santo
“To be honest, being a house music producer is like riding an emotional roller coaster. Some days, I feel like I could be making beats all day, and others, I wonder: ‘Why don’t I have a regular job, with fixed hours and a steady paycheck at the end of the month?’ The last time I had that existential crisis, I was finishing a track that took me days to perfect. I was exhausted, frustrated, and thinking, ‘What if I just quit this and went for a 9-to-5 office job?’ Spoiler alert: that idea didn’t last more than 5 minutes! Read more>>
Stefaney Norcross
Honestly, I’ve never wanted a “regular” job. I’ve never had a regular job. I went to cosmetology school at 18 and hit the ground running at 19. Regular jobs have always sounded boring to me – not fit for my personality. As a hair stylist, I get the opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, and relate to them. Not only that, but the relationships I’ve formed with fellow stylists are beyond special to me. I absolutely love what I do and who it’s brought into my life. Thinking about doing anything else has never crossed my mind. Being a hair stylist is a dream come true for me, and I’m so grateful to still have the passion for it that I do after 24 years. Read more>>
Reagan Kruse
Of course, the pursuit of the title of ‘artist’ is often extremely hard and full of rejection. You cannot help but compare to those running the same race on either side of you. That trap of comparison has definitely been my biggest obstacle as a young artist. Everyone’s path looks so incredibly different. Even among the same medium, the trajectory can really vary. The resources vary greatly as well, not everyone has access to the same education, time, materials etc. I’ve had to pull myself out of the endless comparison scroll on social media so many times, you just can’t live there as an artist. You must get to work- your own work, not anyone else’s! Read more>>
Michelle Sawyer
This topic has come up more frequently in my career than most people would think and is one that I typically avoid outside of my closest circle. If you were to have asked me this at various points in my career, I would have had different responses. At this point, I can’t say I’m happier as an artist or creative, as I’ve grown to find that my happiness is impacted less by what I do, and more by how and why I do things. Read more>>
Kaycee Fillbright
I have the unique experience of having the best of both worlds, so to speak. I work full-time during the week running an office in Downtown Charleston, where I am fully invested in the standard 9-5 office setting. Very much a Pam Beesly type, for those of you who watch The Office, but with a bit more responsibility than simply being our office receptionist. Read more>>
Hazel Geniza
From the moment I decided to become a full-time artist, I definitely became a much happier person. I love that I get to create for a living because it truly doesn’t feel like work. I have the ability to create tattoo designs that are meaningful for my clients and that’s what keeps the journey exciting. I am grateful to be in the position to be able to be a more involved mother/wife, that I am able to dictate my own schedule, and work with clients that look forward to working with me. Read more>>
Eve Greiner
I already know what it was like to have a “regular” job and it just wasn`t for me. That was over 30 years. Once I realized that, I set out to work for myself. First business was a snack service company, for local light industrial companies and offices. The tasks to maintain the business, became repetitive, squashing creative impulses. During the end of that business, I began taking classes in metalsmithing and ceramics. I did jewelry design (working primarily with sterling silver). After reaching a technical plateau, I needed to find yet another creative outlet – which became ceramics, mainly polymer clay. The focus instantly was texture, couldn`t get enought of it! Somehow, I stumbled upon a unique niche of functional art during several snowstorms that prevented driving. Cabin fever gave birth to this new idea of “artifying” the mundane. I`m still creating functional art as well as mixed media sculptures. Read more>>
Adrienne Lysette
I’m pretty content to work as a creative but, I have thoughts of working a regular job almost every day. I’m in my early 20s, and I’m still navigating life. I sometimes feel like I’m missing out whenever my friends talk about their summer internships, the benefits their new 9-5 gives them, or the fact that they’re moving somewhere new for work. What attracts me to that is the stability they’re guaranteed and the fact that an HR department typically regulates these jobs to ensure I am being treated fairly. It’s no secret that Tattoo shops will haze and harass their apprentices. Apart from tattooing, I’m always on the lookout for what I can do on the side to build a safety net. I’m honestly friends with the brightest, most hardworking people in the world. Read more>>
Karine Guyon
I am definitely most happy as a practicing artist. Making art for me is vital but of course, I’ve often thought about having a regular job. I never set out to be an artist. I studied to be a social worker, then a teacher, and finally graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Studies and First Nations Studies, aiming to become a Canadian diplomat. Deep down, however, I always knew I was an artist, but the life it required, the sacrifices, and the overwhelming uncertainty—terrified me. The life of an artist is filled with financial instability. You might experience a burst of success, sell a few or many pieces, and then go months and even years without a single sale. There’s no steady paycheck, no health benefits, no pension plan, and no guaranteed stability. It feels like you’re constantly walking a tightrope without a safety net. And even in that uncertainty, you must find the willpower to get back into the studio and create. Read more>>
Alison Gregory
Being a creative literally is the only thing that makes sense to me. I’ve been this way since I can remember, Always viewing a “regular job” as a means to make ends meet until the next incredible project. The last time I thought about what it would be like to have a “regular job” was not too long ago. The writers strike from last spring/summer caused a huge desert of work within my field and it still hasn’t bounced back just yet. I was thinking to myself, “would I be happier if I had a 9-5? If the strikes had been just another news story and not something impacting my daily life, would I be more fulfilled? Would I stress less? Would I be satisfied with making money for a corporation for the benefit of always having employment stability?” Read more>>
Jeremy Chi
A few months ago, after my parents came to New York to attend my graduation ceremony, we had a moment I’ll never forget. As they were getting ready to fly home, my mom pulled me aside at the airport and urged me to find a stable job. She has always wanted me to have the kind of secure, traditional career that most Asian parents envisioned for their children. I said, “Can I be unstable just for this first year and see how things go?” I didn’t expect what happened next—she burst into tears, so desperately that it caught me off guard. To this day, I still can’t fully understand what triggered such a strong reaction—whether it was worry about my future or fear that my independence was now beyond her control. I’ve always felt the pressure of how much anxiety my career choice causes them, but that moment really crystallized the conflict I feel between following my passion and meeting their expectations. Read more>>
Leo Frank
I think as a society, we need to redefine what we constitute as a “regular job.” To me, any type of work that can support a person financially and contributes to the community in some positive way is a “normal” job. Artists have always had their place in thriving communities, and I think viewing our jobs that way would help more people connect with us rather than seeing our work as “alternative.” Read more>>
Alea O’shea
I believe anyone who pursues a creative career is inherently a risk taker. There are no rulebooks, no set path to success, and it often comes with uncertainty. It can feel isolating at times, but also incredibly rewarding. When I graduated high school and moved halfway across the world to pursue acting, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I spent 3.5 years in Vancouver, Canada. I secured an agent, worked on exciting projects, and built an invaluable network of connections. But alongside those accomplishments came side hustles, homesickness, and the persistent question: “Am I ever going to make it?” Eight months ago, after years of that cycle, I had a reality check. I realized I was living for other people’s dreams, not my own. I decided it was time to bet on myself and the creative potential I knew I had. Read more>>
Kyra Kupetsky
I wouldn’t trade being a creative for anything other job in the world! It’s the most fulfilling aspect of work for me. Even within my career field, having a job where it was purely managerial and involved no drawing on my end, I wouldn’t take it. I just enjoy the hands-on, drawing part of it far too much. Read more>>
Julia Larberg
Overall, I am happier as an artist. While I still maintain a day job in the service industry to make financial ends meet (which holds shame at times), I choose to prioritize my creative work in my off time. I opt for a schedule that allows me to have the afternoons and evenings available for my creative work. I think about what it would be like to have only one job or role, what it would be like to be able to walk out of my day job and not go back to work. Granted, my service work and creative work are two different industries but there is a certain point where work is work. It requires effort, attention, and labor and requires capacity and time management skills outside of each role. In all honesty, it can be lot to manage. Read more>>
Charlotte Mccaslin
I am generally happy to be an artist, if I have the time and space to focus on the actual act of creation. However, I do take my art seriously and often feel separated from it by the disposable nature of the times we live in. Support for musicians is almost nonexistent and I am constantly pushed into roles that I despise – marketer, content creator, social media manager – in addition to all the service industry jobs I’m forced to work to pay rent and recoup the losses of touring. It has reached a point that often when I sit down to work on music, I feel like I’m neglecting all of my “real” jobs. The idea of dropping out of the rat race entirely and making music, with no expectations of anyone hearing it, sounds more appealing every year. Read more>>
Janice Mcdonnell
I’m happier as a mostly full-time artist. I’ve always had an art practice, but for many years, I lived a double life—working in a creative graphic design job while pursuing my art in tandem. There were some benefits to having a steady job: financial security, being able to afford a studio space, and even taking vacations. But that job eventually ended. While it’s been a bit tougher without that reliable income, I now have the freedom to fully devote my time to being an artist. I’m more proud of the work I’m creating now. It’s more thoughtful, with more time and care put into it. As a painter, there’s no substitute for the hours you need to put into improving your skill and having the time to experiment, edit, and question consistently makes a big difference. Read more>>
Ian Wolterstorff
I think about having a regular office job when I let my mind wander as I work. Ceramic art is a long, tedious process that you mostly do by yourself, and when you’ve exhausted your podcast playlist, it’s time to raw dog reality and let your mind go where it wants. Maybe I’m in a body-swap movie where I wake up as a finance bro, and he wakes up as me, a clay art dude. We both face adversity but overcome it and find love in the end. That sounds nice. Read more>>
K-marie
That’s a very complicated question. In a sense, I am happier as a creative person than I am working a 9-to-5 job because I’m allowed to be creative and write when I want. That makes a big difference, especially when inspiration strikes—you can quickly jot it down or press record. Most artists have to work, and music becomes a part-time job, which makes it much more difficult, especially when pursuing music full-time. There comes a time as an artist when we truly feel like giving up. I have many of those moments when self-doubt creeps in, and I start questioning if I really have what it takes to continue. What if I wake up one day with nothing to write about? But then I have to push those doubts aside because they are not reality. Read more>>
Shawn Kolodny
Absolutely, I am far happier as an artist and creative than I could ever be in a regular job. Regular jobs, in my view, are often overrated—bound by routines and not as fulfilling for someone driven by creativity like myself. However, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Before my recent successes, I faced a series of setbacks that almost pushed me back into the hospitality industry, where I started my career. I was seriously considering a job offer from a friend who runs a hotel company. It was a tough time; my projects weren’t going well, and financially, things were dire to the point where I had to sell my house. I remember thinking about returning to hospitality not because I wanted to, but because I felt I had to—just to make ends meet. Read more>>
Ian Goldwasser
Let’s start off by saying that I love my life and the path that has been laid out for me. I really don’t imagine that another career could have suited me more appropriately. That being said, it doesn’t come without me questioning it. In my 20s I never once had a single doubt in my mind of my career choice and at times I was even impressed that the former ADHD riddled athlete who never held a job for more then a year, could be so unwaivered and determined to be a successful artist. In part I believe that’s why, along with a lot of other sacrifices that got me to where I am today. Read more>>
Nicki Puckett
YES, yes I am…with emphasis! I’ve always been an artist, ever since I was little. It’s a big part of my essence. However, being able to utilize these creative/artistic abilities to not only share them with the world but make a living with them on your own terms is a different story. It requires faith in the unknown and confidence in your ability to learn & do hard things, which can grow over time the more you practice them. Indeed, I’ve grown in ways I never thought was possible after my deep dive into creative self-employment. Read more>>
Jeremy Applebaum
I’m pretty happy as a creative. I actually spent about a decade in a ‘regular 9-to-5 job’ working as a full-stack web developer. It wasn’t a bad job—I was mostly happy there—but like many in this field, I had a calling and wanted to pursue it. Sometimes, when things get slow or really tough, I consider going back to a 9-to-5. The stable, consistent income would be nice, but then I remember all the things I’ve experienced, the places I’ve seen, and the amazing people I’ve met—none of which would have happened if I hadn’t taken the leap to follow my passions. Read more>>
Beth Wolf
Through my 20s and early 30s, I worked at a series of day jobs outside my chosen field, and I mostly didn’t love it — I was working from 9-5 in various office jobs, and then making as much theatre as I could on evenings and weekends, while wishing I could put more of myself into my creative career. Ultimately, I landed in a day job that I liked; I worked with nice people, I believed in the mission of the company (a non-profit organization offering scholarships to college-bound high school seniors), and I got promoted to management after my first year at the company. It seemed like a place I could stay for a long time, while still doing theatre on the side. Read more>>
Tracey Shi
I don’t think happiness has a direct correlation with being a creative or not. For example, working as a graphic designer in the healthcare industry, a photographer at a creative agency, or a self-employed videographer all involve very different realities and responsibilities, even though they’re all considered to be holding creative roles. To find happiness through creativity, we need to consider the working environment in which one chooses to invest their creative energy, the people they work with, the supporting cultural structures, organizations and fundings, etc. Read more>>
Ray ( Rä ) Abercrombie ( Lomac )
I genuinely wouldn’t trade being a creative for anything. The thought of a traditional 9-to-5 job doesn’t appeal to me at all. The freedom to create my own schedule and the autonomy to make decisions without restrictions is invaluable; I can’t imagine going back. The last time I even considered getting a conventional job was during the COVID-19 shutdowns. At that time, my desire stemmed from a longing to feel connected to the community. It felt as though the world was unraveling, and I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. That period also served as a grounding experience, providing clarity on the type of work I wanted to pursue and permanently transformed my approach to the craft. Read more>>
Jaylen Lomax
Am I’m happy ? . Yes indeed I am . To look back at where I came to actually living the life I want and will get is my first thought on my head everyday when I wake up . Ever since I started working on music I have always seen myself doing it for a long time . Even when I’m working a regular job , I’m at work coming up with hooks and choruses, I’m never not working on music . I always had this dream of 1000 plus people calling my name out to the stage . It has always been a thought in my head that always reminds me of what I’m working for and that’s to save for a music video , studio time or even a show . I’m always thinking of what’s nexts. Read more>>
John Daues
I am so much happier as a creative. I felt the creative pull my entire life, and have had the desire to create music and art the whole time. For awhile, I fought the urge to pursue it full time, I don’t think anybody had it out for me, as much as people don’t always encourage you to be your inner weirdo. So I used to think, I “threw away” a lot of time in my teens and 20’s, being afraid to truly pursue being a creative, like, following up with a backup plan, building a “stable life,” all that. Well, that life wasn’t so stable was it! When you’re living life as a backup plan, it’s depressing, and lame! Read more>>
Cin Salach
My son, who’s 16, asked me the other day when I was going to retire. I’m 62. “Never,” I said. I will never get too old to stop doing something that brings me such joy. You don’t age out of being a poet. How great is that? In fact, my “job skills” will keep evolving the older I get. I had a “regular job” for about a year and a half when I was just out of college. I was a copywriter for Spiegel Catalog. And then one Sunday night in 1987 or 1988 I walked into the Green Mill Lounge to witness the Poetry Slam, and I quit my “regular job,” went freelance, and never looked back. Read more>>
Katie Neece
Yes, I am happy as an artist and a creative person! I don’t think I could live a normal life, or to me whatever “normal ” is, my life wouldn’t be mine and I wouldn’t want that. I love being creative because I can come at solving problems with offering creative solutions or outside the box ideas that other’s might not be able to consider. That is another reason why I enjoy working collaboratively is because it is fun and a challenge to me to solve creative or other problems.
Blake Kinsey
I think about this a lot – as happiness is sort of an essential factor for anyone who creates things/art/whatever to find personal fulfillment and meaning in their work life… I’d say that ultimately, yes, I am happy as an artist. Happy is kind of an odd term because it equates to one single feeling, but it’s a feeling that pops up in me often as I do the work. Content, now that’s a different story. I work hard, every day, to feel content. To be satisfied with what I have. It is an enormous privilege to be afforded the time and space to create. Not all have the luxury. Read more>>
Chad White
I can unequivocally say I am happier as a person who works in a creative field. More specifically: television, film and the surrounding media. C+ Comedy is my darling where I’ve been able to talk to hundreds of people in the entertainment industry – all vying to realize their dreams. I’ve done desk jobs as well as desk adjacent ones. Too many times I worked in a building where I was drained before I walked in. It’s not worth it; it never is. Read more>>
Kaylyn Webster
. I am definitely happy as an artist. I’ve always had this gut feeling that it’s my purpose in life. I feel the most fulfilled creating art, and doing other business things related to it: leading workshops, judging art competitions, interviews, documenting and updating inventory, etc. But I have also had the thought that life would be easier with a regular job. Being a full-time artist is unconventional, and a lot of times people tell you it’s a hobby and that you can’t make money doing it. In the past, those words have made me feel bad for choosing this path, especially since I don’t come from a wealthy family. We’re able to handle our responsibilities, but things could certainly be better as far as financial stress and strain. I’ve thought about how if I had become a lawyer or doctor, or even a graphic designer for a company, I’d have less financial struggles and I’d have enough to help my family out. However, I knew I wouldn’t be happy doing those things. And I’ve seen other successful living artists, but it would take a lot of work to get it that point. Read more>>
Teyonna Johnson
I have the unique perspective to know for sure that I am happier as an artist. I had a 9 to 5 job for a year and a half in the corporate world. I actually worked at One World Trade Center. I definitely got that job because I had the experience of wondering what would it be like if I just had a regular job. What would life look like if I knew for sure I had my Saturdays and my Sundays off just like everyone else? What would my life look like if when I woke up every morning, I knew exactly what I was going to be doing everyday for the foreseeable future? These are all the thoughts that went through my mind when I was making the decision to get a regular job. Long story short -I got the job. I did the job well for a while and then I realized that was not the life that I wanted for myself. Read more>>
Freeman
A huge portion of my happiness stems from creating and being an artist. The unfortunate reality is I currently also have 2 jobs. For the time being, I work my two jobs, but also make time to exercise almost daily, and still work on my music or miscellaneous things involving my music. To answer the question asked in short, I’m more focused on becoming an artist full time and being able to do that freely, being able to pay my bills and live my life, and not work for a regular job anymore. Read more>>
James Sanders
Being a creative has been beyond fulfilling. I spent over 20 years working regular jobs, and although there is security in knowing exactly what is coming in financially, it can be truly draining if you are not working in your calling and purpose. The only time I ever have the consideration of taking on a regular job is when there is a significant unexpected financial stress, such as from a medical emergency. However, it is in those moments where I remember to trust God, and keep working in my calling. Putting in the necessary work always works out in my favor. Read more>>
Sydney Andrea
I think every year I have a moment where I have to re-inspire myself that this is what I am made for. I am creative and I have a God-given ability to create new ways of expressing my own and others’ experiences in music that allows me to help people and myself, journey through life. I have a gift. I have a role to use that gift, as we all do. My gift just happens to not be the “average” gift you see in society. Although I don’t think that’s true, I just think a lot of people don’t touch the gift they have. They’re too scared or not brave enough to fully invest in it because a lot of people want to experience the norm. I don’t blame anyone for that, it’s safe, comfortable, and allows more flexibility. Read more>>
Ej Lee
I am happier as a creative/artist. While I do have a full-time job that helps pay the bills and provides me the stability to maintain my actual passion. I am a high school art teacher, so that keeps me grounded but also allows me to be creative and share my passion with the younger generation. I have worked in retail and even sales as a potential avenue in a career however, I never felt that I was being true to myself. I knew that I did not want to be at a job where, yes, I could make more money however, I would feel as though I was selling my soul to a job with no heart. Read more>>
Baljit Soul
I am MUCH HAPPIER being a creative! Although I do still have a regular 9-5 I’ll let you in on how I juggle both! My goal is to leave my 9-5 for good and do music full time. I am currently working in the healthcare industry making pacemakers! I work very long hours 5:30pm-5:30am!!!! Although the healthcare industry is the only industry I would be willing to stick to if music didn’t work out, I am so ready to hang it up! I love helping people and being apart of saving lives however my job knows music comes FIRST! I am honored though to have a company who has been more than supportive with knowing anytime I am booked for a show I WILL be taking off from work! Read more>>