Is it natural to wonder what life would have been like had you chosen a different path? Is it common? We asked many artists and creatives from all over the country if they’ve ever wondered about whether they should have pursued a more standard career path to see what we could learn from their stories.

Oksana Devochkina

didn’t call myself an artist until I was 32. Despite the education and the abundance of paintings, I continued to work in advertising agencies and start-ups, and cry every day. This internal resistance was connected with the stereotypes of my provincial southern Russian city, where all the artists were either drunkards or poor. Yes, I didn’t know the real artists of my native city – my family, in fact, kept aloof from them, and my mother called my interests a whim. Read more>>

Melissa Adao

I find this to be an interesting question because who says being an artist/creative is better than or less than having a regular job. Who defines what a “regular job” is? Or diving deeper, who defines what success is? Growing up as a second generation Filipina I was taught that when we grow up, we should strive to be a doctor/nurse, engineer, lawyer, or teacher. If we achieve any of these positions, we will make a lot of money to buy a house and be financially stable. Read more>>

Camaira Metz

Overall, yes I am extremely happy to be able to pursue what I’m passionate about. But it’s not all sunshines and rainbows. To be completely honest, I think about what it would be like to have a regular 9-5 job all the time. Being a musician is extremely competitive, so I have to work other jobs in order to support myself, such as serving or little side gigs like hosting trivia at a local bar. And when you are working several jobs and trying to make music a career, it can become exhausting. This can then lead me to think, Read more>>

Faith Sylor

FeelinStabby started as a way to deal with my bipolar disorder diagnosis back in 2018. I tried many jobs after receiving my BFA in Graphic Design but because of my symptoms, I was unable to be a “reliable” employee. I am much happier being my own boss and working whatever hours work best for me, especially with a toddler running around all day! Sometimes I wish I could have a steady income and a “regular job” but I also know that simply isn’t where I’m meant to be. Read more>>

Adair Chappell

Being a hair artist absolutely makes me happy, I wouldn’t want to do anything else as a career. I love the creativity and artistry behind it all, and the thought of having a “regular” job just doesn’t make sense for me. I am meant for something more, and to express myself through creative hair truly makes me happy. I think it is very important, if not essential to love your chosen career field. This is actually one of my favorite questions to ask a new client in my chair. What do you do for a living, and do you love it ? Read more>>

Joshua D. Reed

Well, growing up I was privileged to have a mother who also had a love and passion for the fine arts. Her passion for it is what first sparked my interest as a child. Growing up I was always around it and always apart of some type of production while tagging along with her. She is also an educator and would always encourage me to follow and pursue a career as an artist, but to always “have a Plan B”. Along with the encouragement, she would also “keep it real”, and inform me the life of any artist can sometimes be very difficult, and something I would have to be prepared for. Read more>>

Stephanie Sorosiak

Yes, I have wondered what a “regular’ job would be like. The thoughts initially occurred when I left the service industry. I was a restaurant server and bartender for years. I did it through college, working late nights and weekends. While the tips are great, there’s no career growth being a server. It’s a superficial job all catered around money. Read more>>

Daviah Jennings

I’m happy to be an artist because I have the freedom to create whatever I want without limits. Painting is also very therapeutic for me. Whatever is in my mind I get to release it through painting on a canvas (nails mostly). I have experience in working as a nail tech for many nail salons and honestly I never enjoyed it. I felt limited with my creativity and time. To have a regular job puts a cap on your creativity and how much money you can make from your creativity. Read more>>

Zeynabu-Le’Von

I am definitely happier as a creative. I have had so-called regular jobs so I do not wonder what those would be like since I already know. The only way I would have what others consider a “regular” job is if I absolutely had to. The last “regular” job I had was a work-from-home customer service position where I was a full-time employee. I ended up in that position because I absolutely needed it (some time after being widowed). I prayed for it and I got it. I was grateful for it but I realized it was only meant to be for a season. Read more>>

Yael Santé

I’ve always been so happy to be a singer/songwriter. For as long as I can remember, being a musician is so authentic to who I am. I never really think about having a “regular” job. I’ve always been confident in following my passion. It’s not always and easy path and I have to work very hard to make sure my dreams come true. It’s much more fulfilling to know that I can do what I love, instead of work for someone’s else. Read more>>

Cat James

I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, identifying as a tattoo artist. It’s a career that allows me to express myself creatively, learn something new every day, genuinely connect with other humans and have an incredible amount of freedom. I honestly feel like there aren’t any downsides. The work I do is so fulfilling. It’s extremely hard for me to imagine myself with a ‘regular job’ . I have conversations with my clients daily about the work they do and it reassures me of how grateful I am for the lifestyle I’ve created for myself. The ease and convenience of having a routine schedule, a consistent income and someone else making the hard decisions has never appealed to me. Read more>>