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.

Alena Pokoptseva

Hi everyone! My name is Alena, and here is my story. All my life, I have been modeling around the world, while also trying to find a more stable job, mostly it was sales  Nowadays it is very cool to be an influencer or a content crieter, but people don’t understand how difficult it is. It is absolutely not an easy job, especially at the very beginning. It’s very difficult to motivate yourself to make content every day, given that at first you don’t get much response from the audience or pay for your work. I love creativity and my work, but very often I get depressed from instability and lack of understanding whether I will be able to earn money next month to pay my bills.  I found a way out for myself to have an additional stable part-time job that provides me with money to pay for an apartment annd anll bills and other time I do creativity that brings me pleasure and self-realization. Read more>>

Natalie Syjan

Fifteen years ago, I had what many would consider a prestigious career. With a master’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s in law, I was working as an economist at an international oil company. The stability, the status, and the financial security were all there. But deep inside, I knew that this path wasn’t for me. While I was skilled in economics, my heart yearned for something far more creative and fulfilling. I always had a passion for beauty and creativity. From a young age, I dreamed of being involved in the fashion and film industry, constantly captivated by how much joy and transformation a skilled artist could bring to others. So, despite the expectations from others and the security of my career, I made the brave decision to pursue what truly made me happy—becoming a makeup and hair artist. Today, I am thriving in a field that allows me to express my creativity, work closely with people, and bring beauty to life. Read more>>

Carlota Rodriguez

It really took me some time to realize and understand that I had to dedicate a lot of time to my business in order to see profits. In my regular job, I had a more secure salary, but if I didn’t step out of my comfort zone, I would be tied to my job and wouldn’t be able to spend the time I now spend with my baby. In entrepreneurship, there are always better months than others, but during the months or weeks when profits seem lower, that’s when you need to dedicate more time to social media and promotions. That’s what has worked for us. Read more>>

Connor Foley

I am so grateful every day to be able to do what I do! Being a business owner in a creative industry can be tougher that people think but if you’re doing what you love, it really helps make the hard stuff easier to attack. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs through my life before going all in with tattooing and that perspective helps me to appreciate what I get to do. I cant imagine not being a tattoo artist at this point and that helps keep me motivated to learn, grow and push myself as much as I can to be the best I can! Read more>>

Raza Shahid

I am a really emotional person. And I think since I was a kid my comfort zone was to daydream. Anything, really – from my desires to romance to film to just keep myself from falling asleep in class due to the boredom. I think I’m still like that. And I find the most freedom in being able to think in terms of dreams. I run a lot – the inability to breathe helps me imagine things. There’s a lot that I write and like to envision. Ideas I can’t yet find the time to develop or work on, even. But I really do believe creativity is oxygen for me. I can’t think of a different way to live. It is harder to deny your nature the older you get because it becomes pricier and more personally damning to do so. Read more>>

Haley Peretic

[Wasn’t sure how long to make this. I hope this is what you’re looking for!] A recent realization of mine has been that – yes, I am allowed to pursue what makes me happy, even if only for that one reason; especially if only for that reason. Because what is life worth living for, if not pursuing happiness? And I think I lost focus of that for a while. My path to accepting my own creativity has been a windy one, complete with dropping out of community college, joining the military, and working an IT desk job. And it’s funny because as a kid, I seemed to already know what my path would be. It was very straightforward to me back then. Regarding my future career, I would answer every inquisitive adult with one word: Artist. I wanted to be an artist.  As I grew up, I didn’t want to accept this about myself. I would not allow myself to go to art school and fall into the stereotypical starving artist role. I chose a new career goal after highschool based on the potential income I could earn in this field: Radiation Technology. It didn’t last long… I knew nothing about gamma rays, and X-ray tubes and I had no drive to learn it. I spontaneously quit, and, realizing my love for creativity would not leave me alone, signed up for graphic design classes in the fall.  Read more>>

Michael Espinoza

As a queer artist I am aware that there are many missing mentors/elders in my community, many of whom died from AIDS related complications, and many more who suffered from persecution, closets, and fatal sadness. As such it is my responsibility to not only make work that makes queerness visible, but also to mentor and support other queer artists – even when I do not feel fully prepared to be a mentor. Participating in community and mutual care are the energetic forces keeping my practice moving forward. In this sense I have no other choice than to work as an artist and continue to believe that I will be able to continue to do so even when the details of sustaining this practice are unclear. Before I worked as a full time artist, I had a high pressure hospitality management job. I found myself constantly betraying my values, being asked to treat people without compassion, working myself to exhaustion every day, and ignoring my role in community. I need only remember how badly my relationship to wage labor was hurting me to be confident that the alternative path I’m on is the right one. I continue to do contract work on a limited basis – studio visits & talks at universities, installation, bartending gallery events, curatorial work, yard work – anything to get the bills paid. I walk a tight rope financially in service of preserving as much time as possible for my art practice. It is incredibly tempting to “get a job” for a sense of predictability, consistent healthcare, and for an enforced sense of routine, however when I set my mind to it and ask for help, all of these things are possible to achieve. Read more>>

Jade Alexandra

Yes, I’m 100% happier as an artist, I suffocated trying to conform to a 9-5. Since college, I have flip-flopped back and forth from a professional career to an artistic one. On one hand, my mental health is so much better but it is hard to sustain work as a creator. Last year was a rough one for me and I was at a crossroads I was saying to myself “Jade you’re 31 years old and you still haven’t had THE BIG BREAK!” Do I give it up or do I dive all in and recommit myself? I choose to leave the comfort of a 40-50K salaried job and benefits for my heart. Do I regret it? no, Is it the hardest thing I’ve ever done? Yes I transitioned from management and social media to bartender life on Broadway. I think if you truly have an artistic soul, your soul dies a little everytime you aren’t true to your passions. Read more>>

Yini Luo

I find a lot of joy in being an artist, even though it can be financially challenging at times. I’ve actually had the experience of a “regular” job. Right after finishing my MFA, in the early of the pandemic, I took a full-time teaching position at a college. Like everyone else, I wasn’t sure how long the pandemic would last, and I wanted some stability. Moving back to my home country for a teaching job seemed like the right choice—steady income, and ideally, time to keep working on my art. But things didn’t go as planned. The workload was heavy, and I had little time or energy for my projects. Even though the students were inspiring and brought a lot of positive energy, I felt drained and disconnected from my art. It took a toll on me mentally, and I started feeling lost. It was during that time, right when I was feeling at my lowest, that I realized something important: I need to keep creating. Being an artist helped me express my voice, which gave me self-confidence in a way that nothing else can. It wasn’t just about making a living but about living fully. So I decided to take the financial risk to continue my art career, knowing that it’s the path where I can truly thrive and, hopefully, inspire others along the way.  Read more>>

César Fión Góngora

My hands picked up a camera for the first time when I was 8 years old, and in that moment, I discovered what would become my lifelong passion. The camera was a flip phone I had found around the house, and my first time directing was with a bunch of toys and LEGO figures. Unfortunately, the film industry in my home country of Guatemala wasn’t very developed at the time, which meant my passion was more of a dream than something tangible. By the time I was 18 and had to choose a college major, I knew that as much as I wanted to be behind the camera, it just wasn’t feasible as a career. So, I ended up in medical school. To this day, I’m not sure why I made that choice, but I can’t say I didn’t learn anything in the six months it lasted. Read more>>

Hongbin Kim

I find greater happiness in being a creative. The works I produce are unique and imaginative, reflecting my personal vision. What matters most to me is that my creations express my thoughts and feelings with clarity and authenticity, rather than being shaped by the opinions or perspectives of others. Being an artist isn’t about qualifications; there are no clear lines between who is an artist and who isn’t. An artist is someone who creates, expresses their ideas in any form, influences society, and takes pride in their work. In this sense, anyone—whether as part of a group or individually—can be an artist.  I often think about what it would be like to have a regular job. A stable job can seem comfortable, with a steady paycheck and a predictable routine. However, after spending a year and a half in New York, pursuing my dream of establishing myself as an artist, I’ve realized something important. Regardless of profession or field, many people live nomadic lives, focused on growth and adapting to a global society. They face their own challenges and work hard to overcome them, much like I do as an artist. In the end, everyone is striving for something greater, and that’s what keeps me grounded in my choice to continue on this path. Read more>>

Manny Mccord

I’d be lying if I said I never had that thought. I have a bachelor’s degree that I’ll probably never use, at least not in the traditional sense, and I’m okay with that. The grind of an artist is something that’s really difficult to comprehend unless you’re in it or have been through it. To put it plainly, we live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, juggling multiple side hustles to make ends meet while chasing a career that offers no guarantees. And yeah, sure, there are a lot of things in life that aren’t guaranteed, but in this particular field, putting in more time doesn’t necessarily translate to more financial stability. You truly have to love acting and love telling stories to be at peace with the pursuit of it all. Read more>>

Ekaterina Lukianova

I’m happy to be creative and I can’t imagine my life without it. My work is my inspiration. Thanks to this, I have a lot of opportunities to travel, communicate with interesting people and I am happy to present my art to the public. I also believe that any job is important, the main thing is to find something that will be to your liking. Read more>>

Paulette Emerson

I often wonder, if my younger years had been different, would I have chosen to be an artist. It’s hard to say. In one way, I love what I do. I get to create art and support my family. I get to work with incredible people who view the world in the most fascinating ways. The problem I have is that I’m not really built to be an artist. I often want to move about, which doesn’t lend itself to sitting in front of a canvas or a monitor for hours. I’m a very social person, which can really work against you when art is more often a solo gig. I love to be around people who do things to make the world a better place. And while making content can sometimes inspire, or help promote positive messaging, I find that in today’s world of content creation, we put so little investment into stories with great messages and focus more on just creating for pure consumption. Read more>>

Nick Kellie

Honestly, as a creative, I feel like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole when it comes to the idea of having a “normal” job. There’s a definite appeal to the stability and structure of a 9-to-5—consistent hours, steady pay, the ability to clock out at the end of the day. But for me, it just doesn’t fit. My mind thrives on creativity, spontaneity, and the unknown, and trying to force myself into that traditional mold feels like jamming a square peg into a round hole. I’ve had plenty of “normal” jobs in my younger years—retail, customer service, you name it—and I don’t think of those roles as beneath me in any way. They’re important, and I gained valuable skills and experience from them. But after a while, I realized that, although I could do those jobs, they didn’t speak to who I am at my core. That said, there’s a lot of uncertainty in what I do now, and I’ve had doubts many times. It’s not easy, and there are moments when the unpredictability feels overwhelming. The last time I thought about going back to a regular job, I was struggling with a project, feeling stuck and frustrated with the constant hustle. I looked at friends who had stable careers and thought, “Maybe I should just do that again.” The certainty of knowing where the next paycheck is coming from or having clear boundaries between work and life can seem so tempting when you’re in the thick of it. Read more>>

Thomas Petborisooth

Happiness is an interesting concept lately. I feel happy when I get to be creative or express myself in the artistic form. But like all emotions and states of being, it can wax and wane based upon the circumstances this existence gives me. I’ve had a handful of jobs from door to door sales; although those may have been pyramid schemes now that I think of it, to spending most of my 20s in retail working with a lot of people from all ages and walks of life from holidays and peak shopping seasons. So I don’t think about going back… often. I do think I am happier working in the small corners of the entertainment industry where I can, while I continue focusing my craft in my independent work and creative outlets. There have been times where I didn’t know if I wanted to be in the film industry anymore. They were projects where the creative teams kind of lost the plot of the enjoyment of making entertainment and just wanted to get the day done and appease their clients. There was a commercial that involved two large corporations promoting a huge franchise with Youtube influencers and their fans who volunteered to be on camera with them. The kid fans wanted to be on camera with their favorite YouTuber and the client and creative didn’t care. I was the second assistant director so I had to deliver a lot of unfortunate news or express the miscommunications. It was awkward, the influencers felt bad because they also let their managers do all the talking which ended up alienating their young fans. It was never a long feeling, just a sourness that made me realize that I enjoyed projects where the crew and creative actually cared about the whole production process as well as how everyone wasn’t just in it for the pay.  Read more>>

Boy Deluxe

I love being an artist. I write songs, play shows, make music videos and do it all all with my favorite people. I think self expression is one of the most important things in this life. We’re here for only a moment in history…. so why not live fully and share it with others? But do I sometimes wish I would have been satiated by going to school, getting a good job and settling down? Absolutely. The status quo is appealing because there’s no risk to it. It’s plotted out because it’s a system that works so you don’t have to think about it. It’s a fantasy for me. Similar to imagining what it would be like to have a different partner or to move to a farm in the middle of nowhere and have a million dogs. It’s not something that would actually fix everything, but it’s fun to think about. Maybe once a month I say to myself “I could just not… I could just leave and live in the woods.” I haven’t yet. Probably won’t anytime soon. But it rolls around in my head. Being an artist can be hard. Not just because of the non linear path it takes, but usually because of all the other shit that comes with it. Like our brains. You just experience things differently and it can be really isolating. Overwhelming. We’re all delusional, get over stimulated, obsessive about our craft, selfish with our time, and need a lot of space. I even need space from me. Like damn, I’m a vibe even to myself. In the end though, this is the path I choose and I’m so excited to be on it. I like thinking about another life, but for now I love where I am. Read more>>

Jay Hague

In 2001, I turned my passion for music into a business. Back then, I loved going to clubs and events. I had the chance to make money doing something I loved, so I jumped at the opportunity. Now, I’ve built a successful full-time career as a DJ, sound, and lighting expert. I’ve worked with some amazing companies like Disney, Nike, Pepsi, Red Bull, and Toyota. But one of my greatest achievements is being part of five Super Bowls for the NFL – two in Arizona, one in San Francisco, one in Houston, and most recently in Las Vegas. I’ve worked hard to make a name for myself in the wedding and corporate event industry. Getting the attention of clients like Disney, Nike, Pepsi, and the NFL is a true testament to my hard work and success. In addition to my business, I previously worked in Law Enforcement and then in 2015, I joined the fire service. I love the event and wedding industry, and I make a nice living doing what I love. But I also really enjoy giving back to the community and helping people, which is why I became a first responder. Today, I still work full-time for a major city fire department in Arizona, in addition to running my business. In 2012, my now wife, Heather, joined me to help with the business and works alongside me to DJ events when I’m not available. My advice is, if you want to achieve your dreams and be successful, don’t be afraid to take opportunities and see where they lead you. Read more>>

Nate Harrison

Although I do go through phases where I often wonder if I should have taken a normal path (remote/hybrid 9-5 job with benefits doesn’t sound to bad…), I am always surprised by the little things in my daily life that remind me that I made the right choice. When I have time alone in the morning to go for a run, make a pot of coffee, and sit down and practice the guitar, it makes me happy. When a song I work on passes the threshold from demo to a fully-fleshed out idea, I get happy. And when I get the chance to play on a stage, unbothered by any other thing in the world, it makes me happy. This path is certainly not easy but I would choose it again and again. Read more>>

Kylan Maree

As a creative in the social media industry, I couldn’t be happier with the path I’ve chosen. Every day feels like an opportunity to express myself, share my ideas, and connect with others in meaningful ways. Unlike a traditional job, where routines and structure can sometimes limit creativity, social media has offered endless possibilities for me to innovate and bring fresh perspectives to life with my content. Read more>>

Tim Rhodes

Being an Architect, designing space and really impacting people’s lives is a dream job. After years of doing “regular” jobs and earning an architectural degree in commercial kitchens, the experience of working for myself lent each day both the joy of creating and the terror of remaining calm in the reality of having to earn a living from my creativity and ability to connect deeply with people. Read more>>

Adanna Smalls

Although I’ve never experienced any other way of living, I favor and prefer life as an artist. Often times, I do wonder what it’d be like to lead a different lifestyle. When, I was younger my main dream outside of the arts was to go to an HBCU and become a doctor. Honestly, it was purely for the sake of being financially free, I thought I’d pursue that and perform in the arts on the side. I am glad things didn’t turn out that way because I’ve grown to realize that there is financial success to be found in being an artist (a dancer specifically) and I could truly do something I love, while achieving a life long goal. Read more>>

Carly Graceffa

Overall, I would say I’m extremely happy as an artist and creating art. I can’t imagine my life without being creative and having the arts in my life, whether that be as an artist, art educator, or art enthusiast. As everyone though with everything you do, there are days that I feel discouraged about my creating and question if this path is the “right” one I’m on. I think mainly that’s because there are days I’m torn between creating pieces for others to enjoy and use, versus me creating pieces that hold deep meaning and are made for galleries, shows, etc. I also think the concept of social media is a struggle for myself with my art, because I’m not super confident and motivated to create/post content and to promote myself/my brand. The funny thing is, I have had a “regular” job the entire time I have pursued my art, which has actually been the battle for me. Having a regular job is great in the sense of job security, insurance, set schedules, but sometimes it’s difficult when it isn’t your true dream/goal. However for me, something I am currently battling is how to take that leap of making being an artist my full-time job and getting those things that I want and dream of for myself as an artist and business owner. That’s something right now I am still trying to figure out, I think the important part to remember is that taking the small steps count. I think in order for you to be successful you have to 1. believe in yourself 2. have motivation and trust in yourself 3. take that leap with everything you have, because if you second guess, then it won’t work out.  Read more>>