My previous post detailed my top five excuses about why it’s taken me so long to begin my art career: not a real job, too busy, not good enough, procrastination and perfectionism. If you’d like to read it, check it out here.
This post will detail the ways in which I slayed the first of these dragons, so to speak. And I’ll mention, from the outset, that a few of these excuses are ongoing battles for me. It takes courage and determination each day to overcome them.
Not a real job…
What is a “real” job, anyway? According to Oxford Languages, “real” means, actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact; not imagined or supposed. It also defines “job” as a paid position of regular employment.
I’m not sure I really want a “job,” real or otherwise. A few key words hit home in the descriptions above: not imagined, position, regular. None of these inspire creativity in my mind. What I want, what I long for is a fulfilling career doing what I am passionate about. So let’s look at how Oxford Languages defines “career”:
· an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress
· the time spent by a person while committed to a particular profession
· the progress through history of an institution, organization, etc.
· working permanently in or committed to a particular profession
Notice the key words here include: significant, opportunities, progress, committed. I would agree that creating artwork to sell is not a real job, it is a satisfying career.
I know what you’re thinking, “Yes, that’s great and all, but I need to earn money to live.” I’m not saying that money isn’t important. It takes an income to take care of ourselves and those we love. I’m simply saying it shouldn’t be an excuse that prevents you from chasing whatever you desire. I hope you do not let anyone, including yourself, convince you that pursuing your work, your passion, is not a real job. At the end of your life, I doubt you will say, “I wish I wouldn’t have spent so much time following my dream.” You’re more likely to wish the opposite. Ask yourself, what is the story you want to tell about your life? What is the legacy you want to leave behind?
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