My day job: The economics of pursuing a passion
Earlier today I was at the Four Seasons downtown Vancouver doing work for my day job. And then I got home and worked a little on designs for my new line, NUFAE. Pursuing fashion is a luxury that I can only afford working long hours (right now, it’s six days a week, usually until 8 pm at night) doing something else. That something else is as a bridal consultant/photography editor for a wedding photography company.
Work and “work”
Something that I think about is whether the trying to survive mentality is somehow pulling me back from really going for “it.” I’m sure this is a common experience binding many of us creative types together. I always think, at what point does our hustle and bustle become who we are, as we try to pursue something else? And, when does what we do define who we are? I constantly exercise my imagination, and I find it easy to imagine the possibilities of what I do in the capacity of how I would like to do it. But for now, my skills belong to someone else’s vision. Well, partly. The way I leverage working so much is by spending half my time working on what I want to, and applying the skills I learn from my job to my own work.
Striding the line between vision and pragmatism, the only way I do things is going all out in two directions: one to feed my soul, and another to feed me and my livelihood, period. That usually means after a full day of work, I can spend the same amount of time doing a full day of “work” for myself. And there is no dread in doing that. I love finishing work in the day so that I can get home to do work that excites me.
I think becoming what we want to be is all about our own choices. We have the choice to opt out, to stay and learn, to try to maintain a balance, or to go all out for our dreams. Whatever circumstances we live in are created by ourselves.
That’s because I decided that the only thing pulling me back from pursuing “it” is myself and my choices.
The Two Big Fails
Pursuing fashion was a luxury. A luxury that often goes amiss because creative types don’t have the pragmatism to see that cash flow among other things a day job provides, is more important than being able to design fabulous things. Plus, I have a pretty cool gig, doing some fulfilling creative work that I can readily apply to my own work. On the other hand, many also err in never taking a leap forward when it really is closer than they think. Malcolm Gladwell’s theories on the tipping point come to mind here. Small and seemingly simple choices have a sometimes imperceivable impact on our futures.
The Bottom Line
I’m working hard and having a good time, and I feel like I am moving forward. Being stuck with either no money or no passion is a killer. That’s the bottom line.
The facts: I work a lot, I don’t make a lot, I learn a lot, and I am constantly adding to my repertoire of skills. That’s the gist of it. Beyond the straight goods: through this job (I’ve been working there for about 2 years now) I’ve realized my passion for integrating creative art with technology and storytelling, and that’s something that extends through to my work in fashion.
If there ever is a point where the cost of staying outweighs the risks of not, then I will re-evaluate the economics of pursuing my passion.
July 18th, 2010 at 8:55 am
There comes a point in one’s life where they must decide whether or not they want to make an investment in their own life. You raise a valid point: we are faced with choices and must make up our mind regarding our own decisions. It’s easy to look across the way at others, and wistfully long for the greener grass, but hard work is what will make our own grass greener.
I know it’s not a comfortable position at the moment, but at least you can rest at ease knowing that at the moment you are perfecting yourself and becoming a better person because of the decisions you’ve made.
July 18th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
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July 20th, 2010 at 11:14 am
It sounds like you’re working quite hard and enjoying work and “work,” which is good and bad–good in the sense that you enjoy what you’re doing and are grateful to be doing things that you enjoy, but bad because it means you risk burning out. Remember to take care of yourself along the way.
I think the struggle between pragmatism and pursuing your creative dream is a dilemma that a lot of individuals face. Coming from an Asian background, it also harkens back to the “Should I pursue an Arts degree or study something practical like engineering?” debate that dogged me during my senior year of high school. I’m glad that you recognize that both are necessary and have found a way to balance them.
P.S. Thanks for the insightful comment on my blog post today! I left a reply comment answering your questions.
July 21st, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Thank you both for your comments! Great points. Balance in my life is extreme focus, plus time to relax. You both probably know the feeling, I’m guessing, as many of us struggling to follow our passions do. Even in the process though, I find it pays off. At least I’m excited and happy doing my work every day!
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
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July 22nd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I “stumbled” across your blog at the most opportune time, a point at which I’m struggling to combine what I love with what pays the bills. I just wanted to let you know your post resonated with me, and I shall promptly print it out and tack it to my inspiration board! Thank you!
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
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July 22nd, 2010 at 7:25 pm
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July 23rd, 2010 at 8:57 am
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July 23rd, 2010 at 10:54 am
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July 23rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
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July 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
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July 24th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
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July 24th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
If anything your day job seems to feed you creatively to persue your dream, there is nothing less creative about choosing to work on something else while your own brand takes off it’s called being practical and if you enjoy it all the better.
good luck!
xx
July 24th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
M: You’re exactly right – that’s why I feel great about doing what I do, although physically it does take its toll sometimes. I love being practical
July 24th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Annastasia: Thank you Annastasia, so glad you enjoyed my post! Good luck to you too!
July 25th, 2010 at 3:05 am
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July 25th, 2010 at 6:35 am
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July 25th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
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July 26th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
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July 26th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
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July 27th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Thanks for such a thoughtful post! This is something I think about a lot too, as my day job is easily ~50 hours/week and I don’t even feel like I’m learning stuff that I can apply to my creative pursuits. On the other hand, it leaves me with enough mental energy (and money) to pursue my hobbies, both of which are important. And I eventually realized that, however tired I feel after a day of work, I often feel energized once I start to work on my blog. Whatever your situation in life, if you have creative impulses you should give in to them!
July 28th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
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