Beyond the Dream Job: The Unspoken Reality of Creative Careers

The Double Life of Creatives

As a teenager, I attended a summer camp for aspiring actors, where we were taught that having a backup plan was a recipe for failure. One instructor quoted Peter MacNicol, saying that the secret to his success was not having a Plan B. But another teacher’s brutal honesty left a lasting impression on me. He predicted that I would end up as a waitress, not an actress. At the time, I tried to brush it off, but the comment stuck with me.

The Reality of Pursuing a Creative Career

Years later, I realized that I didn’t want to be an actress after all. Instead, I turned to writing, but the fear of being stuck in a day job lingered. In writing programs, the emphasis is on finding a stable income to support your craft. It’s a harsh reality check: your writing may not be enough to sustain you financially. You need a day job to pay the bills.

The Struggle is Real

I’m lucky to have a supportive partner and parents, but I still have to work as a barista to make ends meet. It’s not always easy, especially when people look down on me for my job. But I remind myself that many successful authors have had unconventional, low-paying jobs. Elizabeth Gilbert, for example, waited tables until her book tour for Eat, Pray, Love.

Separating Work and Art

Gilbert’s advice is to separate your artistic work from your day job. Find a job that pays the bills, and then devote yourself to your craft. Make a promise to support your art, even if it means making sacrifices. Get up early, stay up late, and nourish your creative soul.

The Power of Support

As creatives, we need to strike a balance between our day jobs and our art. We need support from our loved ones, too. Instead of dismissing our friends’ artistic pursuits as hobbies, we should encourage them. Ask to read their work, attend their exhibitions, and share their accomplishments on social media. It may not be the same as getting paid, but it helps us feel seen and heard.

Embracing the Double Life

As a writer and barista, I’ve learned to embrace my double life. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. By supporting each other and recognizing the value of our creative work, we can thrive, even in the midst of uncertainty.

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