The Truth About The “CREATIVE LIFESTYLE”

Let’s talk about the “Creative Lifestyle.” 

I’m talking to those folks who are living out their creative passions and financially supporting themselves with side jobs. My question for you is how long are you willing to continue this lifestyle? 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? 15?

I currently work three part-time jobs. None of which I am truly passionate about but all of which I enjoy. They don’t pay me much but it’s enough to cover my expenses.  They also give me flexibility to pursue my creative dreams (acting and writing). 

At this point in my life, I’ve prioritized passion over practicality.  Some may look at my life choices with a questionable eye. “Why is this lawyer working retail, giving tours, and trying to be an actor?” I hear it a lot, trust me. 

Truth is, I’m okay with not making a lot of money. I’m okay with not having a “traditional” career. I have a deep desire to act and write creatively. So that’s what I’m trying to do. I don’t have many fears, but regret is one of them. It’s the driving factor behind a lot of my life decisions. 

All that sounds inspiring, I know. But despite what it may sound like, I don’t have it all figured out. Here’s a question I’m completely unsure about…

How long will I be able to keep this lifestyle up? 

The bravado response is AS LONG AS IT TAKES!! But that’s not honest. 

The truth is I HAVE NO IDEA. 

Maybe my passions will take me in a different direction. Maybe I’ll never be able to fully support myself with acting or writing. Maybe I’ll become a “working actor.” Maybe I’ll sell a screenplay. WHO THE HELL KNOWS! That’s what’s so great and terrifying about being an artist. 

The goal of my creative pursuits is not to make money – it’s to be happy. Now don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to be able to financially support myself with work that I love – I think we all would. But wealth is not the destination – happiness is. 

That’s why I haven’t given myself an arbitrary time limit. I’m not sitting here thinking, “If I don’t make it in 2 years, I’ll give in and go get a real job.” FUCK THAT. If I thought like that, I’d be done for. I definitely wouldn’t “make it,” whatever that means, and I definitely wouldn’t be happy. 

Instead, I’m not in a rush. I’m taking my time.  

Who knows how long I’ll be happy being a broke artist. 1 year? 5 years? 20 years? Forever? I have no clue. Will things change? I don’t know, maybe? 

All I know is that I’m happy now pursuing what I love. 

Cheers.