Wow, you raise a lot of big questions here, and a bunch that really resonate with me – especially the idea that working for “the man” seems so strongly like selling out, as if recognizing that financial stability is a desire or need must inherently be less than our need for freedom / self expression.
I’ll admit I often find myself wondering just how the artiste types do it – is the art secretly more lucrative than it appears? Are they trust fund babies in disguise (or married to bankers and lawyers)? Are they really figuring out a way to live on the small proceeds from their art (if they are, how do they afford all those marvelous trips they artfully photograph to display to the world)? Are they teetering on the brink of financial calamity, unable to manage an emergency or a retirement? How do I do what they’re doing, can it be done without risking my family’s security?
And that feeling that you’ll somehow be letting yourself down by going back to work, and feeling unsure of yourself, I so get that. I will say I am quite sure your audience is *not* waiting for you to fail.
And now I have to run, so I can’t keep this thought train running. we should discuss more the next time we see each other =)
I am glad you shared this. I, for one, am rooting for your success and happiness, whatever form that takes.
thanks sweet brother!
I admire you so very much right now.
You are too kind! xoxo
Wow, you raise a lot of big questions here, and a bunch that really resonate with me – especially the idea that working for “the man” seems so strongly like selling out, as if recognizing that financial stability is a desire or need must inherently be less than our need for freedom / self expression.
I’ll admit I often find myself wondering just how the artiste types do it – is the art secretly more lucrative than it appears? Are they trust fund babies in disguise (or married to bankers and lawyers)? Are they really figuring out a way to live on the small proceeds from their art (if they are, how do they afford all those marvelous trips they artfully photograph to display to the world)? Are they teetering on the brink of financial calamity, unable to manage an emergency or a retirement? How do I do what they’re doing, can it be done without risking my family’s security?
And that feeling that you’ll somehow be letting yourself down by going back to work, and feeling unsure of yourself, I so get that. I will say I am quite sure your audience is *not* waiting for you to fail.
And now I have to run, so I can’t keep this thought train running. we should discuss more the next time we see each other =)
You are SUCH a good person to talk to about this – I feel like we have a lot of the same concerns and qualms (and aspirations and awesomeness).