I read an article on Medium last week with the title listed above. I thought it was worth sharing because it offers a balanced, sensible solution to the age-old dilemma of doing what you love versus doing what will pay the bills. It suggests doing what you love as a side gig while having a good-paying job to support the side gig. I think this is especially important if you have a spouse and/or dependents. If you haven't read this article yet, feel free to go over there and read it before commenting. If you did read it already, what do you think?
Edited to Add: One point I don't the author addressed very well is time management. Even if you "only" work a 40-hour week (technically, my job is 37.5 hours a week), there's still commuting, daily tasks, and other responsibilities that take up your free time. If you have dependents, it can be very difficult finding time for yourself, let alone a side gig. That's why I write on lunch break, during my son's tae-kwon-do class, and any time I can steal for it.
I've always said that was a good balance.
ReplyDeleteHe's right that there is no job you'll love every aspect of. I do enjoy what I do but there are things I dread. But the same can be said of my writing and my guitar playing. I think it's because they all require one thing - work.
Getting paid good money to do what you love would be ideal but few people can have that.
ReplyDeleteAlex, there's just no getting around the work aspect, is there?
ReplyDeletePat, the author addresses that in his first point. He also said that you may have to make your own job, just as we indie writers do.
I've read Trent Hamm for a long time. What he says is common sense though, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteTo me the biggest hindrance to people is not passion, but the stick-to-it-ness required to make it work--what Hamm calls grit.
Sometimes it takes decades to reach that point. We either run out of steam, or out of life. :)