>one theory of “who to lay off” is to pick >the ones that can survive the best in the market. > the author of that theory, or even an advocate, seems like a good person to with whom to begin layoffs.
Lauren
· 3 years ago
And here I am, a technical writer, who never considered herself a writer, nor ever dreamed of making a living at writing! I think that's why it works for me, and why I don't really care that I spend less than 5% of my job actually writing. I just see it has a job to support a lifestyle and activities that I like.
And I totally understand about your sister. Back in high school, I was huge into music (band, piano, etc.). Being a piano player, I was in demand to accompany friends, play at church, etc. Everyone thought that it was so great that I could make money doing this thing that I loved, but I really hated it. I didn't like having to learn pieces I didn't want to play. I didn't like having the deadline to learn the piece and the pressure for my performance to live up to other's expectations. It is because of those experiences, and from seeing my teachers struggle financially, that I decided to not make music a career.
The conventional wisdom is that you should figure out how to make a living doing what you love, but I think it is the opposite. Trying to make a living doing what you love makes you not love that thing anymore. Instead make a living so that you can do what you love.
Miranda
· 3 years ago
Seems like the main factor that determines how wonderful or awful creative work is, is how much control you have over it. And how you get this control? By success or by not worrying about making money from it. So... if you're optimistic, and willing to be broke for a while, and a bit of a gambler, you can give it a shot in hopes that you will eventually be able to write you own ticket. Otherwise, it's grim compromise and maybe not worth it.
I tried a few routes to doing what I love for work -- textile design. Once in a compromise type of job: 1/2 the salary as my old job, but designing tacky things. Once on my own: thinking about my own small line of quilt, but chickened out when I realised I wasn't ready.
I decided that I'd go back to the stable work and try to do what I loved on the side with the idea that at some point I would save up, and prepare a little more and try my own thing again in the future. It turned out that the lame half assed design job was NOT even the route to being able to do your own line of designs. Just like a painter doesn't get a serious gallery show in NY after selling golf paintings in a Las Vegas mall!
All Comments
>
the author of that theory, or even an
advocate, seems like a good person to
with whom to begin layoffs.
And I totally understand about your sister. Back in high school, I was huge into music (band, piano, etc.). Being a piano player, I was in demand to accompany friends, play at church, etc. Everyone thought that it was so great that I could make money doing this thing that I loved, but I really hated it. I didn't like having to learn pieces I didn't want to play. I didn't like having the deadline to learn the piece and the pressure for my performance to live up to other's expectations. It is because of those experiences, and from seeing my teachers struggle financially, that I decided to not make music a career.
The conventional wisdom is that you should figure out how to make a living doing what you love, but I think it is the opposite. Trying to make a living doing what you love makes you not love that thing anymore. Instead make a living so that you can do what you love.
I tried a few routes to doing what I love for work -- textile design. Once in a compromise type of job: 1/2 the salary as my old job, but designing tacky things. Once on my own: thinking about my own small line of quilt, but chickened out when I realised I wasn't ready.
I decided that I'd go back to the stable work and try to do what I loved on the side with the idea that at some point I would save up, and prepare a little more and try my own thing again in the future. It turned out that the lame half assed design job was NOT even the route to being able to do your own line of designs. Just like a painter doesn't get a serious gallery show in NY after selling golf paintings in a Las Vegas mall!