Status vs Art

Cathy Day, author of The Circus in Winter and Comeback Season and Ball State University professor, brought and interesting concept to my attention last week. 

After college, like many graduates, I had this notion of pursuing my ideal career as soon as possible. However, recent events made such a goal unrealistic. I would have been further and dept and possibly worse off. 

I realized the aforementioned circumstances, yet was willing to risk it all - for only one reason. I didnt want to feel like a failure.

There is a pressure on graduates to come into their ideal fields as soon as possible. And that's probably the greatest motivator. We want to live up to the status we dreamed of and shared with others. 

Such pursuits can be financially devastating and, quite honestly, harmful to your future. 

As a writer, working for a magazine, publisher, editor, of literary agency can seem like a goldmine of prestige. But of course, such hard work limits the amount of time you can spend on your art (this is an illustration, mind you, not a insult those in such positions). This is important.

What is more of a priority? If you could become a(n) _______, but risk never having the time to ____________, would you? Is it what you really want? Or is ________ the most important thing in your life? 
While a 9-5 job doesnt impress many, it does allow for some to continue their _____________ pursuits, and they can get by.

Sometimes it's important to take a hit to your pride in order to survive as an artist. Keep the day-job until the right one comes into play. Remember: You are going to be a(n) _______________, and _______________ is only temporary.
Tune in next time. Same place. Same mind. 

Thanks for reading. 

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