How to do what you love and make good money

Exactly what I started to do a six months ago. Business for money's sake, art for art's sake (good name for a song). When I stopped worrying about the money and just started playing, people noticed. Suddenly, my art is also paying me too. Win-win!

Love! Thank you Derek!

Hi partially agree with this. People should definitely pursue their art if they are creative, but I don't think of having a "side job" as being half my life. lol. I think of it as being a necessity to pay the bills until the art is paying all the bills.
I guess that may be tomato/tomahto, but it's a distinction in my mind. I'm a singer who may do promotional work or whatever; but my career and passion are performance. My "side job" can be goat shearing or cable installation, but they don't change my career.

Great article Derek, very timely and pertinent to me! Thank you for inspiration!

Great to read this as I've shared the same thoughts for a while now. I gave this advice to a friend after he has spent years of making music without getting paid and without any income whatsoever as he believed that the best chance of making a living from music would be from committing his life to it. It wasn't easy for him to accept that he should get a job and make music for fun. I shall pass on the link to your article. Cheers!

I love the photo at the end!

And great post. Thanks Derek!

Lucas

So true and thanks to technology it is easier done today than ever before from any point on Earth

Once again, right on the nose Derek. Thank you for this reminder and perspective.

All the best,
ks

I'm really surprised I agree so much with this article. As someone who has already built their life like this (great day gig / great artist gig on the side)... I can say that it really is incredible. I've never been happier or healthier in my life; and both of those play a part in that.

I've struggled because I've wanted to spend more time on the side art gig and less in my day biz because my blog has really taken off... however, I've also realized how much fun, flexibility, adventure, I get to have from the great income provided in my day gig!

Reading this made me feel light, and good about the see-saw I'm on... and that I could build my art to be art.

Thank you for your writing and sharing! I read every article you send!

Such great perspective - Thank you so much!

Perfectly said Derek!

Great thought Derek.

I enjoy my job and I also have a side gig - writing. Currently, my earning from my writing is insignificant. Perhaps, this is the reason I feel pretty happy and satisfied with my career and life in general.

But there is a silent hustle going on in me that says leave your job one day and earn your wages from writing. I am sure there are many people out there like me. There is no rush. But I want to eventually do this. I don't know if my decision was influenced by society and what is valued today.

In the 18 years I've been doing this (well, not every one of your points to perfection, but in essence) it has worked well for me. I just didn't acknowledge this was what I was doing until I read this post. Thank you.

Yes, this has been my approach and it has provided security along with creative freedom. Rather than balance, I think of it more as a certain flexibility-- like with a gymnast-- to do what is required in a potentially unstable situation. Of course, gymnasts perform on balance beams. ;-)

Hey Derek. Just dropped by to support your statement. I have a regular job and do some writing in the free time. Won't make me rich (yet), but it's good to have some safety net and still do something meaningful. In an ideal world you find a job where you do not have to work at a time of day when you are the most creative. I also suggest to try different jobs (if you don't have a family to feed), because the different experiences might have some positive feedback on your art. Also changing locations is a good idea.

P.S.: Derek, have you ever written a piece about chosing the "right" art? What I mean is, some people say you have to focus your efforts on one thing, but this way, you might never find what you're really good at. I'm curious to hear your opinion on this topic.

'til then, thanks for this article, it's a good one!

Horseradish

Thanks for this great article, Derek! A few years ago I wouldn't have agreed with this, but I completely do now.

You wrote this just when I needed to read it. Like that quote about the student being ready and the teacher will appear. Thanks much,
Bob Wilson

Ah yes, this echoes an article from "Berklee Today" from maybe a decade ago, in which an attorney quit her job to become a musician full-time, hit some snags, returned to her job, found the balance, and lived happily ever after.

Even for those of us who have found this balance for a time, it's difficult, and worth all the difficulties.

Thanks as always for the reminder, and for the wisdom!

Another great read, thanks Derek

And sometimes trust your gut!

A dear friend of mine in Saudi once said to me. 'Do you work and go home and live your life.' A Swiss sculptor reminded me once that the majority of artists only become famous or recognized after they are dead and gone. To take the long view of things is to realize that the pursuit of art can be done in many ways for many reasons. You articulated that beautifully.

I tell you my thoughts. My thoughts are that I shared this on my facebook page (the one I set up to promote my massage therapy business). I love massage therapy, but it's not enough. I love music, and writing, but in a different way.

This is what I wrote:

This is an awesome article and I LOVE this guy (he's a genius). He's the guy who started CDBaby/HostBaby. This is exactly what I needed to read <3 sive.rs/balance

Thank you, Derek! I've been thinking this, but to hear it from you is like a revelation <3


Sharon
Funny you mention massage. See “Never have a limit on your income” — Derek

This is how I've lived my life, and about to turn 64. But it's not by choice that I lived this way, things just unfolded in that way. Long story short: I went to work in an aluminum mill at the age of 17 1/2, I had already been playing guitar for 4-5 years so I was already in bands, performing. That mill job led to decades of work in the labor and environmental movements. Very rewarding work. I kept playing and performing, solo and in bands, and I took of the music of the particular movements as a supplement to my rock, folk, rock'n roll, blues, swing, bluegrass and country music loves. The fact that I found music with a purpose that related to my other life's passions was a plus. I now front a 6-7 piece Americana Roots-Rock band - we've been together 14 years. I've made records, music for videos, played hundreds and hundreds of gigs all across the country. We're not famous, barely even well-known, but what a difference music has made in my life. I would not do it differently even if I could. Just released a new record, Sweet Lorain, named for the city in OH where my story starts. It's a concept album: ten originals and two covers that have something to say about the world around us. You can check it out here: http://www.uliners.com/promotion/
Joe Uehlein'
The U-Liners

Yeah I can relate to this! I think it's really good advice. But the key is a really good job that doesn't suck the life out of you. The 5 day 9-5 can really suck the energy out of you putting yourself into a loop of Work, going home, decompressing and prepare for the next day of work. this really eats up time for creativity. Unless you spend your days at work day dreaming ;)

I'm my most creative when my mind has time to wander.

On a side note.... I've started a project called One Million People, One Dollar. It is in it's infancy right now (3 days old) But It's evoking interesting reactions already. We live in a world where capitalism is widely accepted and making money by any means necessary is fair game... I want to see If I can get one million people to give me one dollar. for no other reason than I asked.
check it out if your interested.. I feel like posting a link here would be rude. so you'll have to google search my YT video if your intrigued...

Keep up the thoughtful work Derek!!

Great article. Thanks Derek!

Word.... very true!

Good point. The same thing is reommended by Nassim Taleb in "Antifragile", only he calls it The Barbell Strategy.

The advice that always guides me through life is "Set your goals with your heart, make your plans with your head, because goals set with the head rarely satisfy, plans made with the heart often fail."

Your advice here is what I do. Of course things are a little more complicated wen other people (bandmates, etc) get involved. Then you have find a commonality of hearts AND people who believe in a balance. As Joe, my bassist likes to say, "All I need is gigs that are fun and not to lose too much money playing them."

Hi Derek, This plan served me well (except that I had a job I hated, which was so stressful that I believe it contributed to my getting cancer at age 58! But it paid well enough for me to get the hell out of there at age 62 1/2, 2 years ago now. I sincerely tried to move into better positions or jobs and it just never worked out that way. I hope others have better luck with their jobs.) The fact that I made enough money to do a recording every year was really lovely. The fact that my music was not a source of monetary stress was great. I ran into someone I used to see at open mics, and I had not made it as a professional musician, and she had had much more success, and was on tour with a group. I was embarrassed about not being a professional musician, but she said that she and many other musicians she knew would be happy to trade places with me and have a steady job that paid all the bills and didn't require constant hustling to get gigs, students, etc, and would allow them to get off the road. So I decided I should see my glass as half full rather than half empty. I have had "friends" ask why I continue to do my music if I don't sell many albums? I just tell them it is a passion, I have to do it, and it is not about the money. For me, it is about having musical children to go on vibrating through the universe after I'm gone, since I never had actual kids. It is about being inspired by people I know or admire, and being moved to create something with them in mind. It is fun!! It is an end in itself. Nothing can replace the joy of listening to a piece of music today that didn't exist yesterday! At least, that is my experience, and although each composition seems to be harder to do, I have to keep at it, if only because they give me comfort. I can't deny that I continue to hope to be "discovered" and win a Grammy, ☺ but really as long as my stuff is out there on Soundcloud and CDBaby and iTunes etc, I'm good.

It's funny, every time I have ever tried to turn my art or creativity into a business it has made me miserable. When I hawk my creative spirit for money I no longer have the love. I've done this with music, with filmmaking and with web design. When I do them for myself my energy and innovation are endless. When It's for someone else, I turn into an anxious turtle hiding from everything and everyone. I'm done with this. A stable job with decent pay and good people sets me free to explore whatever I want in my own time; guilt free!

It' would be a good advice that your day job isnt very creatively or intellectually demanding: like Einstein's patent office job.

I agree with your assessment on this but let me add a caveat. I spent 20 years as a systems engineer and could only spend a limited time at my music. I lost my job 4 years ago but took that as a thought to increase my craft. However, the balance, as you stated, was not correct and as a result, I could not commit the time to the music making as the bills took priority.
At this time, I am semi-retired but still limited in my pursuit of creating music as my ability to make money in other means has been limited as well. I am almost 60 so maybe I will have more opportunity when I begin receiving social security later but not so sure.

Thanks for the insights, Derek. Would have reached this conclusion in about 10 years… Finding I need a position/job to balance my artistic/creative side. Had some time off, couldn't make the creative side financially fit my lifestyle, So now I'm working doing things I like and have more inspiration to do the art that I enjoy.

I don't know how I started getting emails from you, but I always open them and I always read them. It seems that your ability to perceive those things as being not only sane but factual and practical is rare in the things that I think and do. This life that you have described, meeting Maslow's lower level of hierarchy by getting a solid job as an accountant to pay the rent ( and it does pay quite a lot of rent actually) while pursuing my undying passion of writing music playing a timer and singing songs has been the result of bankruptcy and wisdom acquired over long decades of passion and sorrow, feast and famine, and meeting the expectations of 1000 people who have crossed my path over the years. You're the only other person on the planet who says that these two can coexist and indeed thrive as a result of it because of the diametrically opposed nature of each of their souls - it is as if I have one self providing for the others needs financially and another self that provides for the other by keeping the fires of passion burning in the creativity flowing. I'm glad you wrote this. I hope to meet you one day when the fruition of the provider paves the way for the indulgence of the creator. tour

My art is my constant activity, and faithful companion - good jobs,bad jobs, relationships, dwellings, happiness, have come and have gone. More will follow. This is my path.

In Most of my life my day job [paying the rent etc] has either been in a commercial music studio [engineering/keyboards/co writing/producing etc] .OR. Pro gigs doing covers in clubs, pubs etc [these things were my bread and butter. Then, In my other free times, I could be more focused and less stressed working on my real passion of composing/producing my own material. This has kinda worked out good for me. In my early teenage years i drove a truck and piped every penny into setting up a small studio which eventually started bring in money from demos with bands and I could quit my driving job, I have been earning a living in music ever since either in the studio or on stage and for the past fifteen years writing/creating.producing music within the advertising industry. So I suppose I could say that I have been earning a living with my passion.

That makes sense. Some day I will have a high earning day job again.

Thanks Derek... You are a legend...

You're absolutely right~!!! I was a flight attendant, which was physical mindless work, and a staff songwriter, which was sedentary mental work! :)

Yes, makes sense to take the pressure off the art like this as long as the money-making job isn't too awful! Ideally both could be part of a 'portfolio career.' Thank you for this.

Hi Derek,

Great thought process and approach. There's a similar thought from DeWitt Jones, he refers to as blend (vs. balance). He has a few videos on leadership but your post is more applicable to the day to day progress we all need to push through.
Thank you for sharing!

This was the most sensible and pragmatic conceptual guidance I have encountered to date. For myself, I have long operated with similar premises.

Today, however it is no longer likely that I can obtain employment that both suits me - and suits my purpose of living security. The factor creating this change is change itself - in my case age (senior +) and low capability in "hi-tech" areas. As you can see, I am not entirely Neanderthal but I know that my key salable talents are in writing and information analysis but I lack ability to use current tech methods In implementing my skills. What's worse is that I have not the financial means to bring my work up to "tech parity"

Any guidance here would be welcome. Thanks & Best to you, Derek - Ariel Joseph

This is based on the notion that money makes for stability. My poor friends seem to be more relaxed than my rich ones. Security is a fantasy with or without money. I say do what you love, live simply, feed your community, and you will be fed.

I was just giving my 22 year-old son some similar advice. Today, I shared your article with him. I love the thinking you've got on this. Many thanks.

Thank you Derek. Your words have come at the perfect time.
There is an undertone that comes through that you are exploring this idea rather than you are convinced about it. I may be projecting but so be it.
Thank you for throwing this out though and I am going to use it as inspiration for 2017 "want to's".

Wait! That picture is a horribly haunting reminder of the destruction of Aleppo. Is that what you wanted to illustrate your blog?

To me it looks like a bomb outweighing the shattered childhood of the dispirited boy on the other end of the teeter-totter. I see how you're using balance and weighting in your written article but struggle to see how they relate to the demolished life in See-Saw by Otto Schade.

Great article Derek! I run the roads a lot for work and spend quite a bit of time away from home, which makes it hard sometimes to do all the "cool stuff" I want to do, so I find I have to "allot" time for certain things like my music or my racing operation when I'm at the house. Time constraints and demands at my "day" job make me have to try and hold "work" at arm's length when I go home... seems some days my cell never quits ringing... even in the middle of the night. I finally found that I just had to shut the damned thing off to get some "me" time. I agree wholeheartedly with you though - like the saying goes, "There ain't no romance without finance", and that applies to the arts as well - you can't make music if the electricity is turned off and you're living in your car...

As I read this article my husband comes to mind.Just a little difference he uses his talent to give joy to patients at nursing homes.Since he is retired and really has a strong belief in God the money part is not really a problem. He is happy and fulfilled.

This validates exactly what I have been doing. I really like my "real" job -- I get paid, I work with great people, and I love what I do. But making music is what I really love. As soon as I stopped trying to make money doing music, I started to make money doing music! I write, I sing, I record, I perform. And no, I don't make millions of dollars, but I also don't have to do the stuff I wouldn't enjoy -- like being on the road all the time, and away from my family. I do things that I want, in my own way in my own time. So I get to sing, and I don't have to worry about putting food on the table.

I feel like this is good advice in one sense, because i definitely know that struggle of the pleasing of the marketplace screwing with me. But I also know that I care about being "good" and "good" to me usually means something about moving or affecting people. Sometimes, a great measure of that is money, or sometimes a competition. I retired from slam poetry even though I was one of the best in the world, for two opposing reasons: 1 the competition was no longer a driver for excellence as much as a ruiner of passion. 2 - I wasn't making money. Now the driver for excellence is money, but I can see that being short lived.

But,to play devil's advocate, what I'VE seen is that some people who get jobs tend to also get families and whatnot, and end up not really doing the art.

I think the main point is finding balance, and that may look different for different folks, and I would say a big part of that is looking at what you're spending. The typical American set of "needs" tends to overwhelm to the point of making the "day job" take completely over.

I don't necessarily know the answer to this, but these are some thoughts. This is a rare instance where I don't Derrick has cracked the code. :)

- A

Thanks Derek!
This is what I've always believed and you just confirmed it. That said, I'm a rare bird in that my day job I'm a creative designer or graphic artist. Music is my hobby that I've been trying to improve upon my entire adult life. I've managed to record and release 10 albums. So I must be doing something right. Anyway, I've been following along since your days with CDBaby. You always have great advice. So I hope you never stop. Thanks again for all your words of encouragement, advice and wisdom!
Best Regards,
Len Jennings

You are a genius

Great article, well said, thanks!

Excellent advice! I've been living this way for almost two decades now and I'm never going back to chasing money full time. However, the only way to live off of a part time job, is to have absolute control over your personal finances. The best book I have found on getting your personal finances in order so you can live off of a part time income is "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. I think if people pursue money full time until they are debt free and have 6 months of income saved, then they can break the chains and work on their art part time. A weekend can be spent reading "Anything You Want" (Derek Sivers) and "Total Money Makeover" and between those two you will be on your way. Here's a link to this excellent book! www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Classic-Financial/dp/1595555277/

Monty

For "job" I'm inserting "business" but yes, indeed, this. Mark McGuinness over at Lateral Action says much the same: don't depend on your art to make a living, find a way to make a living that leaves you free to create art.

Guy who taught me the bass was a realtor because it was the easiest way for him to make enough money to support his expensive guitar habit. And he and his band had a ball performing, whatever they got paid.

Very True. LOTS of people want to quit their day job and then their passion begins to get sacrificed and jaded bc they take on jobs / projects they don't REALLY want, but, "I need the money".

I encourage all to do what you said, Derek.

Who cares if you're not a "real entrepreneur" whatever that really means?

Be happy.

Thank you, Derek.
This reminds me of when I once played music in the Boston and Cambridge, MA subways.
If I had my eye (hungry, needy energy) on the money basket, I wouldn't make anything. When I didn't think about the money basket, dollars flew in, because I was truly enjoying myself.
The big thing that is still difficult to me in working a 'day job' which better supports me doing the music that I love, is always the 'time' factor. A sense that I'm losing that 40 hours (+ travel time) because of that supportive day job. I still struggle with this perception of time loss in relation to the balance I strive to maintain with my music production.
Steven

Derek

I have always loved your deep and simple thoughts and take on life. Your perspective resonates deeply in both my left and right brains (funny to think of having many brains, makes me zombie hungry).

I was in resistance to my job for preventing my art. And I have just recently made a shift towards this in my mind's eye, so I am really happy to feel validated in my choices by your article.

You are truly following your true path, as you seem to be impacting and uplifting others so much, it can only be a reflection of your own inner balance.

I love you man

HELL YEAH!!!

Be Well !!

Joey Kasz

be the change

This is great advice if you can achieve it! My well-paying work is very demanding on my time and energy. I seem to have a lot more creative ideas while I am working but not much time to do anything with them. Then the work goes away and I worry about money and have fewer ideas. If I could just find consistent half-time work... :)

As always, thanks Derek - You tickle my brain and touch my heart - What a gift you are

It's good advice except that it's no so easy to find this ideal job you're talking about, that pays well and leaves you time for your art. There is huge competition for jobs, at least in the UK. There is huge competition to climb the ladder or make the contacts to the point where your job has progressed to the point where are getting paid well.

I know a lot of people who have tried this, and too often what happens is that the job takes over. You are expected to work extra hours to climb the ladder, or in many cases simply to keep your job. Or you have to do a lot of out of hours networking and contact making, to really get your money making career going. This often takes upwards of a decade, especially if, as you suggest, you add in training for the job before you get it.

The problem I see again and again is that there just isn't enough time or energy left over for art, eating, the logistics of living, sleeping and relationships.

I know people who have achieved what you're saying but it's always happened one of two ways. They were in the right place at the right time. They had the right skill or the right idea just when it was really needed and no one else had it. In other words they got lucky. For other people I know it's taken 15 or 20 years to get into the position of being comfortably enough off give time to their art.

The problem is that not everyone is lucky and not everyone can wait 10 or 20 years to have time for their art. That's the reason a lot of people opt to try and scratch a living from their art or some off shoot from it. It's the only realistic way there is for a lot of people.

But yeh, if you think you can get a day job which earns enough to be comfortable and still leaves you time and energy for your art, it's a great way to do it. I would just send a cautionary tale that I know a lot of musicians who have tried this and failed, and it's not the day job they've given up.

Been living this for 30+ years. It works. Sharing.

Makes sense, and I can see how it might be ideal for some, but I would disagree from my personal perspective. I've been a full-time, independent musician for 11 years and have never been happier! Now I speak to and mentor musicians on paying their bills with their art (spoke at the recent CD Baby DIY Musician Conference)... wouldn't do that if I didn't think I was helping them improve their lives by doing so. www.gregoryhyde.com

This is a sad article to read Derek.

On some levels this is sound advice: you have met lots of people.

On another level this is good comedy at best and at worst the death knell for deeper artists everywhere. Never mind the hidden ethical dissonances within most "careers" and jobs (slaves build our computers and phones, economic imbalance is hardwired into our current systems--if the topic is "balance", we have sidestepped it already) but if art becomes dominated by those who by definition can only spend a minority of their time cultivating it--well, you can compare this to the recycled air you breathe on your long flights. Not the most invigorating or refreshing and so glorious when you get back to real air.

There are lots of blog posts and articles covering the "play for free" expectation and how hard this has hit us working musicians. Maybe if we could flood the market with volunteer "just do it cause you love it" programmers, accountants, engineers, bankers, lawyers, doctors, administrators and scientists then we can see how those so-called stable careers work out.

I agree that the commodification of art is not a scenario that should be assumed: therefore, this is a complex issue. But let me assure anyone reading this that, although Derek's scenario here is possible and maybe even recommended, I would say only in special cases. For instance, you accidentally bought a house and had two kids...oops! Better get that DAY JOB, right?

But for those of us with fire in our bellies, gold in our hearts and unexplored galaxies still in front of us, true dedication often means real sacrifice on many levels. Not of happiness, no, but perhaps of many of our most cherished assumptions about what life on Earth is all about.

Good luck, breathe deep.

Hey Derek. As always I am encouraged by the wisdom that you are so willing to share with others. It is funny that you should write this article because I have all my life been pursuing my lifelong dream since I was 3 years old. They say that you become a professional at something the moment that someone pays you for what you do. And for me that started at age 3 when my older brothers and sisters used to pay me to sing for them. I am not even kidding when I say this. So for me I have always poured my life with reckless abandon into my music career. And you know what I have no regrets. I have gotten to tour the world as a professional musician and have gotten to work with the biggest stars today either on stage of in the studio including Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift and really tons more folks. I have experienced the great feast of the music industry when it was rolling on all cylinders. I have also been in the famine periods as well. But all in all the bottom line is we all need to follow our hearts and use wisdom to guide. The past few years I did exactly the thing that you mentioned about having a job that is for making a good income and then allowing myself to be every much a part of my music career as well. And guess what...that balance is amazing! I always knew I had the intellect and the drive and ability to pursue whatever it was that I felt God telling me to do...I am so blessed to be able know to balance my tour life and my work life. I get to really call the shots now. What an amazing journey it has been! Having said that I just put out my 7th studio album called It's Love That Wins Me and kicked off the tour this past week with my amazing band! The new music video is up and I am so blessed to be able to do what I love with passion! See you out on the road! God bless you friend! Warmest regards Jim Vilandre award winning singer songwriter producer www.jimvilandre.com

This is what I was missing. Thank you Derek for sharing, creating and always making my life more rewarding.

I am the perfect balance of 20 hours of day job and 30 of music and art. I am loving it but I do have a very successful husband who helps with the majority of our bills while I raise kids and juggle much more then most folks. I'm making progress everyday cause I've never given up the dream of a hit song. It seems the classes, the work, the studying is finally paying off and the universe is going to play me very soon for my hard work and effort.

I am pleased to balance and recommend it highly along with visualizing, positive affirmations, changing beliefs to align with purpose and action, garnering a team of like-minded folks to work for you and action, action and more action.

All best Derek.

Agreed. I've said for years: "Don't confuse your job in life with what you do for a living".

:)

I keep hoping you are wrong, wrong, wrong! Been down that road, Derek. Still going down it as I work (at nearly 68) to provide for my wife's future needs. Be sure to tell folks about the pain of only pacifying one's inner spirit rather than giving it free rein. On the other hand, let them know that a partner, husband, or wife cannot compete with your first love. And, your first love doesn't care. She just wants your heart and soul. Ha, ha! It's great! No need for any drugs on this roller coaster ride! (Where's Bella Lugosi when you need him?)

When I was 15 years old a became a certified scuba diver and received, what I believe to be very poor advice from the instructor, " never make your hobby, your career or you will end up hating your hobby".
I regret not making my hobby my career. I am still searching for a balance of a career that fulfills and pays welll. Perhaps, to your point, I don't need too.
K

Excellent advise! If you are able to achieve this balance, you have it made. There are many other variables in this equation though. There are so many hours per day
and some need to be spent (if applicable) with kids, patents, significant others, house chores, traffic, gym, etc. The best person for this adose is someone who is completely egotistical and for whom nothing else matters, except his/her balance and enjoyment. There is a price to pay for all we do in this life. Even for establishing this balance.

Hay Derek, that's spot on. The past few years I've built a life around some paid work from home that I enjoy (remote IT support), keeping house & dog, a craft that I enjoy which makes a little money (cycle maintenance) and an adult cycle group that Benefits me and my community. It takes effort to run all 4 aspects and didn't happen over night, but it's fulfilling, meaningful and I'm always moving forward.

Perfect advice, I'm putting this in my kids reading list because I couldn't say it better myself. Thanks

Derek, I couldn't have said it any better!
This applies today now more than ever.

Derek, your advice makes perfect sense. There's a paradox however, and it's that the most famous or successful artists (whatever that entails) are all-in with their creative endeavors. They represent the tiny percentage of people who had the combination of opportunity, vision, and the absolute necessity of their path. Where one could be is mostly unknowable. Maybe an idea is not so much to plan the balance but to say yes to every opportunity or intuition that one finds a productive environment.

It's really interesting to read everyone responses! So many different perspectives... I do get what you are saying thought.. I had been burnt out artistically for a few months or more and I did find some peace in picking up my hours of work to escape myself for a bit. But I can already feel the effects of the increased hours taking over my life energy again. It was recharging at first, but after a month or two it feels like the same old trap.

You know, you just articulated what I've pretty much decided over the past year. I'm not going to be the best musician in whatever, but I can continue to make the music that I make and the people who can relate to what I do will! The flip side is that as an ER doc I can afford to do music without being a "starving artist" while maintaining a relaxing past time that I find fulfilling. Now just to achieve the ever elusive "balance"!

Great advice, as I have come to expect from you.
I have a good job; you are inspiring me to make more time
for the art - like focusing on scheduling a set amount of time
each day. Thanks, as usual, Derek!

Perfect Derek thanks. Another resource for the community is the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller which is about achieving extraordinary results. And there is a metaphor I have repeated in many conversations since I read it. The idea that balance is static, an ideal fixed state, is a fallacy. A ballerina who appears to glide smoothly across the stage, the epitome of balance, is actually constantly adjusting, correcting or counterbalancing give the appearance of effortlessness. So too people need to know that it's the constant corrections and adjustments on a daily basis that give us our version of 'balance' and move us in the direction we want to go.

As always,great stuff that I just sent to my two sons, applicable to my path as well. Tempus Fugit. Have a great holiday season and a Healthy Happy New Year.

Best,

Jim Munson

Hey Derek. Been following your work on and off for a while now and appreciate the honest input. I'm a musician that breaks up my time in part by teaching at a music school for about 25 hours a week and the rest going towards focusing on art (or rehearsal and any freelance work in my field). I notice that you wrote "most" of the full time artists you know only focus on doing their art an hour or two a day so I was curious if you know of any exceptions to that rule and if so, how do they make it work?

Just curious.

Thanks again for everything you're doing.

Best

Aaron

I agree
I'm an architect
And Here is my song
soundcloud.com/molite/how-to-turn-invisible

Ugh Derek I don't like this at all. Mainly because I know deep down what you are saying is true. And I hate that it is. I would like to keep thinking that I can do what I love and make money doing just that. It makes sense. But I don't like it! Love you though. Keep sending the articles.
Allie

Good advice on the necessity of paying the bills while keeping one's sanity.

Sometimes art calls for a total dedication even in the face of great hardship and the results are there for all to see. "Crime and Punishment" to name one. Would that masterpiece have been written if Dostoevsky had the huge distraction of a day job that did nothing to inform his art?
He certainly wouldn't have written that particular book coz his life experience would not have been half as dramatic

Very Interesting Perspective Derek... By the way, I am sure that you have been very busy with working with your new CEO, ensuring that this individual is the perfect person to guide your organization, but I have a good question for you. Derek, what is your perspective on the future of Muckwork?!. I may possibly be interested in getting involved in the future of Muckwork with you Derek!!!

Sincerely,

Edward Allan Moore

When I got back into the USA, I started doing life coaching as my "so-called" job, it pays me extremely well, the hours are minimal, it makes a huge impact and allows me tons of time to pursue my art. Most jobs can take way to much time. My suggestion is to get creative and find something that can create the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time, this way you will have more then enough time for creativity as well as the things that feed creativity, like an healthy lifestyle, travel, relationships and all the rest! This was the last thing we created from LOVE and I am very proud of it! ... www.bnwshow.com!

Thank you for this post and I totally agree! HUGE LOVE!

Derek-
Wonderfully honest and insightful advice! Thank you!

Hm. There were times when people kept telling me: "Find a job, you have to get a job, you can't make money on art!" I always felt miserable hearing this, and the jobs didn't pay well, no matter what I did, except for one job that I loved, for a year.

Otherwise it's been always singing (or sometimes acting) that paid my bills. So I do these as my job - and for the love of it, can't imagine that I would ever stop singing, as long as my throat will stay with me.

What I make with photography or writing is not significant, indeed I can consider them hobbies with benefits. But that's where I feel more creative, because in both areas I make something from scratch, whereas most of the times I sing songs by others.

So this way, my "job" and my "art" can be somewhat separathed.

However, you are right with the stability and financial security aspect: I am using a couples of totally different, residual income sources as well.

Nice advice, more practical than I expected. The only thing I'd add is that it's really helpful to have things you love about the way you make money too, other than the good amount of money it gives you.

It makes a lot of sense. Now, I just need to see how it applies to both learning the craft and the art of photography. All the components are there, including the fun, so far. I used to be pretty darn good at it before calling of fame, money and women distracted for the last 40 years. Yup, I'm 4 days older than dirt. lol !!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

I bought your audiobook and just wanted to say your wit, wisdom and humor are well worth 100x what I spent. Do you recommend any other audiobooks that stand out in your mind that impacted you?

As always Mr Sivers - great perspective but more importantly it's prudent. You are highly likely correct, doing something for money and then working on an art is probably the only way....

Perfect advice! Always finds me at the right time man. Liz Gilbert mentions something similar to this this in Big Magic-- and I love the idea of not compromising your art since it's just part time. definitely something you don't consider when you're focused on making a career with your art !

I'm a pianist, musical director and singer and found your article interesting. I'm wondering if you're an artist or creative yourself? On paper, it "sounds" smart, but what about artists, like myself, who's art is their vocation and having a "normal" job would drain whatever creative energy they have left at the end of the day? With no energy left for their creativity and taking care of the business aspects of their art i.e. Marketing etc..

Some of my colleagues who seem to be the happiest- fulffiling their creativity- are the ones who are financially supported by their spouses or family. They can chose to do the work they want to focus on and not have to worry about taking an energy sucking survival job.

After doing my art full time for many years, which also means having to take work/gigs I'm not as interested in
from time to time, I've seen the phenomenon mentioned above and can't but feel envious at times.
I'd apperciate your response.
Best,
John

I do exactly what you are describing. The freedom it gives me to create music my own way has really helped make life fulfilling! Hooray for having a nice place to work and having the chance to write songs -- two sides of the same coin!

Hey, validation. This is pretty much what I'm doing.

Or at least I'm partway there. My freelance work doesn't pay as much as I'd like, though I do enjoy it. And it does limit the amount of time and energy I have to put into practicing. But I'm not constantly worrying about starving, which helps.

Yes, being a Physics occupational nut and helping to train the Space flight crews was the love my life. But music started at 4 years old and since technology
made life much easier in the 2000s for publishing your own music, life is great for doing it all. I even get to do my other hobby and teach Martial Arts.
Life is beautifull!
islandfrank.com

Derek

Better words never spoken,

I figured this out around 20 years ago, and the philosophy has served me well.

Best regards,

Brian

You hit the nail on the head, Derek. It took me 20 years to figure this out. I still won't take an architecture project unless they pay me at least respectably, but I started a second career in the office supply business with a friend of mine a year ago for money and I couldn't be happier about the arrangement! My schedule is up to me and the pressure to crank out designs and drawings to squeak out a living as a residential architect is coming off and I have found that I am already back to doing some of the best architecture work I have ever done. You will never be able to truly shine in your artistic career if you are constantly worried about how to pay the bills...

For people who choose the traditional 9-5 job, where is the time to do anything of worth on the art side?

To do this split you have to be creative, and very good.

At first I just passed this off as another great article by you Derek - but the more I thought about it, the more I realized the validity of what you're talking about, and the true work in finding balance. Sometimes we put too much expectation on our job to fulfill both creative and monetary desires we may have and we can end up either trying to force our job into something it isn't, or pressuring our art to pay the bills - neither of which leave us feeling genuinely satisfied ("The man who tries to please everyone, ultimately pleases no one"). I think you're point about putting the true work into finding the balancing act is a beautiful and humbling realization. Thanks again for another thought-provoking (and indeed great) article.

Did you have my photo when you were writing this . . . . .?!@ It's like you wrote it just for me. .AND you also gave me some new tips. I am on my way to doing BOTH - the impact I have seen is that both are flourishing . . . my creative energy from my passion has a positive impact on my other end. Thank you again. -J.

It's a ride and your conclusions are the ticket to enjoying and profiting from the ride..
Thanks Derek!

At a certain point in the learning curves/development of all the right skills, the balance becomes evident again. Art for art's sake is a must. Moneymaking is a must. Excellence and persistence are musts.

Never quitting and becoming undeniable....musts.

Nice to be in touch again Derek. Happy Holidays!

Truth!
Thank you
So reaffirming!

Spot on, Derek. Don't turn your hobby into a career because then you'll hate your hobby. Fortunately my career included parts of my hobbies. Probably only 25% of my job is my favorite hobby so I don't get sick of it. I can kinda-of rotate my hobbies/job tasks so I don't get bored.

Wonderfully put. I make a living as a musicologist. I compose what I want to compose without concern about whether or not the music has commercial application.

Real solid and intelligent advice which fortunately I NEVER followed. Fortunately for me, I always had what it takes to be successful as an artist/musician: a supportive family (believe it or not this is truly the most important thing), lots of talent, a hard working mindset and an almost overbearing stubbornness. There were times where I had to borrow money from the bank to pay for my children's education or to pay the $%#& bills. Times where we did not eat out for months on end or even go to the movies. Times when I had to sell my car and instruments, but I always stuck it through. Last year I got my first Grammy and was hired to work for a major TV network as a musical producer. My family has financial stability, I have an awesome orchestra at my beck and call at the network, I make band, strings and horns arrangements on a daily basis. I could not be happier! My two cents? Be obsessive about your artistic output, set the highest standards for yourself, stay WAY clear of drugs and alcohol, ALWAYS be generous with your time and efforts (BE A TEAM PLAYER!!!!) and never EVER give up!

Thanks Derek,
I think this will definitely work for some. Having done both, Art for a living and art as the side gig. I have come to the realization that I need to have art more prominent in my life. So, I have, as you know, created my own consultancy for artists where I get the best of both worlds and since I make my own hours, I can still fit in my own art.
Thanks for Everything that you do!!!
Merry Christmas!

Keeping a balance with anything is very important.
As well as delveloping your talent.Thank you Derek wish you would of spoken about how to market yourself...Much Love and Light Richard

Another smack your head, "why didn't I come up with that myself?" article. Great job, AGAIN, Derek!

There are always obstacles to slow that path of creative expression, to make the stream meander, pool and continue. And if that journey be for the love of it then it doesn’t matter if it takes a lifetime.

You raise points and perspective and they resonate. I can’t say that I’ve had any great material success from my songwriting but in terms of real joy and wonder for me in the creative process of finding lyric with melody, it is cathartic. It’s uplifting. That’s songwriting for me and being an accomplished musician isn’t a requirement - knowing some chords is sufficient.

I haven’t been disciplined which of course slows progress. I took my songs seriously enough to record them and put them ‘out there’ ..... where they remain. While I find meaning in them, I’ve no reason to expect others to do likewise but as I have never depended upon music to provide an income, it doesn’t matter. They can stand or fall on their own merit.

Running parallel - for the love of it - with creative expression through music, is the garden. An unfolding artwork, spanning decades and just as rewarding as the music.

At 59 I realised, while watching Griff Hamlin’s 4 note blues on youtube, that I actually have 4 fingers and thus a 4 note blues can’t be too hard. Perhaps I can do more than play chords. At 65, I’m now extending my musical reach. Being a bit slow isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

If you’re not in a rush.

thanks and cheers

I feel like I have good ideas but all need money to get off the ground and there is where my problem is.

Thanks Derek!
You had me at "well-paying job". So relieved you didn't write "good-paying" like everyone else seems wont to do...

This is good advice. Hard to make enough if one lives in the country, which I do, but I do reach outside of it when booking artists around the US.

All best,

Sandra

My whole life's struggle. ..quit Vet school when I had only 1 year left to pursue music. 10 years later quit music to get a full time job. Always feeling and thinking it's impossible to do both with my whole heart and attention.
Thank you for this. Very very useful.

Big hug!

Derek,
You struck a nerve with this post. And I'm glad you did, because I've been suffering with this "tooth ache" of stupidity and misplaced hope for years. These words of wisdom have given me some guidance for extracting this silly pursuit I've had of making it big in art. Though that's my dream, I can't ignore reality; which you have a knack for sharing in times where I need it most. I think unrealistic expectations are as dangerous to the soul of a middleclass man, than poverty is to the poor man.
Thanks for the share. I appreciate it.

Super solid advise. I recently became a realtor to fund my music & have put out an album I'm really proud of, all thanks to having the funds to take it to the next level.

Hey Derek,

Well I'm one of those guys who was going to have it happen differently. My art was going to pay. I knew it would take resilience, persistence, getting back on my feet and fighting on another day. And the months went by. And the years went by. And I learned to be comfortable with uncertainty. And I learned how to be broke. And little by little, as still more years passed, I watched how my dreams got chipped away, one small slice at a time.

So I toughened up even more. And one day I realized that I was spending eighty percent of my time trying to get work (I'm a designer — seven years in art school). Some of what was left got half-assedly put into art. My portfolio dragged behind me, showing ten year old work, far far back from the dream.

Then the phone rang, I was offered a job and I took it.

From being an artist, I was now a manager in a retail store at a couple bucks above minimum wage. And I was thrilled. Ecstatic.

Every two weeks, like magic, somebody handed me a check. I wasn't earning quite enough to make the rent, but hell, I was paying the landlord a good chunk of it every month.
I still landed up in housing court fighting for my apartment.

I'm out of that job now, the store is closed, and it's great to move on. Because I learned a few very important things.

The first one is that we are social creatures. I LOVED getting up each day and getting on a crowded subway at seven AM and getting on a crowded subway home at eight PM. I was part of the human race. I talked to a hundred people a day in my job, ordinary people, cheap people, expensive people, from all over the world. I loved being of service. I loved being of value. I loved being busy.

And second, I loved being paid. I loved putting money in the bank on a regular schedule. I still did my artwork. Half an hour in the morning, and again at night. No big deal.

I know money doesn't buy happiness, but one has to have enough money so one is not worrying about money to survive every day.

I've reduced my life to one of joyful frugality, every book I buy is carefully chosen — books are what I buy. I thought I wanted twenty million dollars. It'd be nice but WTF? I don't need it.
I need freedom from worry — the bills paid each month and be able to look back on each day and say, there went another day, a thin slice of my life through the hourglass. Did I do something of value? Why not?

You really nailed something in this post that I'd have ignored three years ago. Not now. You are right on the money.

Cheers,

Howard

Wow, wow wow.

This is exactly what me and my brother set out to do a few years ago. And now have a micro business and he is a part time lawyer and we both write and perform music - because we love it! I don't mean this to be self congratulating, because we are constantly doubting ourselves - "shouldn't we be doing music full time? If we were true artists, then surely we should?"

But having just read your post, it is such a huge relief to feel that we are actually on the right track. I think you are SPOT ON - because most of our musician friends are broke and miserable and our professional friends are well-off and miserable. So, thank you - once again for this beautifully honest post. The best post I think I've ever read (I guess because it feels so personal). I'm printing this off and putting it on my wall :) Thank you so, so much Derek. This means so much to me and my brother and I hope to so many others.

Well said.

: 0 )

I really appreciate you having the nerve to say this. It's not what you usually hear regarding this. And myself, being a songwriter who also works construction, it's been difficult to balance these two things. I guess my biggest problem is that my profession requires so many hours. Too much overtime has always been a problem. I have been looking for another way to make a living, but I don't know what to do. I'll be pondering this article. Again, thanks for writing it. It's the best advice I've heard in a long time.

Thank god there were some people who didn't agree with this article. I saw the title and was hoping for some good business advice from someone who started their own company, was successful and sold it for a huge profit. Instead I get, "Get a job and do your art with whatever small amount of time and energy you have left after working eight hours and commuting one to two hours and taking care of everyday functions (cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc.)."

How can anyone think this is some kind of genius advice? It is what almost all artists give up and do. What about starting your own company? What about someone that does many types of art, like illustration, music, writing, graphic design, etc. and would have to give up their talents for most of those things due to lack of time? What about the importance of not working some company job but going freelance or starting your own business because such people are the ones who will help change the awful system that forces people to work for big companies and give up their dreams just so they can live?

A short sighted and disappointing article from a successful entrepreneur.

ASCAP sent me an article where a woman had her song played over 3 million times and she only got a little over seventeen dollars. So there actually is NO reason to buy equipment for a studio and actually produce CDs or MP3s for sale.. It is just better to stay home and play and write music for therapy and not release any of it since it has no value except as therapy for the person creating music.
I love to play guitar and write music. I had a customer today tell me my new song is wonderful and would make a great ringtone... so I asked some kids in their twenties if they had ever bought a ringtone and they said yes. and I said do they expect to buy any ringtones next year and they said.. no.. nobody buys them anymore because they are all free and most people just use the ones that come with the phone. On a positive note.. Did you know that one of the seven Dwarfs was a chemist? Yes. He identified the Active Element in Ground black Pepper.. He gave it the Name.. Sneezeium. Look for that on the periodic table.

This is advice that applies to 99% of us. We often fall prey to the survivorship bias when we see these ultra "successful" people who initiate billion dollar businesses. Yes, I believe anything is possible through a growth mindset, however, we have to be pragmatic. Not all of us can quit our job, follow our passions and then everything is going to be ok. This sincere advice by Derick grounds us and reminds us to be diligent and responsible. What all of us are trying to capture is that perfect balance. I wish all true success in finding that balance.

"You don’t need to worry if it doesn’t sell. You don’t need to please the marketplace. No need to compromise your art, or value it based on others’ opinions"

Wow... Solid enough reason to keep them separate. Another thought provoking article. Thanks for sharing the experience.

I've always worked a day job to support my art habit: art supplies and music equipment. W/o my day job to provide, I'd be inept and under-expressed.

I'm under no illusion that my art/music should pay my bills - unless and until I make arts that naturally finds an ongoing audience of patrons.

For years I made a small %age of my income from arts, but most from a stable day-job. Then, for quite a few years I made 50%+/- from arts. Now I make most of my (meager, but live-able) income from arts.

btw: I quit my day job once and made art my sole income. HUGE mistake. I lost my passion by monetizing my art. Rent, food, all dependent on the next sale. Ugh. I (temporarily) lost my soul.

I always kept looking for better options re: jobs and exploiting (in the good sense) my arts, and it paid off each time I leveled up in arts or job. I still work a very part-time day job, and it pays very well considering the few hours I put in.

So tho I was willing to work to support my arts, I now "live the dream": I make my living from art/music! Which, in my mind, does not negate your advice, but only confirms it.

"Don’t try to make your job your whole life.
Don’t try to make your art your sole income."
And if you do these two things really well, given time, you may find your art IS your job AND your life AND your income.

I am a holistic entrepreneur: my life is my art is my passion.

What a great article! This is something I've been thinking about a lot since I'm in my early thirties and it takes a lot of pressure off of my too since I already have a stable income with my job. Now I can just have my creative outlet and not feel pressured to make millions of dollars off of it.

Hi,
I have a question. I can understand and pretty much agree with this article, but my question is does agreeing to this mean that you are settling/ don't believe you will accomplish your goals as an artist?

Sincerely, Singer/Songwriter Celeste

I so needed this. Thank you so much.

Super reminder to keep the balance. Thank you, Derek.

Derek,

It's like you wrote this specifically for me. Update: I got the job I wanted and the salary increase . this December I purchased the final ingredients to my studio, a powerful laptop, Ableton live nine suite, and each day I am learning. but you are 100% right. Fighting the good fight, Doing what I love, at work, and at play, And all the same focusing on increasing attention on my family all at the same time. -reference- I'm the guy who sent you that crazy version of stand by me.Thank you . You have substantially impacted my life.

Hah! I've been whining and complaining about having sabotaged my Music and Art career (started performing for $ at age 8) by becoming an Electrician at age 22, and continuing on to become a self employed Michigan state licensed Electrical Contractor/Master Electrician with no employees, and a list of regular clients.

And yet, I've produced shows weekly most of my life, Hawks and Owls string band's popularity continues to grow, and performance opportunities and students for fiddle , mandolin, banjo, and guitar keep pouring in.

Music and Art comprise 40% of my income. There are touring musicians across the U.S. with my hand tooled leather guitar straps, and many folks wearing Copper jewelry from my anvil.

And yet I still rue that safety net of a viable Trade that I stumbled into as a youngster, thinking it an Albatross around the neck of my artistic nature.

Maybe if I cease looking at that Trade as a hindrance to my success as a musician/artist, like, right now at this very moment, and count my blessings instead, both the linear and analogue will embrace and the conflict will resolve.

Big deep breath!
Resolution posed... and accepted!!
Resolved!!!
Thanks Derek!!!!
I will step into a brave new world tomorrow with a different attitude, and surely this step will benefit the Greater Good.

Another of one of my many occupations, in the volunteer area of my life, is as the president of the Grand River Water Festival. This is a non profit that I started here in Grand Rapids that educates thousands every year on Water Quality and Environmental issues, while entertaining folks all day with the best in Michigan roots music. If you're in Grand Rapids June 24th 2017 please join us at Riverside Park. FREE. Bring the kids, we've got great activities for the young ones! grandriverwaterfestival.org (please check out the video!)

This also perpetuates the myth that artists who are doing true art and do it because they love it should not expect to be paid for it. Tell a doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer, programmer, etc. etc. etc. that they should have a job for money and then do what they love on the side and not worry about getting paid and they will laugh at you. The closer I look at this blog, the more shallow and even harmful it appears.

Brilliant. Thanks Derek

Nice Article, Derek. Couldn't agree more and have lived this way for many years now. Just retired from my teaching job and now have all the time I could possibly want for music projects.

It's hard not to get frustrated now and again but since I retired my attitude towards playing has changed. Money is not the prime motivation (although we do get paid pretty well for a local band)and, most of all, I play what I want (including original music) in any given night and the crowd actually seems to like it better that when I went out of my way to please them and play songs I didn't really care for (hated).

Thanks for all your fine work and I miss you at CD Baby. You gave me a boost years ago when I needed it most.

Jimmy Phillips

Hi Derek,
Thank you for this extremely useful post. Always greatful(that is not a spelling mistake) for having you in my corner.
Appreciate the care you take and the fantastic posts you write.

Thank you for validating this! I have more or less been living this life for the past 15 years. Now I don't need to feel guilty anymore that I don't earn a living creating music.

Thanks for sharing!

This reminds me of the post on Hack News: news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5390426.
It's said "The reason you're stuck is because you're too focused on yourself. Remember, it's not about you. It's about others."

Sometimes we cannot expect different rewarding things from one certain work, especially those that are rewarding for ourselves only.

Derek,wise beyond your years,love you! Wish I heard this sooner,I've stressing over work. From now work is for money only and being creative (sewing,knitting)is for pleasure.

Hey Derek,

This is an interesting concept. The only complication that I see here is ambition.

You don't talk about ambition. I agree with the idea of balance but I'm not sure you can balance your way to greatness or incredible success.

Everyone thinks they deserve a promotion, deserve to be famous for their songwriting skills and I don't think that balance earns you what you deserve.

What are your thoughts on achieving full potential and reaching your ambitions if you're hedging?

Thanks for the post. So appropriate to me at this time.

1. I've been in a career for many years (in health-care) which is often very rewarding, fulfilling, and lucrative. I consider myself incredibly lucky that people actually THANK ME EVERY DAY for the work that I do. I am humbled and very appreciative. How many jobs offer that?

2. The artistic part of me (actually, somewhat intertwined with the career noted above) always calls out to me. Correction: It doesn't call me... it begs me to allow it to be released.

3. Recently I arrived at the decision that NOW is the time to change the proportions, and give myself "permission" to delve deeper. This was also inspired by your last post. Also, simply... because I need to. Because I love to. In no way do I ever think about the money. I count on it NEVER coming... I don't care. I need to do what I need and love to do -- before I am not able to.

4. Thanks for the fuel.

Totally agree

Thank you, Derek.

This was a timely reminder for me. I've 'been around t block' a few times but still occasionally get sucked into the conundrum you describe. I think it's because artists of all kinds are perhaps more prone to trying to find meaning in our work. Doing anything just for the money can seem empty and lacking in value, and make us feel guilty that we're wasting our lives.

Your pragmatic approach is not only practical but also liberating. Everyone has to put food on the table and we should make the best of that so we can create space to express ourselves artistically.

Thanks for your continued advice and perspective.

I think it's great article and can provide another way to approach careers, art, money, etc. In a way, though, it could be looked as another approach to the "something to fall back on" idea. This is the eternal internal argument among musicians, esp students, who are trying to decide if they should go all in or have a back up plan.

When I was in music school, there was always a group of music students that decided to go the music teacher route specifically to have something to fall back on. In actuality, their choice ended up becoming Plan A, not B.

Another approach is to leverage all of one's skills, both technical and creative, musical and non-musical, within some sector of the arts "industry". For example, I have a friend who is a very well-paid web designer - a job he wants to quit. He'd much rather be playing drums, writing songs, and mixing/producing records. I've suggested to him that he can bundle, or leverage, all of his skills within the music production industry. In this way, he's helping others take their art to market creating contacts, opportunities, etc. He can simultaneously be working on his own art, esp as he develops these pipelines to deliver clients' and his own products.

I can say from what I've generally observed, having two unrelated separate careers is a very tall order if one hopes to satisfy their creative desires, unless those desires can be satisfied more as a hobby.

I will also say that I don't think any approach is "one-size fits all". Some may benefit and have a happier life finding a stable unrelated day job so they can enjoy their own music in their spare time.

Lastly, I think it also depends on where somebody is in their lifecycle. Are they a student or maybe fresh out of school with zero responsibilities? Are they middle-aged with children to take care of and a mortgage?

Something to think about: SOMEBODY'S got to be a professional! Why not you? If you have the drive to do what it takes, then you might be able to do it!

Nice, clear article. On the one hand I agree, on the other I don't completely. I agree that it's a way out of some financial trouble, to have a clear split between what you do for a living and what you do for self-expression.

However, if you marry the two, like you did, you become happiest. I read your book, "Anything you want", and it inspires me that it's possible, in your case, to work in the field you love (music industry), combining it with programming as self-expression, and make a living out of it (CD Baby) at the same time SETTING UP YOUR RULES of the game.

Maybe it's not possible to do this for all, but I think we need a North Star to pull us in a direction that one day it might be possible for many of us.

Such a lovely idea for achieving balance. As long as the choice you make with your head doesn't destroy your soul I think it's a great way of thinking about it Derek. Very eloquently put, as always ☺

It is a true statement.I've been lucky enough to make money staying on the other side of music, promoting concerts and festivals, and still have my music going on. Also being a music biz teacher as I am in my hometown helps. But i'm 52 now and of course i'm trying to give a good chance to my kids to be top qualified at the college.No way, spending hours studying to be ready is necessary as well as practice your next job close to old good guys ...
Thanks Derek

Great article Derek! Exactly my thoughts as well but expressed more clearly.
Especially this:

"Don’t try to make your job your whole life.
Don’t try to make your art your sole income."

So thanks again and good balance for your life too;)

Janar

So much reactions on this subject! Wow, you hit a nerve here.
What I remember and use so far:

1. (for the art) "The best way to get approval is to not need it" + "To maintain creative sovereignty, keep you day job" thanks, H.Macleod

2. (for the job) "Be expensive, people value it more" thanks, D.Sivers

3. Work 3 to 4 days/ week on the job + do what you love on the other days

Thanks for sharing!

Love this article. I struggled with this for the longest time and a recent read "The Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert helped me in changing my perspective about art and career. And this article further clarifies the same thought process. As always your articles are on point, thank you. Wishing you and your little boy happy holidays and an exciting 2017 :)

Hi Derek,

The best advice really and the conclusion I have come to myself.

Cheers,
Nicole :-;)

Wise words Derek. A few years ago, I decided to live my life by being creative, after studying at The Tamalpa Institute, www.tamalpa.org & studying with the Legendary Anna Halprin, who at 96 years of age is still dancing, teaching & performing. www.annahalprin.org

Please check out where www.sherockstheplanet.tv is at now. You were one of the first to see the original Sizzle Reel April 2014, and you gave me such kind words of encouragement, it really meant alot to me.

Life, Art, Work.
As long as I can be creative, it's all good!

Thank you Derek!

I agree. I have muso friends who make good money doing asbestos air monitoring during the day, and playing only original music in their spare time. And yes, they are pretty happy relaxed chappies!

Hi Derek -

Best words ever read!

They are the base indie solid principle for REALLY success and happiness.

Thanks so much!

Best regards.

I do agree that we, as artists, should not expect our art to take care of us. It's our job to take care of our art.

But I don't agree that it's an either/or situation.

We all know artists with great talent who struggle. And equally, we can name wildly successful artists whose work really isn't that good. The difference is in marketing, in learning how the business side of art works, and a willingness to commit to the tasks necessary.

At the risk of sounding self-promotional, I founded an online business school for artists (www.theworkingartist.com) and have watched artists succeed with this formula again and again.

But it's a marathon, not a sprint. An art career takes time and patience. And yes, having a side gig is imperative. But an art career is not so out of reach that one should dismiss their dream without trying. If ever there was a time when artists can empower themselves, it is now.

First for Jeff Kozuch. 10 CC wrote "Arts for Arts sake" a single from 1975. A very good example from You Derek for a healthy balance. Thank you for your wisdom.

Great advice Derek. Jeff Koons was a Wall Street commodities broker by day and an artist by night. He stuck with that for years until he made more money from his art.

Bloody good article Derek, that must apply to MOST of us. I longed to be a pro, but knew I had to have an income, because I have a family, and could not be reckless enough to chuck it all in and go pro, and leave the family to suffer just for my own needs.
However, all my working life, I had my little studio at home, and wrote, recorded and performed.
I have now retired early, and because I did a 9 to 5, I have pension, and for the last three years have been disciplining myself to at least spend some time in the studio every day.
Guess what - it is JUST AS HARD, even when your time is your own.
You still have to MAKE yourself work at it, so, in conclusion, for most of us who for whatever reason cannot become pro, you can still be a good musician and composer, and use CD Baby to release your repertoire. It is great. I really am (but always have been) a musician. It would have been great to have had my dream, and just make a living at music, but as Derek has said, balancing it, and not giving up on your dream is just as good! Kind regards Paul (still expecting to get a hit!)

Hi Derek,

First time I actually disagree with you. While there is definitely some reason behind your argument, I don't think it is a formula for everyone.

If I see my own experience, I did the complete opposite. I centered my life around my passion: film music. And if indeed, I made no much coin the first few years, I ended up making a lot of money with it. And I'm convinced this wouldn't have happened if music had been part time only.

I am more convinced by another of your articles that seems to contradict this one: the 'hell yeah' article. I only do what fully drives me. And that's how incredible things happen to me afterwards.

But I understand that your articles are more there to create reflection and not dictate a vision, so I'm with you on that. But well, on this specific case, I had to express a different view. ;)

A great article of something I've tried to articulate to my friends for a long time. I shall just direct them to your article instead. Brilliant stuff.

I value your opinion, but I respectfully disagree. I actually read Daily Rituals over New Years Eve and New Years Day at the start of this year. It's a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it!

But I took away a completely different perspective from it. None of those examples were people cramming a day job and their creative life into one day! On the contrary, they were overwhelmingly able to dedicate their "daily rituals" to their art, because the rest of their lives were taken care of for them, including preparation of their meals and some even being served in bed. None of those people had to stock shelves at Walmart or Tesco 9-5, then take care of their home and family, then dedicate some time to reflection (necessary for art), then exercise, then create some art. It's completely unrealistic to think everyone can fit everything in and feel "fulfilled" by being too exhausted to enjoy any of it. Things are not the way they use to be. Training in a profession does not mean you will work in that profession - no matter how normal, and the day job gig is not the same scenario as it was before you started CD Baby. On the contrary, people are having to make money from their art, otherwise they need to get a second job just to cover the bills. Everyone's got a side-hustle now!

(A side note: the biggest take away I had from Daily Rituals was the number of people who made a daily walk part of their routine - both for exercise and as a chance to reflect on their work).

Hi Derek,
Thanks for the article.

(The chamber of commerce in Holland delete Audio-Rarities out of trade registery because low sales CD's.I sell now the CD's by IFUD of Human Rights.My e-mail: ifudofhumanrights@yahoo.com for the foundation or private jpwittenboer@yahoo.com

Happy Christmas & new Year to You and your family
Jan

Super stuff Derek, the simplest solution is often the best. Thanks!

Super stuff Derek, the simplest solution is often the best. Thanks!

I'm doing just that! It's a rare gift to achieve, takes lots of years and graft but the net result is peace of mind!

Yes this balancing is a skill in itself...balancing the head and the heart part. I find that when you are doing what you love, sharing that with others then the money thing works out in the long run, although sometimes this can take longer than our expectations. I've been a freelance musician and this is my second year (end of), I have got to a place where it is paying to live on and so feel more relaxed about it and enjoying it more as the money concerns are not as paramount. My approach is to focus on what I love but constantly observe how others are reacting to it and where the money is coming from so I can also be practical, this approach is starting to work, Its kind of an exploratory process where what you love to do meets with what others love to be on the receiving end of. Thanks for the article. And if anybody has this balancing bit totally sorted let me know :)

I have to add to my previous comment (because I have now digested this article)..... YOU, Derek Sivers, are one of the leading forces behind the independent music movement! YOU gave us the tools to pursue our dreams and get our music out to the world. YOU did that.... are we are grateful.

But it has to be said that you have profited massively on our dreams. You admirably gave almost all of your wealth away, but I can't imagine you would disagree with me if I said that there is a psychological shift that happens once someone has made that kind of money. They KNOW they can do it again, whereas someone who hasn't achieved that has to have unshakable faith in themselves. You have a millionaire mindset, and you are among the people who try to share that mindset with others to help us get there, too. So to hear you say "stop trying to make money from art" when for a lot of us YOU were the first person to tell us we COULD make money from art...... it's disheartening and difficult to reconcile. Or perhaps you will agree with my post above that things are different now?

Great article! I always believe you need something to "fund" your artistic career habit.

Derek you tell it like it is and thank you for your wisdom. I started a podcast while holding my full time job about 9 months ago. I fantasized that this would become my full time career but it was easier said than done. The podcast was a huge investment of time and money. I have no way near the number of listeners that I would like and I am at a crossroad now of what I should do next. Should I continue or not? If if I had quit my job to do this full time, I would be miserable. I have the stability that I need to feed my creative soul and the money to take these risks. Beautifully said Derek.

Thanks for that. I have been "teaching" art full-time, "making" art a lot less, and feeling guilty. This bolsters things for me, another vote of confidence, or another voice supporting my choices.

But I guess I have to read Daily Rituals to help me bolster working every day on my art.

And I have to work on "leaving work at work," since the teaching job frequently spills into an all-day, all-weekend affair.

I really appreciate this piece of advise, the idea had started to sink in in my head, but it's good to see it written and validated by someone else.Now I have to find what my art is!

Great article. I'm doing a variant of this. Making a small bit of money playing music at hospitals, care centers, and senior centers. Giving of my musical talent to grateful wheelchair and rocking chair audiences has brought me much more happiness than I ever imagined.

Hi, thanks a lot for this advice. That's how my life is. I just needd someone to confirm my thoughts ... Now I'm releaved

Right on! Just came to this conclusion recently, Thanks for sharing!!

This is the tough reality for most people, but a great way to look at "the balance". I've been doing this for quite sometime and it truly makes me the happiest. My life moves forward and I still get to make art, release music, and fulfill that very real need. Thanks for saying this out loud Derek

Hi Derek ! Good article, it's just what i was speaking with a person from New York city just some months ago : in the day life you must find the time to pursue the things that make you happy (Art, sport, reading, writing and so on), but the reality is done about bills to pay, taxes to pay, and most often the things that you love and you try to pursue daily, don't permit you to pay the bills. But if you are happy doing your art, you don't need a lot of money to be happ! Be frugal you said, and i agree. Regarding me, if I am able to pay the bills as podcaster and musician, i won't have the desire to go retire, because i can do these things when i want, just like a retire person . But, right now, i must trying to find someone that wanna buy some agricultural lands i own and trying to do a good advertising agreement to pay the bills (but, anyway,...I don't care... every day i find the time to go on bike for two hours, playing guitar and bass for other two hours and making my weekly soccer podcast !
Bye Derek and Happy holidays !

Derek; Thanks for sharing another nugget. You are definitely one of those whom Richard Rohr would describe as a second halfer.
Ross

Great stuff Derek. I've been trying to make my art my career for so long and all it got me is to start to dislike my art and a bunch of changing what I want to do. This time I'm on a path to make money in something that fulfills me in all areas, which is life coaching, and incorporating my art of video and music to make my business more fun and stand out. Thanks for the great article.

I love this article. Perhaps because when reading it I feel very validated in my choices. I am a music composer and producer. And I have accepted (and enjoy) to provide other types of services as a freelancer to make money. My vision is that in due time my income from music will grow. But the good thing about choosing balance is that I can feel good now - and have money to live now.

Excellent piece. Perfect timing. Not sure how it will all come together but this is helpful.

Thanks Derek!

This thing about 'balance' between doing something for money and something for love rings in full truth. However, what worries me is the fact that sometimes that 'something for money' takes too much time at work leaving less energy for the 'something for love', leaving us with less creativity to pursue - and in no time the day is dawned again for 'something for money'. Well, to me, that accumulates, slowly if not quickly, an emotional drain. Another reason for that drain is because creativity cannot be forced. At least to me, it takes a while before I set to write. It has to flow and I cannot control the flow. Nevertheless, I love this article! It gave a completely new paradigm of approaching work - be it for money or love. Thanks, Derek - you are making a dent in the Universe! Know that!

Arun from India.

You summed up my attitude perfectly. Had a great job (math teacher) and now I'm retired with more time than ever to enjoy my song-smithing. I only make $10-20 a month (it would be zero without CDBaby) but what a kick to know someone in Japan is listening to me! Life is good. God bless you Derek Sivers!

Great advice! This has been my struggle and just this year, my wife and I set some goals that fit right in with this article. Once again Derek - sound, timely words from someone who's been there.
Thanks Brother!

I'm a full-time artist and I spent a LOT of time on the computer and phone, which are necessary to being a full-time artist. But...I know I need breaks from this. So I stop and bake bread or cookies. Ride my bike. Take a day to divorce myself from the computer and lose myself in my fabrics with my sewing machine. Keeps me ever so sane. But singing for kids is such a huge part of my life! Can't imagine doing anything else. www.mrskate.com

I may be a good "sample case". I have always loved piano - but realized early on I needed to "earn a living" too. So, I got a JOB in the piano industry (first in sales, then marketing and management). I read tons of books about business, entrepreneurship, marketing, etc. Meanwhile, I was developing my skills as a musician. As some years passed, I climbed both ladders - earning more income on the "job", and gaining fans for my music. (BTW - It's amazing how many 'business' skills transfer into music). And now, I'm earning a 6-figure income on "my job", while my music income and fanbase continues to grow. I get to work on music projects which excite ME rather than take every paying gig because I need the money...and my "job" has helped me learn more about my art. Am I Happy? You bet. Oh, and one of those 'business books' which helped me climb the ladder? "Anything you Want" by Derek Sivers :)

Sorry Derek. Methinks you missed it. Most of cannot afford to split our passion or focus.

This is wonderfully refreshing considering the popular advice is "follow your dream" and to make it your job also.

Your article has come a little after I've just figured this out myself the hard way! I spent the last 8 or so years as a professional musician and although I did well for myself, I didn't particular enjoy it or ever feel free. I was always driving and stressed.

Eventually I realised 90% of my life was spent doing things that weren't music anyway... videos, promotion, interviews, networking, merchandise and tours organising. I also felt pressure to constantly zone in on what did well, which took me further and further away from my own creativity.

I'm now looking to implement exactly what you're advocating here. Thanks for your articles, keep them coming! Loved you book also. Hope you're well.
Tom

This is well said and solid advice. I've been coming to this realization for some time about the need for balance between creative passions and the need to make a living. Thanks for writing this!

I think you described a great way for many people to structure their lives. I really appreciate your work.

Best Regards,

Kevin

Love this article, Derek. Thank you!

Hang on. To put it bluntly, your premise seems to be that, since Art does not pay, we should all get a real job and become amateurs at our Art. There is some merit in accepting the reality of today's economic environment, and also the attendant effects of the wholesale undermining of the value of Art in its many forms. But if some of us do not carry forward the ideal that Art has value, then we're doomed to accept whatever tripe Google decides is clickworthy.

Those of us who have been active professionals for a while have witnessed the descent of our cultural hallmarks from a place of value and respectability to an outmoded object of ridicule. When you step back and attempt to understand this unfortunately continuing dynamic, the cause is the free culture concept: Google/Youtube/Facebook takes whatever it wants and doesn't pay the "content creator", while raking in bucket of money from ad revenue. Not OK. Meanwhile, they promote the ridiculous idea that success equals going viral (on Google/Youtube/Facebook, of course) with whatever it is you do, and nothing less.

If we all just shrug our shoulders and accept that Art can only be fulfilling if you have a real job to support it, then we have all contributed to the devaluation of Art. At some point we have to take a stand and say Art is worth something, and those whose lives are enriched by it should be expected to pay the artist.

Great article Derek,

It's simply the common sense which too many simply fail to grasp, I like the way it is written;this one is worth printing out a few copies and leaving on the resource table in my Church library.

Thanks for sharing

Jean

Perfect.

I completely agree, and have been taking this approach for about a year now. I've never heard this laid out so cleanly before - well said!

I love this.

Love it. Took me a little while to figure it out, but I got there. I realized I couldn't combine every single talent, passion, skill, and artistic endeavor into one perfect career. It does help to truly enjoy your day job, though.

Derek - I know I can share this link, but is it ok to copy and paste this text and share it (with citation), say, on Facebook, or in an email? Thanks.

Derek, you nailed this concept. I think there are to many emotional challenges that make the full self expression of art very difficult when trying to do this as a way of making a living. Many individual sport athletes struggle in the same way artists do. They cannot manage the pressure of making a living through their craft. Paradoxically, when they have a source is income which provides stability they tend to play at higher levels. This is also true for many other life dynamics. Better life and time management allows for more life enhancing options and takes the pressure off the ONE thing that is expected to do it all.

Thanks Derek for this blog! Much appreciated.

Your got that 100% correct. I use music as an outlet and my sales career buttered my bread. Nice article Derek!

Fantastic. I can now let go of all the pressure I put on myself for work to be a passion and for my passion to be my income. Letting that go is huge.

Thank you!

Great advice!Thank you Derek!

Thank you, another timely piece.

Thanks Derek for the inspiration and clarity you give in your writing.

This is great advice Derek. As a matter of fact, balance is something that I keep on coming back to as pretty much the answer to any problem in life. Too fat (like me)? TV or computer/Exercise balance and Sweets/Healthy Food balance. Lonely? Go somewhere, ANYWHERE that people are and talk to someone ANYONE. Starbucks, the Library, Meetups, any type of shelter, a children's hospital, assisted living facility. The point is, that if you are lonely, you are out of balance with spending too much time by yourself alone. It's unlikely that someone will randomly come knocking at your door (same advice goes for wanting to be in a relationship but sitting home watching TV every night). Many diseases are caused by the body being out of balance in some way.

So I invite anyone who is reading this to consider, if you have any complaint about an area of your life that isn't going well (or at least how you would prefer it to be), ask yourself "What is out of balance in my life?" Then the remedy is simple. Restore balance in that area.

One school of thought is to totally commit yourself to your passion and the money will follow. The idea is that a partial effort will never get you there, where ever "there" is. To me, that's the key. Know what you want, which could be a tangible thing, a mystical thing, a state of mind, a state of detachment, a state of engagement, etc. Sometimes, the journey is all important and the moment to moment opening of life's path is the reward.

But there is the practical side of life also, and darn it, it is nice to be able to afford good medical insurance. One can live on $2,000 a year. But beyond a mystically oriented life, more money provides more opportunity to explore. I have taken the "work a lot" until you don't have to "work as much" approach to life and wove in creative pursuits where possible. The downside is that is one grows older, the time left for certain creative pursuits has past, for all practical purposes. One only realizes this when the time horizon of life become visible.

If you want to be happy and fulfilled, be disciplined and free enough to let yourself discover what makes you happy and fulfilled. Then go after it with all your heart and mind.

(By the way, the measure of societal development anywhere in the world begins with establishing three things: food, clothing, and shelter. Without these, a society can never develop beyond the level of just sustaining itself. The same is true for a person.)

Good food for thought as always. Many of us can relate as we work to find that balance or maybe we have it and still doubt the path we are on.

I imagine this equation will somewhat different for individuals depending on the industry they work, or even the art they pursue.

As for me, I will continue working a good paying job while also working on my creative "pet projects."

Derrick, I love reading the comments as well as your article. You are right in that there are many that have the "day" job and pursue their passion on the side. I never forget seeing a news program about a CEO who pursued his passion by playing with the remaining members of Boston on the side. He made enough money to pay them to be his backing band.

At the time when I was 25, I thought how funny that this geezer is doing this and that he looks just ridiculous at his age trying to be a rock star. I also thought how humiliating that the Boston guys were reduced to getting a gig like this to pay the bills.

Now, at 41, your article has caused me to reflect on that news story again. Who had the biggest smile on their face? The CEO or Boston? Without a doubt it was the CEO.

Derek: I agree with you 100%. I am an example of your style of making a living while enjoying your music. I say it this way..."You can work for music OR you can make music work for you." I found out right after college that being a music teacher and later an Instructional Systems Specialist was something I had to do. Playing in a band just did not make enough money to pay my essential bills (eating, rent & car note). Especially when I was married with children. I also noticed that gigs were irregular but bills come every month. Therefore the two don't work well together for a successful life. Realizing this I did just what you mentioned. I decided I needed a full time job to take care of the essentials and music became my week-end source of enjoyment that often added to my monthly financial status. However, I still enriched my musical skills by becoming a composer, songwriter and a recording engineer over the years. Naturally I kept playing and started releasing albums for sale. I had various offers to go professional but...I found my jobs along with my local gigs paid better than the offers. Now I am retired from my job (a steady income)and I still perform and record my music. I have no regrets and now I can do as much music as I want.

Thanks again! I think of finding balance as a never-ending goal. When I tried kayaking the first time, I was annoyed that I couldn't keep the kayak straight and I was constantly trying to correct and get back to center. Perhaps it's a matter of practice and it's possible to find that work/love balance and stay there. Keep paddling!

Interesting! Since I have been singing for the love of it since I was about 3 years old,
I was always amazed and grateful to earn a good living doing so. I sang for free until
I had my first band at age 14.
People question me frequently about my career as if
To say is it over? Washed up? Finished?
Well, I enjoy being creative more than performing live.
I never liked the business of show biz although I had good people
Taking care of bookings and publicity.
Writing, recording and studying what and who I like makes me happy.
Thanks for reminding me that I sing because I love to sing❤️️

Are you also suggesting we play teeter-totter with nuclear weapons? ☺

Great post. I've been doing this for a long time.

Thanks for the post Derek! I have a great paying job but find it difficult to strike a balance. I do woodworking when I have the time and my Uncle (woodworker) told me "don't ever make a living doing this... it isn't fun anymore". I do wonder about work life balance though. Even without being addicted to social media my job is extremely demanding.

What would you do to balance life then?

Cheers,
Adam

I turned 30 recently. From the age of 15 I wanted to be a filmmaker. I went to college and got a degree in theater. I also spend a year in LA trying to get a career going. I failed. I come from a family and culture that values stability and tradition. I am now a banker, and I often wonder if I just succumbed to the prevailing winds. Additionally, with age this gnawing idea keeps surfacing: the talent you thaought you posssessed was fueled by delusion rather than a skill set. Funny enough I don't know how any of this relates to the article except that your suggestion is a possible prescription to overcome self doubt. Since success need not be the barometer when it comes to art, only the freedom to practice what you love.

Thanks, Derek this will be very helpful.

The all or nothing mindset consumes many of us today, it is great to read something that warps that perspective.

This was definately helpful

> each half of your life becomes a remedy for the other

Isn't there something wrong if both sides of my life needs the other as a *remedy*? Why are the sides sick in the first place?

Actually, Derek, I was able to accomplish both income AND love of my art. Before I retired i made good money in the motion picture business and at the same time, I was able to scratch an itch for my recordings, which, thanks to you, was able to sell on CDBaby. This really satisfied me because I wasn't depending on making money from my CDs AND I loved my career at the same time. I had the both of best worlds.....How many people can say that?

(Keep those articles coming, Derek.)

The See-Saw murales is incredibly beautiful. Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Great article & a timely one for me too! I guess when your art is not strangled by the need to generate money you might end up creating something truly great. Balance once again the answer :)
Thanks Derek!

As usual, you speak the truth. I have made my living, raised a family and had some awesome opportunities that came through music over the last 38 years, but bottom line, the struggles were always there bringing anxiety and when I look back I would have to give the same advice. The climate for art making a good living has drastically changed.

And if your art is well received you may then eventually be doing it happily full time.

Derek,

Balance is the key to life. Whether you are an artist or not. The problem is, in our hectic world it is extremely hard to balance every thing ALL the time.

Being balanced for an extended period of time, years, is the key to being content and productive. Other wise it is a roller coaster of constantly trying to find that balance and time and energy for the muse to come.

If you have children and a job and a husband with a career, one has a difficult time finding the time to balance their own self.

As an artist, after you do all that needs to be done, there is very little time or energy to do anything artistic let alone find time to read, meditate or exercise, as all the tasks of daily life tend to suck you dry. Not everyone can get up at 6:00 AM and go -go -go until 7:00 pm and then still find energy to create. I think this is especially true for women with families to take care of. We are nurturers and put ourselves on hold for husband, kids, parents, and grandparents...people that need us.

Artists are sensitive people, they take in "stuff" and releasing all the baggage we suck in from other peoples energy is difficult, yet must be done to find the balance or it will all just leave us drained and resentful.

Hi Derek.

Awesome post. Just what I needed! Thank you so very much.

Whenever I put any advice of yours to work, my life becomes happier and more exciting.

I just got the Daily Rituals book you recommended. I will start reading it this night.

Please keep doing what you are doing.

- Roland, (your greatest Nigerian fan : ) )

I love it!

Love this post, but I'd like to throw another variable in there:

Wanting to achieve financial freedom

I find myself torn between my stable 9-5, the desire for creative pursuits, and the desire to create side income/a company to sell/whatever.

I end up thinking of ideas of side businesses that involve my creative desires, but a week later I feel guilty and decide to focus on something strictly to make money, a week later strictly creative, etc.

Great article. That's what I always say. Hope you have survived the earthquake.
Happy Holidays!
xo
KD

Snow
(Poem by Karen DeBiasse 12-18-16
-While Walking In The Snow)

Oh Father Time Oh Father Peace
Abounding blessings all who seek
Heavenly loft arctic dew drops
Fall infinite abandoned count

Perish not sacred icebound rain
Lord knows that all must rise again
Like flowers will now frozen die
Towering mountains pierce smeared sky

Vast forest rage upon us now
Howling wind warns deep lofty growls
Poised merry trees dark harrowed pines
Eternal ‘till the end of time

Oh save us now our saving grace
Protect us with each step we face
Loved most of all lone blemished flake
Shines bright for all with divine grace

Pounding rain freeze suspended blow
Sparkling gems polished diamonds glow
Wandering down pure stark bleached lane
Soft powdered ice slide crash again

Crystal forms freeze glisten spire
Sharp chilling swords grow more dire
Injure me not icicle blade
Though slip and fall must not lose faith

Frozen tear drops shattered glass pour
Strewn scattered top iced frosty floor
Sleet leap and bounce loud dance profound
Push forward constant steady plow

Warm feet snow shovel billowed mounds
Tight path left smooth wonder abounds
Miraculous grand frosty view
Brightens most darkest season’s blues

Spellbound wintry storm onward trudge
One foot slides down one stays above
Dog runs and jumps blissful delight
Catching snow balls one great fierce bite

Loose fluffy flakes brawl far and near
Dazed blinding white fairies appear
Soft blizzard breezes fantasy
Beautiful winter alchemy

Trees rock and sway combing crisp air
Creaking glistened iced coat they wear
Pines soft blanket cast wintry light
Chilled frost commands brisk wind this night

Spot ahead snow covered steeple
Slick frozen pond joyous people
Graceful skater cradling arms
Floating captivates winter charm

Merry Christmas!! Stay Warm!!

That is the recipe for the perfect life cake my friend. 1 parts work + 1 parts art = real living.

***The hope is that we get lucky with one or the other and it creates a larger source of income, either requiring less time by the job or providing more income from the art.

Thanks so much Derek! I agree with you and we all truly have to juggle in this quick life!!

We've all gotta eat, for sure. But it's not that simple--not all artists can manage the humdrum life most jobs require. And, the workaday world is not all that easy to do half-time--most serious, well-paid careers take more time & attention than just the 8 hour day. On the other side, try to name a great, admired artist who held a day job for long. Time's up. No, if you've got the cojones, throw yourself in as fully as you can and see what happens. It's hard to starve to death in a first-world country--and I'm assuming these questions are all coming from people who live at least surrounded by plenty, if not actually possessing it.

Yep. Yes to this. I tried both, singulariy focused on art, and singularly focused on job, and in each point I felt uncomfortable. Now I'm learning to balance the two.

Splendid - thanks for putting laying it out so clearly and concisely.

This article got me very excited. I now realize I've been focused on the JOB and have not spent any time on my art. That's about to change :)

Work to pay the mortgage, create/play/share because it's fun. YES! Been doing it for some time and it is a great balance : ) Thanks for the echo Derek : )

Unquestionably the best advice ever given!

Then, when the income from the art is three times the income from the job, CONTINUE TO DO BOTH. Once the art becomes the job, everything changes.

Also, once you don't NEED the job, the dynamic of that shifts to being another art form.

How'd you get so durned smart, Derek?

Hi Derek,
I completely agree with your above advice as I've lived it for 10 years being a mortgage broker by day and an extreme sports competitor in a few different sports at night, weekends, etc.

When people ask me if I like my job I say "No I actually really don't like my job but I LOVE the lifestyle and freedom I can afford and enjoy because of it" which I think surprises people when I'm so quick to make it very clear I don't like what I've done and been successful at for the last 10 years.

The balance is that I'm a very HAPPY and POSITIVE person b/c I have the work and play ratio figured out just right.

Cheers

This is such great advice. Author of Eat, Pray, Love also has the same philosophy. She said she has an agreement with her "muse" to never put pressure on it by asking it to make a living for her. She worked side jobs so she could let her work come through. Without putting pressure on it, she was able to be more creative.

Thanks so much Derek. All your posts are awesome.

A perfect concept that I've followed since I realized I wanted to be a parent as much as I wanted to be an artist - I've been both now successfully for a while and people often ask me how/why I'm such a positive person...balance. Now I aim to impart this wisdom to my artist daughter. Love you Derek!

Very good Derek!.

I like the comments because we all can get balance then thrown off track. I guess doing something mainly for money can throw us in the lions' den of trouble if the talent was not appreciated by others financially. Personally I can do better at less TV watching and less other things. I have a pile of learning to do. Today from Kosmic.com.au I learn how to choose headphones for your studio.

Thank you for improvement is constant if I want to be at my best. Also, I do love the fact that I can make money at something that I love.

Could not agree more. I've been on both sides - making my job my whole life, and then trying to make my writing my sole source of income - and suffered either way. Art stops becoming fun when done solely for the purpose of generating income. Work becomes miserable when allowed to consume your entire existence.

"How nice to not expect your job to fulfill all your emotional needs.

How nice to not taint something you love with the need to make money from it."

Fantastic points.

My job is never going to fulfil my needs emotionally however it is my passion.

I'm a teacher, while I'm not a creative artist per say there is something to be said for making sure you have love, social and emotional needs are met outside work and your passion.

Spot on as usual.

Hi Derek,

this time, I totally disagree with you!!

In my opinion and personal experience, I've realized that a job that pays well often requests a very serious commitment that won't allow you to dedicate enough time to the art you like very much, apart from that, any person who wants a balanced life will also have a girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband and even children to take care of and so fewer and fewer time to dedicate to the art he/she likes so much!!

Hence, the best option would be something completely different and much more logical: having just an ordinary job that will allow you to dedicate enough time to the art you like very much so that you can really improve and in the meanwhile catching and mastering the essence of the most important thing:

the modern artist's spirit!!

All the best!

Fabrice, greetings from Italy.

PS anyway, always interesting your points of view!!

What a great approach to one's work/love life! I've read books on happiness and trying to find purpose but I think this post succinctly puts that search in perspective. I've lately thought of this balance in terms of risk (i.e. get a super-secure day job, then take some risks on startup ideas on nights/weekend).

I could also see a parallel here to one's personal life. Your spouse/partner doesn't need to be your be-all and end-all for happiness, just one of several sources, so don't put undue pressure on her/him.

This is inspirational stuff, makes loads a sense too! Considering that both are potentially full time affairs I feel the point that really hit home for me was the time management. At the moment I am doing both workin to get money and making music to follow my passion, and the key to staying on top of things is Having effective time management skills!

Thank you Derek... that really hit home. Artists are so very fortunate to have access to your insight and wisdom. Selah.

Patrick Gorman

This is exactly what I needed to hear at this time in my life!! Thanks Derek!

I disagree, Derek. Your blog is the same fluff I got in my Psych Masters course. If I had it to do all over again, I would have ignored my Dad's advice and pursued music rather than engineering. I really enjoy problem solving and it has fed me and my family well. But, I sacrificed a lot of joy and satisfaction for a $. All the comfort in the world is not worth that trade.
On my deathbed, I may say, "Boy, it was good to make a lot of money." But, I will bet you I don't.

Great advice Derek! and just to add, and let all things be done in ..love! ☺ So many great new adventures a'waitin me! Have a wonderful Holiday Season Derek! Love and music! Rachel ☺

Good article. but when you have (and need) a full time job, and children, finding time for your relationship with your spouse and staying fit so you can stay healthy and have energy, let alone finding time for your art, becomes much more difficult.

A lot of super successful artists, musicians, writers, and actors, when asked "How did you do it?" will say that they "sealed the exits," so to speak: they did nothing else, had no backup plan, no Plan B, and they went for it hard. They were willing to live in their cars and to go hungry. And when they get to the top, they had regrets, that they didn't lead a more balanced life. Word To The Wise!

Hi Derek,
Agreed!! I work near full time as a therapist and part time as a performer.
I only take shows I want to do. When I'm at work I feel I'm giving in a disciplined way.
Our practices for the music shows are weekly, creative, and always organized.
To me this is an ideal life. Throw in travel and learning a new language
And life is full and rewarding!
I use that formula of vocation/avocation with clients too.
Barb

Listen to anything by Professor of Chemistry Alexander Borodin to experience the potential of this balance.

Great article, I believe on these thoughts deeply.

Derek,

I love this and it is timely...

Trying to find the balance. I will post this where I see it at least a few times a day.

Thanks,
Annie

Well said. Classic case of simple solutions to big problems.

Really great Derek, straight to the point. Your style is very brutal in a great way and I'm certain that if I only take a few principles it will make a big difference in my situation. Thanks a bunch!

Very apt. As a writer with a whole bunch of writer-ly friends, I agree 100%.

V. True.. I've to keep a low profile at work..do enough for 8 hrs work and get paid accordingly...also keep myself updated on tech stuff. i am in software..
then give time to my family ..after travel..

this low profile (read less importance) gives me time.. but i am getting my Kids to study arts(music, sports, draw) etc. and learning with themm..

good advise.i need to do it myself too.

True statement. Its a really good point of view. Here are my 2 cents from my experience.
While doing a certain job, we are focused and we excel in it, while a lot of things are left unlearnt, for eg- marketing yourself, talking to customers, solving unknown problems, accounts and much more. You are in a safe zone doing your part of work and money keeps flowing in.
And Art is something you do out of passion with your own timelines and as per your mood. If you want to make your art pay your daily lifestyle costs, you then need to ramp up the production/sales, and it gets messy.
Creativity dies once your focus changes to making a living out of art.

Amazing article, lot of people need to read and understand before making a switch to entrepreneurship.

great article...loved it! Loved the in depths of it.

Love this...love the style it was written in also...very catchy and sort of drove me all the way thru it..brilliant!

This is a recipe for mediocrity. The time and devotion it takes to be a relevant artist rarely leaves time for a non-art career. Rarely. This also sounds like a great argument for why all art should be free - people love to do it, so they have no right to get paid for it? This is sound advice for art hobbyists and dilettantes, but for the serious artist, outside of the necessary income to keep housed, clothed, and fed, it's poison.

You've articulated my thoughts! Nice post! :)

thanks man, amazing aricle

Incredibly straightforward, sensible, and wise advice. It applies not just to artists, but anyone who wants to wants to have a "life" that is separate from work (whether that means pursuing hobby or sport regularly, or just spending more quality time with family and friends), this is the right mindset. Thanks for the reminder.

I think I wrote a comment, but then I navigated back and forth and probably lost it. Or maybe I posted it and just don't remember doing so?

This has been a big theme for me for a while now. A few years back, I quit a full time job to freelance, but it wasn't earning me enough, so I went back into employment.

I'm lucky because my day job is related to my 'art.' I'm a writer/editor and have worked at ad agencies and publishing houses. What really makes me happy though is writing. Stories, novels, poetry, plays, blog posts etc. I do that on the side, but I put a lot of pressure on myself to make the 'side work' earn me enough to let me quit the day job.

Unfortunately the more I push myself to be commercially successful, the less I enjoy the actual writing, and the more writer's block I end up with. So I really like the idea of keeping the two psychologically and physically separate so that I can pay my bills at work and write for fun at home.

And since I just turned 35 and it's end-year, I've been stressing over this issue lately, so I really, really, REALLY needed to hear this today. Hat tip to the hint on social media addiction, because for a long time now, I've felt like I need to pull back on that but have used the excuse that I need it to 'market my side hustle' even though in reality, I hardly use it to market at all. Bless you Derek, and thank you =)

Thank you very much for this article! I've been contemplating about this aspect for long. "I really want to be a musician/producer. That is my true passion. But do I really want to deal with the business side of it? Do I want to compromise my art to be able to make a living off it?". However I work in IT which gives me a very stable income today. I will try to find this balance you're describing. Art just for art. Thanks.

Wow. This is great advice, Derek. My favourite so far.

Great Post. I struggled with this concept for many years, caught up in a vicious cycle of work vs. art (music, in my case). The struggle prevented me from being good at work or music as I was too caught up in the BS of "struggling". When I finally accepted that I could be good at both, the weight of the world was lifted off of my shoulders. I am able to thrive at my job and I enjoy creating music a lot more. My creative experiences are far more satisfying and frequently profitable.

This is what I have done all my life and I have been happy!

Merry Christmas Derek! Still missing you over at cdbaby.

Derek

Great thoughts in this gig economy.

I would just add, assuming your are in a full time gig - be very careful, how difficult it is to generate revenue from a gig economy. Don't jump too quickly, build a runway of transformation by taking Derek's advice for that period.

My 2cents.

Happy holidays everyone!

Ian

Completely right. I have turned down contracts in the past (I had a mortgage, kids and a reasonable job) and continued. I get occasional royalty cheques and play lots of gigs with my band MoVe OvEr DaLi. Kids grown up and are really into their music too.Win Win Win as far as I can see!I still work part time as a community mental health nurse (registered) and as a music coordinator for MIND (mental health charity)

I believe you have hit it right on the head, Derek! A lot of folks think that the only thing God put them on earth to do involves the right side of the brain only, and that they are somehow destined for fame and fortune. In reality, most artistic geniuses are neither rich nor famous.

As a songwriter who washes windows to pay his bills, from my experience, it's the "mundane" day-to-day encounters with humanity and nature that feed the artistic mind. If all an artist did was obsess over marketing his art, his connection to the world around him would be limited indeed, and his source of inspiration would be woefully lacking. And think about this: The great bluesmen of old wrote some of their most powerful songs about the day-to-day drama that centered around the struggle of trying to make it in a white man's world. Many of them died penniless, but what a rich musical legacy they left for us!

Oh, if only Vincent van Gogh, who died penniless himself, could see how much money his paintings are being auctioned off for today!

Hi Derek, thanks! I think you just saved me a lot of heartache.

Excellent advice wrapped in a well-written article.

Great article..but perhaps we as artists need to explain the rules to 'the damion of creativity' whose timing simply doesn't jive with the 'middle road' lifestyle..
The middle road is absolute the happiest one to follow..but I have had ballet librettos pour thru me at busstops..etc.

Ive painted myself in airport restroom mirrors...the muse whispers follow me...if i refuse then why was i given gifts?

Frida kahlo painted her suffering not once living a balanced life..hmmmmm...hard to agree on this one

Legend

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 21, 2016, at 8:38 PM, Gil Reynolds wrote:

I liked your comments on balancing a career as an artist with having a well paying job. You alluded to one of the core issues every artist faces - paying the bills. Having a great paying job to fund you artistic endeavors makes sense. It is sound advice and it can allow one to make art that is pure personal expression without having to worry about its marketability.

I'd like to take it one step further. Having made a living as a creative for over 40 years, playing music and making art glass, I have come to the conclusion that:
A- you have to work hard and work long hours to make a living in the arts. Those that view being an artist as all fun, no pressure, just lounging around just making cool stuff are destined to fail. If you put in the hours to hone your skills and you are willing to do something over and over and over again until it truly has merit, then you have a shot.

B. Most importantly, being an artist is not something you do, it is something you are. Just because you make something "artist" does not make you an artist. Taking art classes and creating Christmas gifts for the family does not make you an artist. Being is artist is something that you are just like being educated or being healthy is something that you are. If you went to schools, studied and learned, you are educated. It doesn't matter what activity you engage in, you are always going to do it as an educated person and often that will influence how you perform your tasks. If you are an artist, everything you do is done as an artist. It is not dependent on the endeavor.


If you boil it down, being an artist is in part about being a creative problem solver. If you are composing music, you are looking for creative solutions. How do I make this chord progress more interning, how can I make the melody more memorable or and lyric more powerful. You search for solutions, you make decisions and you solve problems.


Every stroke of the brush, every word written, every note played becomes a part of the creative problem solving needed to make personal expression tangible.

As an artist, you learn by repetition. If you want to sound like you have been playing the guitar for 10,000 hours, you have to put in 10,000 hours. With that mastery comes a core understanding of the creative process. That understanding in turn taints everything you touch from relationships to the meals you cook. You live life with a perspective and will to express yourself that is who you are. As such, everything has the potential to be done artistically. Running a business can be an art form. Selling insurance can be done from an artists perspective. It is about who you are as much as it is about what you make. Be an artist and the art will be.

I found "The Artists Way" by Julia Cameron insightful.

Thanks Derek for this amazing advice! I've struggled with this problem for years- but I never felt I was good at being anything other than an artist. Any time I tried to take on a joe-job or anything in the realm of "normal"l it felt like the universe would somehow shut that door in my face, making it impossible for me to keep doing it. I finally gave up trying to hide and invested myself in the thing I wanted to do- directing films. Now turns out, there's a balance to be had, similar to what you describe, even within this art form. There's the independent films I write and direct which are my passion- I do them because I love them, but not because they pay well. And then there's the commercial directing which is more lucrative, but less fulfilling. What's nice about doing both is that they work in tandem, so no matter what I'm doing, I'm still improving my skills as a director even if it is on a corporate gig that is a little silly. I don't get filmmakers when they complain that doing commercial work is selling out. To my mind, commercials can be a golden ticket that keeps the other work pure and allows you to take risks in that realm that you couldn't have if you were trying to make money. Hopefully, one day, the indie film thing will support me entirely, but for now I'm cool with doing a hybrid of both things. I think your advice is spot on, just wanted to share my story about how in my case, a balance was struck, without having to step outside my art form. Sometimes you can find a niche within your art that helps you strike a balance.

A clever post with a difference ,once again derek, thank you.

- Brian Vassallo / MALTA

First, I should say that I think this is great advice, and it's advice that I would give others! However, I seem to have gotten away without following it... I feel as though my art, my most creative self, is expressed in my work as a student in a sociology PhD program. While it's not as lucrative as my previous job (as an high tech consultant), it does pay enough of the bills for now, and certainly speaks to my soul in a way my previous work did not! So maybe with a more liberal view of art, or having a rare "art," it's possible to have both?

Thank you Derek. I found this advise extremely helpful. And totally agree that the main obstacle is self-control and focus.

Love this! Best advice I've ever read.

When I decided to do only music, after doing part time, I gave away my business, (too much hassle trying to sell it) it was a great decision for me. Doing music only is so much better (in my case) than dividing time between two activities. And when at one time i moaned about nt having enough money to my friend luthier, he gave me the best advice ever: Do good work and money will come.
So, in my case, Derek I humbly disagree with your advice. My would be simple: Do good work, money will come!

Right on Derek! So many people 'say' they want to do something else, something more creative and that their job bores them. But, not many I've met actually START their art - too many excuses instead of just doing something. I love the term 'renegotiate your reality' - take a hard look at where you are and realize there's usually a lot more possible than you think - make your reality what you want. Just get going!
cheers
MVO

I think you have said more true statements in this short piece than many others have in their long-winded rants on the subject. I am not particularly gifted in art, but it is a great release to destress and enjoy life. I feel that your advice is more realistic than many people want to hear. Thank you for your contribution to us all.

Doug

100% agree and what I did this year.
Can fully confirm that it is very satisfying to be able to switch between working and art-making (i.e. you hit walls / road block in both and sometimes it just helps to switch to another activity to take your mind off)

Thanks for putting it in the post! ;-)


PS With this approach I made and released my first iPhone game. If you are interested check out a blog post about the making - medium.com/@afterdream/making-of-zero-to-z-d74daed04c72

Hi Derek,

This article definitely pertains to me. I have worked as a nurse practitioner in internal medicine for over 30 years, and my current job is providing care for the homeless population of Providence. I have been playing guitar since about age 16 steadily, with forays into songwriting and recording, none of which has been economically successful as of yet.

I was always concerned about survival and making a living, and I wanted to have an interesting job while working on my music, so it has been a dual path for me all along. As a result, I have never been without cash, and I still have a naive enthusiasm regarding my music, hoping to do it full time eventually, or at least tilt the balance more. There are many people in the medical field that are musicians or artists, sometimes I think they go hand in hand, you know, the whole human experience. (DaVinci anyone?)

As a final note, I have met a few musicians that got so discouraged trying to make a living that they stopped completely, however I am far from that. I think that the key is to define what success means for yourself, and operate within that mindset. The great thing is that in this new music economy, that is entirely possible.

Cheers! Mark

Fantastic article Derek, thanks !

For me, I have the impression to be able to make money by being an agile coach and a community manager, which are also my passions. It is not really art, but observing and helping people grow in their lives are what I enjoy the most. Cheers, love to read your blog!

Thank for this! It was a really good read! I am struggling to find the balance for two years now... I am a translator, blogger and author, but my passion is writing. It's not enough that I can make a living of it. Still always find myself doing other stuff than searching for translation jobs that make my have a life without thinking of how to pay for food and accommodation the next month... I guess, I still need to learn how to find my balance.

Thanks!
Barbara

I actually think being an artist means not forcing your art to totally sustain you, but if you find a really well paid job, they pay you for your time and attention, and most jobs that I know that pay well take way too much time. Robbing that time from your art. Another way to look at it is to make your needs much smaller. I live in a garage and don't own a car (that's not quite true, I have a car worth $400 that I leave in Australia for touring) and have been a full time musician for the past 25 years. Years ago I read a book that I thought was very helpful called "Die Broke". I joke that as a musician, it is a given. But the point is to do many different things part time and not be in debt. Then you get to carve out a life that is rich and full, without selling your soul to the corporation, or getting stuck with one long term job that suddenly evaporates as time and commerce changes, leaving you desperate. I have all the time I need for my art. And that is a great gift. I keep meeting people who have musical talent but have worked a 9-5 that payed well and kept them on that treadmill. And now at 50 or 60 years old, they want success as a musician, but don't want to put in the hard yards for that success. Which they might have been willing to do when they were younger and less 'comfortable'. Anyway, you always bring up interesting topics, thanks for doing what you do Derek. And thanks for starting CD Baby. It's the only distribution company that hasn't ripped me off, wow!

Thank you! I'm a software developer so the job part is covered but there are other things I want out of life. I'm toying with making things with programmable LEDs as my art. Not trying to put the two together already makes both seem better. Great advice!

I think this is excellent advice, and can testify that it works: Day job in a clerical position in a field that I really enjoy; taking music lessons and participating in local concert bands on evenings and weekends. Also write some fiction, but not with the same passion as the music. It really is the best of both worlds, having a stable income but plenty of time to rehearse and perform.

I still might try to turn the writing into a side gig one day, but there's no pressure or financial necessity driving it. Rather than rushing a manuscript into publication in hope of a payday, I can concentrate on becoming a better wordsmith and producing quality work.

Love this. I learned this, but then got lost again. You've helped me remember again. Thank you.

Derek, thanks for this article and perspective. However, I am dubious about this crucial data point you make: "Most full-time artists I know only spend an hour or two a day actually doing their art. The rest is spent on mundane crap that comes with trying to make it a full-time career."

I read about many of my favorite music producers spending hours locked away in their studio. Or, if this is true for established artists, does this take into account the hours spent woodshedding and mastering ones craft? Can that be done at 1-2 hours a day (even for a trade skill such as computer programming, for example)?

And then there's this point about finding time from Brian Chippendale (of Lightning Bolt fame):

"Making art or music your career or life’s mission is a slow build kind of journey. In order to do it seriously, you need time and space. Money is fundamental, but it has to be prioritized to a lesser degree than finding the time to experiment in your field." (thecreativeindependent.com/people/the-paradox-of-life-affirming-death-traps/)

I know that for myself, given the limited time I have I constantly choose between tweaking and experimenting, and song output.

I want to believe, Derek. I think the point you are making is that everyone is on their own path and must find the balance that works for him/her. But my gut tells me that most folks never realize their true artistic potential on 1-2 hours a day. What do you think?

In theory, you are correct and it makes logical sense. And your statistics on "the happiest people you know" prove it. But as an artist who has has been working for 30 years...I can tell you that the theory is a bit simplistic. Artists that are driven to practice full time, are so focused and driven that any other job is a drain and a distraction. It's very difficult to find that balance you speak of. I have always worked other part time jobs in conjunction with my art But the paying job/art juggling act leaves creatively driven people drained and fragmented. One ends up having little to no energy or time for art. I should know. And I have seriously persued my art, and been somewhat successful too. But I question if that balance exists. I haven't yet experienced it. At the moment I am practicing your advice, with a fairly good paying teaching position, but I can tell you, at the End of the day/week, I am spent. The happiest artists I know, are the ones that are able to live on less, or have a financially supportive partner and can devote 75-100% of their time focused and driving their art career.

Good article and Great advice. Finding a stable job is that you don't have to bring home with you is job one. Job two is progressing in your art of choice. You hit those nails on the heads. I don't have transportation and that is n integral part.

Awesome perspective.
I am redesigning my job to reflect my passion.

Great advice. It does release a lot of pressure and makes room for the balance. Though striking it is not that simple. I've been doing it for years and it can be hard sometimes, but I do agree that it is the best way to go about it and be happy.

I am glad I read this. I thought you were espousing giving up one's day job and moving full-bore into what one loved to do. I am glad you strike a balance. In fact, I have always felt there is balance. Life isn't supposed to be a piece of cake, but a main meal with all the trimmings and especially one should eat their vegetables.

My entire life, I have heard in the back of my mind: "Do what you love and the money will follow." This is the title of a book I read a long time ago. But, because I am highly risk-averse, I've kept one foot out and the other one in.

About 12 years ago, a friend advised that I invest in a condo. I bought one after many years of hemming and hawing. I should have bought the loft on University Avenue in Berkeley for $210,000 many years ago. That's where I have always wanted to live. In the meantime, I settled for less in Walnut Creek, a one-bedroom over-looking a pool that I never swim in that I paid $200,000 for. At least it is now paid off. Before that, I had always only had $7000 in the bank at the end of each year. Now, I am saving my money for retirement, which is in 11 years unless they get rid of Social Security, which they may, and then that will be the end.

I have worked as a waiter all these years and in my spare time, I've written a number of books. In essence however, I have only written a small number of poems or short stories that I feel are good. Almost as many as the T.S. Eliot poems I have read and loved. So, relative to him, I have done well. What happens to me when I read him, is the meaning of life as far as I am concerned.

Still, given the broad demands of life and how I compare myself to someone my ex-wife might have stayed in love with, I feel I was short-sighted and too risk averse.

Nevertheless, I continue to read and review the books I like. I love your ideas of balance. Walking the straight and narrow is an honest way.

Thank you for being you.

I'm reading this article again in the year end. Thanks a lot to make me decide that I'm going to make 2017 a greater year. I'll try.

Very nice article.love it

This is actually very good advice. Speaking from experience, I've seen too many people self destruct because they are fighting this battle ("job" vs art), remaining starving artists for the sake of it. It just isn't worth it. Society's expectations and market forces be damned.

Beware those that criticize you for not being a full-time artist. Beware other people's definition of success.

Most of us reading this right now probably have some sort of privilege that others don't have. Internet access, a nice computer, a studio, a career. There's a lot of creative people in a lot of places with far fewer resources than we have. We should respect that and just get on with it!

Thank you Derek, I will try, hopefully I will find some balance.

Absolutely true, 100% spot on. I live this balance to my best ability. People ask and I respond...One feeds my body the other feeds my soul." Thanks for the article, it and the level of my happiness confirm this "works" for me. ;)

Sivers,
Great advice. I've had to catch myself from falling into the mindset that my writing has be my main source of income. Rather, I need to write simply because I love it and let the income come. Fortunately, I have a job that pays me well enough to live and invest, but it's possible to balance both, absolutely.
Take care!
- Ryan from Get Rich Brothers

Oh my God! Thank you for writing this article, it'/ really what am I searching for these days. I want to be an artist , but I found it's really hard to push myself to get income from art, it'/ stressful, with the stressful mood I can't paint well. And I just realized art is so important for me, i don't want to lose it . So I will just keep it as my hobby first, and try to improve it. And someday maybe I even can make an art exhibition. But I will not use art for surviving.
You get the really important point balance ! That's what am I thinking.
Thank you again

This has been my attitude forever. However, people keep begging me to make my art as a career. My art is highly regulated and cut throat as a business venture. I love home brewing beer. But I have no desire whatsoever to sell beer. Brewing beer (art) and selling beer (career) are two completely different things. Unfortunately because of the regulation, I cannot even let friends pay me for my art. Instead I just give it away for the pure pleasure of watching others enjoy my wares.

This makes so much sense. I love it. Thanks for putting so many things into words that seem to be on the tip of my brain but just haven't made it to fully conscious thought yet.

Hi Derek:

Loved this column in particular. Heartily agree.

I spent many years resenting my increasingly well-paid life as an international litigator, playing occasional gigs (predominantly Celtic rock) while my friends spent all their time playing music. But it was evident that if I wanted to support a family - and, our priority, provide for the future of my elder son, born with Down Syndrome - that this was going to be non-negotiable.

I eventually learned, as I watched my musician friends either scrape to get by and HAVE to play every gig that presented itself for money or - rarely - make it big, but usually for just a moment, that I did not want life as a musician if it meant that sort of drudgery and penury. I wanted the choice of whether, when and where to play.

Moreover, I realized that art has never, historically, been a big money maker. Many famous artists had had patrons who subsidized their art, or other sources of support. Overall, those who succeed, in material terms, just from their art, are the exception.

As I mastered the art of the advocate, I began to realize how much I enjoyed the international litigation life overall. The foreign travel, the windows into other people's lives and businesses, and the time spent dreaming up strategic angles and watching them play out, topped by the "onstage" time in court. It was clear that music and law were different types of performance art and requited different parts of my personality. Eventually - 23 years ago, now - I became a founding partner in my own business, controlling my own time and environment. And it meant that I could play music when and where I wanted: it did not matter how much it paid, and I could give my share of the take to the band members who had no other means of support.

About ten years ago, I started playing shows for charity. This let me organize and play gigs in bigger venues. The corporate contacts formed through my legal life let me pitch companies for big donations to cover blocks of seats. As a band we played a bunch of 1,500-seat shows in Miami, in Lima, Peru and in Managua, Nicaragua, flying in with volunteer roadies (including my two sons), Irish step dancers and video crew. All in all we raised more than $250,000 for various causes.

As the New Year dawns, I pledge to spend more time honing my skills all round. I am starting a routine which involves dedicating one tranche of the day to legal stuff and one tranche to other creative stuff. I have two books in the works, one on legal theory and one on the history of rock music (going back to the Celtic roots 2,500 years ago and tracing them forwards), am writing a new Celtic set for the band, and forming a blues trio (to allow me to wail a little on the Les Paul). And I have a wooden sailing skiff half, built over the last month, to finish up.

This rather lengthy e-mail was spawned by your column above. And I broke my pledge to devote this part of the day to the legal practice because my wife called and asked for this link to forward to a bunch of her friends - and our younger son.

Rock on, mate!

Henk

Excellent advice :)

Locks like I got it wrong from your book ... I thought you pursued your career as a full time musician and made enough money to have a good life until the cd baby happened...
I did. This is my blunt generic advice for people who email me a few paragraphs about their life and want advice on what to do. — Derek

Hey Derek, thanks for this. It's exactly what I needed right now....I mean today...in this exact moment.
I'm a high school vice principal, heading back to school after a 2 week holiday. And I'm quite creative...love to write and make art. I'm wrestling with whether to pursue further promotion (my next step would be to a principal) when I'm only 5 or 6 years from retirement or maybe just leave my job all together. I'm not disengaged from my job. In fact it brings me joy. But I am a bit bored with it. So I just needed the reminder, or maybe the permission, to keep at the other things I love.
I don't even know why, but I feel like the decision to advance will come or it won't and I can focus on being creative, with my own permission.
cheers!
Julie

My 2017 goal - Thank You Derek :)

Great article, thanks.
Exactly what I've been doing for the last years so it has given me a sense of reassurance. And it works ☺

Catching up on all your recent posts, Derek.:) So glad you're back to blogging!
It always impressed me that you answered so many emails and genuinely seem to love to connect, rather than seeing it as a chore. But I'm happy for you that you're leaving behind the "advice column" part of it to allow new things to appear in Life.:) So many awesome, thoughtful comments on this and many other posts of yours. You have helped to create a wonderful community of supportive artists & friends here. Thank you!

On this particular post - it's truly a great service to start such a helpful conversation for so many.

For me, after going in circles on this for years, I finally discovered that doing each thing with Love is what brings me the greatest joy, every day.:) The well known advice to "Do what you Love" and "Follow your Heart" turns out to work best after having explored the heart deeply enough to realize that there's really only one thing in the heart and only one thing it needs - infinite Love in its purest form, constantly overflowing.:) (Takes most of us a while to truly realize this.:))

So tho the "job" may seem less creative than the art, letting the Love flow from the heart to everyone I work with becomes the real purpose of the job. And when composing, playing, songwriting, the Love continues to be the real purpose of the music. Not as much of a distinction as there used to be.:)

In practical terms, my experience agrees with those (without families to support) who find that lower priority on money allows for a part-time job, which then allows more time for expressing the Love thru the art, less transition time from one to the other. The joy of Being becomes nearly constant.:)

Happy New Year, Derek, and all fellow explorers here!:)

Great thoughts and advice, Derek. We tend to burn out quickly when we focus on one thing to the exclusion of everything else.

Hello Derek,

thank you for your article on "How to do work you love and make good money" as well as your thoughts on passion vs. craftmanship mindset.
Great advice, good articles and solid book recommendations!

All the best,

James

Derek, you're the best! Thank you for this confirming post. A few years ago, at 43, I realized that I was not going to get "discovered" and, while one of my songs was played on You Tube millions of times, I was never going to make a living as a songwriter in this new age of digital music. My mind is now on working to grow my local base, collaborating with amazing musicians and nurturing the creative spirit within without the stress of craving financial reward.

I just blogged about a similar topic today and then saw this article in a link on twitter. I am searching for meaning and purpose and just today realized I don't HAVE to get that from work. That work can be just a job. Purpose can be found in my free time. Certainly an interesting thought. And worth meditating about some more.

I think at the very least I would still want a job that I find interesting or enjoyable in some way so I can still throw myself into it with passion. Otherwise I would end up just going through the motions while thinking about getting home to do what I really enjoy. And that's not fair to my employer.

My Uncle always said do what you like because it takes up a great part of your life. I always find something I like about the job and focus on that. For instance when I worked in Inventory I counted stock. A boring job unless you make it into a game as we did. We would play what can you do with this piece of stock? We came up with some silly ideas/and possible real uses, then later found out what it was and see if we came close to what it was used for. Also we raced through the rows counting the stock to see who did it the quickest and most accurate count. I enjoyed coming to work because we made the job fun. I also would play 'Detective' when trying to locate missing stock. I would talk to the warehousemen to figure out who might change Bays and/or locations of the stock. I had over 97% accuracy rate locating the stock.

I worked as a cashier at Pizza Hut when I first got to Las Vegas. (I was in my 40's and this was the first time I worked at a 'Fast Food' place.) I focused on my clients smiling and being Happy when specific people came in. I always tried to find something new each day to keep the job from being boring. I enjoyed working there because I related to the people coming to buy food.

Now I work for a survey company. I go the various Hotels and Casinos and stop people to ask them questions. I have a fascination with finding out the type of job they do. Some are teachers, welders, forklift drivers, nurses and many more diverse jobs. I enjoy that part of my job plus how nice most of the people are who do my surveys. I also go to the airport and talk to people there. I will stay after my survey is done to talk to the people sometimes. I just plain enjoy talking with people. So you see I do what I like/love and get paid to do it.

Just remember a job can be just a job or you can focus on something good about the job and enjoy it. For instance if all you do is clean the place focus on quality work and take pride in that. I do that when I clean the facility and am happy most nights when I leave.

I read, write crochet and whatnot in my leisure time. I am happy with the balance in my life. So yes you can do both and earn income. Cinbad

I agree with Michael. He basically said what I was thinking. I have always found work I enjoy. When I didn't I got another job. Now that I am older I am starting a book that I will complete later on. Life is too short to work for a living so find something that pays and interests you. Pursue your interests and you will never have a job. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Just find something that interests you about your job and focus on that. Do your writing, music or other art as part of your work but also enjoy your job. I enjoy getting up and working because I focus on the good in my work. Cinbad

Derek , This is such a fantastic article. I read it everytime I feel I am in my job just for money and if I had my way I would probably just read and review books and probably open a library.
Thank you for this post amongst many others. I re-read so many of them everytime i need to clear my head!

Love it Derek. I do think that you'd agree that one could make their living from their art, but what I hear you saying is that most of us shouldn't approach it that way. I do have friends who wanted their entire lives to get recording contracts and once they did, they were greatly disappointed. They felt the need or pressure to occasionally compromise the art for the sake of the contract. I have other friend who are creatives and they freelance, but they hate freelancing because the work they create for $$$ they would never create for the sake of creativity.

Good stuff

Thank you for this. I'm constantly looking for ways to get out of my current job situation.Reading this was incredibly validating. It made me realize that I have successfully established a good balance in my work/art life. Grateful. - Andy Katz

But you can't help it if your full time job is your art, and it pays handsomely :(

Thank you for this writing. It's a really good post. Gave me plenty to think about. I haven't made up my mind if I agree with this or not. No, wait, I don't know if I really, truly understand what you are saying. I mean, I know on surface what you are saying but I am not sure. Or I maybe trying to make up some excuse as your writing challenged my views and ideas. Not sure. But this is homework for sure to figure out what's going on.....

Very good article. Would like to read few more.

Perfect. I've been living this myself the last few years. The balance part is still hard. But it's better than starving. And as I get older, I'm getting better at the job part not taking up my entire life. And me not trying to suck every single drop out of the art. The art comes like waves of an ocean on its own. There's always work and opportunities. The balance, choosing to pursue each in their own measure is the real special sauce.

I just shared this with 63 people.

Damn you, as it is now late and I've not eaten.

Making me crabby.

BUT also super thankful, as this was something I was pondering for the last 12 days and something I get asked at every talk, and you answered it perfectly.

Thank you.

Hungry in London
Thanks Jason! — Derek

What a fabulous web site...

Here's an example with some relevance to this discussion: Kafka "was employed with an insurance company, forcing him to relegate writing to his spare time... Few of Kafka's works were published during his lifetime".

And yet we know these were some of the greatest works of art of the 20c. I wonder if Kafka was happy with this arrangement (I'm no expert). Probably not, but his work lives on.

As for me, I haven't had a real job (let alone a well paying one) for over 35 years. I am glad that I pursued my so-called artistic dream of writing and self-publishing books without having a good paying job to support me. This made me much more creative and successful. These words of wisdom apply:

"The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary."
— Fred Wilson

"Getting a job and trading your time for money may seem like a good idea. There’s only one problem with it. It’s stupid! It’s the stupidest way you can possibly generate income! This is truly income for dummies."
— Steve Pavlina, Author of Personal Development for Smart People

"Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you’ll have more success than you could possibly have imagined."
— Roger Caras

"The most ambitious destination can be the easiest. Pursuing your wildest dream does three things. It gives you flight. It keeps you young.
It makes you highly creative. Not to mention, the rewards are delightful."
— from "Look Ma, Life’s Easy"

"An unfulfilled vocation drains the color from a man's entire existence."
— Honoré de Balzac

"Any fool can run toward the light. It takes a Master with courage
to turn and face the darkness and shine his own light there."
— Leslie Fiegler


"Have you ever heard of a wage slave? Even worse . . . are you one? Wage slaves may live in big houses. They might drive Porsches. It doesn’t matter how "rich" you look, if you can’t walk away from your job — even for a second — because you would no longer be able to pay the bills, you’re a wage slave."
— Sara Glakas

"There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in your own way."
— Christopher Morley

"It’s more satisfying to dig a ditch with friends than to design a skyscraper with a team of sociopaths.'
— from Jessica Hagy

"I'd rather live precariously in my own office than comfortably in somebody else's."
— Peter Mayle

For the record, I may have lived under the poverty line for a few years while starting out. Today, however, I earn an income that is higher than 97 percent of working people earn. The great thing is that I only work one or two hours a day for an income of well over $200,000 a year. If I had followed your advice, I would not achieved the success and prosperity that I enjoy today.

Ernie J. Zelinski
International Best-Selling Author, Innovator, and Unconventional Career Coach
Author of "How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free"
(Over 310,000 copies sold and published in 9 languages)
and "The Joy of Not Working"
(Over 295,000 copies sold and published in 17 languages)

Your solution to the problem is a great place to start. It creates a needed fence to segregate the income from the art. However, success will be when the art creates enough income to no longer need the job or the fence.

In the mean time, it's my responsibility to value my art and the other artist enough to put a price on it. I do a diservice to the professionals by performing quality work for free or cheap.

Dose my comfortable salary give me the right to undercut those that are trying to make a living?

"Do something for love, and something for money." The most practical idea I have heard in a while. Recently started a blog http://rebootsocial.com/, for the love of it. Still keeping my day job...

This is excellent advice, Derek, and very much in line with Sara Benicasa's new book, "Real Artists Have Day Jobs." Charles Ives, the brilliant early 20th century composer, was happily employed full-time at an insurance company. Wallace Stevens (poet) also sold insurance. Citing those two because they also liked their day jobs. There are others, I'm sure.

The first time I've read this concept. Most people say chase your dreams however that rarely works because you're always so worried about the next paycheck. Thanks, Derek!

Hi Derek,
I completely agree. My husband and I have really tried to implement this in our own life. Especially after reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I appreciate your writing for its simplicity and directness and for reminding myself that there are others out there that believe in the same and actually live the way they preach.
FYI I came to your site after listening to the podcast you did with Tim Ferriss.
Thanks,
Sheena

Yes, I agree
But I'm 44 not 16 again.
Also high paying jobs are highly paid
because they are stressful too.
And Fuck that.

Greatly inspired

Hello I'm an independent Artist I wrote a song honoring Prince that I'm about to submit to CDBaby I'm what U call a Starving Artist I love music it is my passion could you tell me what is the best route as far as trying to get the song out effectively I don't have income for major marketing.

Is it possible for an Artist to get major sells through CDBaby?

This answers a lot of my questions and deep instincts. I think you are absolutely 100% right. Thank you :) Estela

Agreed with most of this piece. However, it's difficult to navigate outside of a set of established cultural rules or system when you are young. Articles like this are fantastic at repeating the mantra, "You have options."

I like to get young people to focus on three things about themselves. 1. What do you value? If you place family first, you should live somewhere close to them and find work that leaves time for them. 2. What skills do you take for granted? If you are the storyteller of the bunch, it's something you should plan on using in your work. 3. What are your interests? Sports, architecture, pop culture... the list goes on. You can start with your interests and build a career there over time.

The sooner a young person discovers these things, the better. Combining these ingredients will like lead to a fulfilling career and lifestyle. There's never been a better opportunity to find your own lane in which you can swim hard and fast. All it takes is a little creativity, a little focus, and a little permission.

Interest but feel if your art is paying off as much as a job, then why not jump to it full time and do what you love for a living. In my case (magician) i set a baseline. I wrote down a plan and said once my art is making 3/4 of what my current job pays me i will dive in it full time. Well i reached that treshold but somehow my paranoia or thinking that something may go wrong kept me at my job. Then one day i was fired, was almlost a universe sign. I now do what i love for a living and plan to keep at it.

I have been trying to do the same for the last 7 years. Thanks for endorsing what I thought was right.

Good advice. I found when I gave up pursuing a full time music career and went and did something else it actually made me far better at music and gave me things to write about too. And I get more done when I'm busy doing other stuff oddly. Things is though - in my particular situation I wasn't able to make it through a university degree without financial assistance to pay the rent so I was forced to go back to writing/music full time anyway and I just have little side jobs that scrape me by. I ended up living in my car for a month this year so far, which was a scary experience. I would never recommend that anybody pursue art full-time if they have other options but then I don't know what it's like to have a "good job" either. Many of my favourite albums were made by people who were busy doing other things that weren't really related so I think the idea that "real artists" have to be fully obsessed/dedicated is cliche and ignorant. Thanks for the post. Wish I had read it 10 years ago

Yes, agree with the good balance. I quit my daily job a while ago and now it's getting more challenging to get another job/work that can bring sufficient income. I should've stayed with the old job and persisted.

One can be broke and still be happy. One can be broke and be unhappy. Happiness always comes from within. It's not about your career, hobbies, etc. It's about what you do with your thoughts. If art makes you happy then do art. If your job makes you money but makes you unhappy then change jobs or change the feelings and thoughts you have about the job that doesn't make you happy. A job cannot create happiness or unhappiness unless you think it does. Change your thoughts by questioning them.

Thanks for the amazing article Derek; just happened to click on this as I vie between work responsibilities and wanting to get back to singing full time. I watched you build the empire of cdbaby (we spoke way back then) and thus recognize and respect the remarkable level of experience from which you write and speak.

Wow, great insight Derek. Thank you!

I'm currently going through a transition as a "stay at home" dad to our 2 year old. Now looking to find more balance.

Thank you!!!

Derek,

This is well written and helpful. There's been periods in my life when I've had the luxury of being a "full time artist." I've noticed that one of the things I've tortured myself about is not practicing or recording enough because I've spent so much time emailing or doing administrative work. Reading your blog reminds me that no matter what the configuration of one's day to day life, considerable amounts of time need be applied to keeping the operation running. Even pro athletes don't train every hour of the day.

Looking at the problem by making "balance" as the goal helps break an unwieldy conundrum into a modular piece. I've just woken up, let's make a plan for the day that will help achieve balance. Nourishing that habit will accrue momentum and bit by bit change one's life more broadly.

Another thing I've learned from you, is to consider how something you like doing...that you're good at, can serve to fill a need for a group of people. AND what /where/when/why/who are the group of people you'd like to serve. It's a safe bet that we will spend a considerable amount of time with our customers and colleagues. Whether we are being "artists" or having a day job this will be true. So whenever possible, pick a good group to work with or for.

Thanks for your education minded, and generous approach. I'll continue to be engaged. Your Fan, Michael

I been into you for decades. Once again you nail it. Thanks so much. At a time when I'm filled with self doubt about my career vs. artistic choices, reading this felt like a big affirmation...like now I'm thinking, I've done a damn good job. The balance is there, just needs tweeking. 'Room for improvement' doesnt mean blow it all uposts and start over!
Love you man.

„Time management, to stop addictions like social media and video-watching, and make your art your main relaxing activity. „

Wow, I feel like my mind was read. This is my vice right now. How many pieces haven’t been made because of social media :/

Saw you tonight in the weirdest event room ever! Wow. Inspired to find your website. And right here right now is the answer to the question I was too shy to ask. Thanks. X

In my case I have a past, so maybe my advice is not for everyone, but here goes:

As for mind management, what held me back was fear and ego. I thought I could learn self management from management books and self help books, thought I just have to try harder, thought I already know what to do, and just need to do it. Not so.

What I didn't do was get was help from other people and, most importantly, a normal garden variety counsellor. No, I didn't need an expensive analyst like in Los Angeles, but yes, I did need fresh human eyes.

I am a psychologist and I have shared this fantastic article with many patients who face this dilemma. It has also been a source of inspiration to myself. I started a podcast and wrote a children’s book in part to express my own joy and pleasure while maintaining full time work. It *does* take discipline and giving things up (giving up TV in my case), so I’m glad you added this section to the article.Thank you Derek!

This is one of the best and most concise articles on work-life balance I've seen. Two years after reading it, I still have it in a tab on my mobile browser as a reminder to keep the balance.

This was very interesting article no one has ever put it the way you just put it to me.Its crazy to see you write this because you seem like the type of person to say the opposite but I see that if you have the money you won’t be desperate, you won’t rush the art.... I read somewhere, that is what Arnold Schwarzenegger did in his movie career he was already a millionaire before he was in a movie, that way he could turn down the little roles that people are so desperate to get and only try to get leading roles.....

Derek, I thought you could be reading this have to think again. i see the day or life as a circle. Having to fill that circle needs a balance with some essentials such as sleep rest and play. Work I guess has to be there or can play be work?
Vincenzo

I've definitely seen this with the professional musicians I know:

"Most full-time artists I know only spend an hour or two a day actually doing their art. The rest is spent on the boring work that comes with trying to make it a full-time career. So skip the art career and just do the art."

This seems so obvious now! Thanks!

Derek- I've passed this along countless times now, and proudly refer to it as the best advice I've ever received. Thank you for this well-measured perspective.

Interesting, although they say, do something you love and you won't work a day in your life...

Great advice.

I am 23 yrs old and I have lots of question about my life. Some of the answers I found in your FAQ section.One suggestion that this knowledge should be available in other languages too like Hindi etc. I will be so happy If I will get opportunity to translate.

There really is a lot of wisdom in this approach. It's hidden but true.

There are a few hurdles to overcome mainly limiting beliefs about identity.

Also overcome the fear of being seen as not serious about either occupation because we are judged by what we 'do' for money and that feeds back into our self image. Need to be independently minded.

It is a complementary approach.

I particularly like the fact the money job gives the freedom from the need to make the creative one pay, which leads to a virtuous circle.

BUT, it is so important the money job doesn't make you miserable or take up 12 hours a day with the commute... no energy left for the balance...the ideal I found is to be self employed/own the day job biz, total control of schedule.

It can be done, it is probably the ideal...until that is, you can produce any creative work you like and be able to sell it all because of the name you have made for yourself or it's quality, or both.

Excellent chapter from your book. I struggled all my life to understand this balance. I trained to for both, but find that my passion is taking over but it does not pay the bills. It seem it's a constant struggle of becoming whom you are designed to be in this world.

Very thought provoking sir !

Folks, don't be a lone hero. That's my advice.

And if you are doing the artist thing, and today wondering how much or how little to take Derek's advice—or even if not wondering—then I might add that artists do well with a community outside of work. Peers.

I am saying that art peers are not only good for little things, and major things, but for vital things too, such as the question: Is art vital? ...many respected good workers will think "no."

I love what you said about pursuing your art not as a lively hood but as something you love. I'm now finally writing the books I've been wanting to write for quite awhile. Yes, I'm selling them but I'm not selling enough to support myself. I'm retired and doing my writing because I love it. It's enjoyable and I don't have to depend on selling my books so I can eat and have a place to live. I did love my job though. I'm a retired teacher and I love teaching. My fiction books makes me feel as though I'm still teaching. I have been told by many that their children love my books and that makes me feel good.
Thank you for sharing this topic,
Lois G.

Wow! This made an impression on me. Really.
I never thought about it this way and the last 12 years or so all I did was trying to make money from art, then get poorer and then find a solution by applying to jobs which were soul-crushing after a few weeks to a few months. Then trying to build sustainable income from freelancing and making music after that to always kind of be in search for that working format of art + money.
And although I had this article as an open tab for weeks and never really get to read it, to finally read and really say “wow!” which I don’t say often.

Is it really that way? The happiest people have a job and do art for the sole scope of art? Because I mean, I believe that, but it’s really something that stood right in front of me for so many years and I really didn’t pay the right attention to it, which makes it even harder to believe.

What about the lifestyle business? What about passive income and people who are financially free for a few years? Or is it way higher above the real life so people made it a mantra? I don’t know. But I now know I read advice from someone who I think knows what he’s saying.

Thanks Derek. You really made me mess up my life. And think about it ina better way.

Conciso, concreto y útil. Gracias.

Roy from Singapore. Loved your articles and thoughts. Have a good paying day job. But want to try writing / blogging creatively to stretch self. No pressure, dun want to miss anything when looking back..good sound advice.

"Work a steady day job" - Gosh, is this advice really coming from Derek Sivers? - the full-time musician, circus performer, start-up entrepreneur, do-what-you-want free spirit we know and love, Derek Sivers? Is this a case of the parent-figure telling little Johnny to "do as I say, not as I do?"

I have learned a lot from your work over the past year. Thank you for sharing it so generously. But this article seems like an odd, white sheep in your herd of loveable, black sheep.

best regards,
Derek J Fiedler
Note the 4th line: “the lifestyle of the happiest people I know.” I chose a different path long ago, but the people I know who are the happiest with their life choices are the ones doing this balance. — Derek

I've re-read this more times than I'd care to admit -- it's so perfectly relevant to my current circumstances that it's actually a bit scary. Thank you, Derek, for this validation to continue on the path I'm on.

Just found out about you over the weekend from Joanna Penn's podcast. Lots of great info! I disagree with you on one part: I want to make my art my sole income. I work in a job that's okay but is monotonous. I often find myself thinking about my art. The 9-to-5 takes away from creating.

I also disagree on you regarding your statement about paying taxes (heard that on the podcast), BUT I haven't read or seen anything where you explain why you're for it, so my mind could change on that.

Very good point! Expecially that even if you get tohave a carrear of your art, you will have a boring part that it is not your art, it is preparing the environment to have your (short) time to enjoy your art.
Just in a moment when I have the well-paid job and thinking to follow my "art", I have to re-think it as the article has made me thinking in other way. Very good!

this is the exact perspective i needed right this moment. i’ve been at a crossroad trying to define how much how my time should go towards a day job and what kind of job i should take and this is perfect. get the high paying job, stimulate the brain, but then have the discipline to leave work at work and take art seriously the rest of the time.

brilliant. thank you Derek ☺️

I just read this again. I do keep the nuggets of wisdom you publish!

I'm still looking for that day job aka stability but nobody seems to want me for the jobs I apply for. When I once asked for the reason for the rejection, I was told that they found me overqualified. I think they don't push through with the application thinking that I will just quit after a few months because I would eventually realize that the job isn't challenging enough.

There are two reasons why I apply for ANY job I can do:
1) My family thinks I am too selective, which is why I'm unemployed
2) I want to do a job well but one that is not too time-consuming, so I can devote the rest of my time to my art (which is writing, singing and classical piano)
3) I look only for remote work so I can spend more time working rather than commuting. I am more useful to anyone that way because I work more effectively alone.

Is this a Catch-22 or what?! :D

The good thing is I managed to turn my pandemic hobby into a weekend business. Still small, but has potential to grow. It is my source of stability now because no one would hire. But I do confine it to weekends for when the right remote job comes along.

This is one of the most valuable posts on the internet. I wonder how many lives would be, have been and will be saved if this past is taken seriously. THANK YOU!

God bless you for this Post. Now I know how to marry the two.

Profound!! Continue sharing your wisdom.

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOU. There are two things in life I think very important 1. Balance 2 simplicity

Keep up your good work

Charlotte

Lovely english,lovely and rewarding idea

Hi,

I absolutely agree with the basic premise of keeping both as
seperate as is practicable, but have a problem with some of the supporting suggestions.

It seems to me that most?/many people would have or will find themselves in whatever work situation becomes available/appropriate at any given time, and therefore build their commitments around that income platform - which then makes it likely that, in order to improve work remuneration, their experience (therefore market value) will necessarilly usually be locked into that field of work.

The idea of picking an ideal area of work and then filtering down to the best income within that 'better' trade is idealistic rather than realistic for most people.

An entirely different, but possibly relevant, point I would like to mention is that from personal experience I discovered that being able to work in a field which I believed would satisfy my 'artistic' ambitions - and provide satisfactory income - can have outcomes decidedly different from the intended.

Via the first example, unrelated to music, I proved there was a profitable market value for my output, but discovered that as the business became successful it required support staff/bigger premises/a brand to protect, etc. Fortunately I discovered that running a business became in itself a satisfying, creative endeavour, but that it coincidentally meant I had no time available to practice my original 'craft' - or indeed to maintain 'normal' inter-personal relationships.

The second lesson came following attempts to follow my ultimate dream - to write and record/produce my own songs. (Note, that a record deal or sales were not part of that goal, although I did have business plans in that area for subsequent action.)

In order to fund this adventure - as I had no income or savings - or dole - I decided to rent out studio time (I had my own small studio then). This also became so busy that I had very little time to serve my fantasy, and studio income really only just covered the overheads. The important lesson though was entirely apart from those circumstances.

The more I became involved in 'production' - careful detailed listening to technical aspects of clients' work and performances and reference recordings - so the pleasure and wonderment of listening to music decreased. It became that any music I heard was little more than an exercise in analysis - interesting and informative, but joyless.

(The good news is that having registered this sadness, life allowed me to recoup the magic of music listening - after a coinsiderable period, following cessation of extended and concentrated production and related work.)

My conclusion boils down to: whatever you may find, or choose yourself doing, work or pleasure, if done well and dilligently, can bring great pleasure, satisfaction and, with a bit of luck, income.

However, if your creative genie itself enables a likely viable income, make it a priority to consider your creative vs. business options. Does your creative output-to-date provide the likelihood of an ongoing income, in which case - would you consider becoming a 'business' something worth concentrating on as a priority, or able to support the expences of management? Personal creativity might, either way, be compromised and/or diverted.

Alternatively, you might prefer to treat any 'creative' income as a 'bonus' but maintain alternative work as a discrete source of funds - enabling you to continue more or less in your existing and more creative life-style path - relatively free of 'business' pressures.

Both options can be correct, and support this article's proposal - but probably only one will be right for you - at any particular phase of your life.

If it becomes successful, business can be a harder rock to land on, whereas with a bit of input, creative pleasure can roll on forever. If you have the right mindset and you can do both - as long as you are able to keep them as seperate, prioritised and in a satisfactory life-style balance - with a bit of luck and a focused creative eye in either hat - it can all be rock 'n' roll.

I remember reading this years ago, a nice reminder and in many ways how my life has panned out far. Balance in the mind is a discipline I have not yet mastered it requires constant attention and reflection, the journey continues...

I learned a somewhat different lesson in my years as a musician. At one point in my career, I had, what’s called, a “sit-down”job. I worked 6 nights a week & left my equipment at the club. Then I just needed to arrive in time to tune & step on stage. What an amazing time for job security & not such a great time for musical growth. Because we were working so much, we weren’t learning new songs. Every night we played the same type of music for dancing. It was a great lesson in adaptability & finding new ways to play old songs, but it didn’t push me in other ways. So, my job security created a situation in which I was less creative. I really got to thinking about Money, Art, Happiness, Growth & for me, how being on the edge pushes growth. I found that for me it was often a matter of priorities & these can change at different stages of your life.

Like it. Played music for a living for 20 years & got a better paying job for 22. At 71 I’m taking this year to again write songs& create more. A 1 yr sabbatical as I live on social security after raising 2 boys. A lot of great advise in this article. I got a BM in jazz studies in 1985. Now I get to play a year and live on SS if they don’t cut it. Your correct. Balance is everything. There is that thought of if you don’t give it every ounce of yourself your compromising. I’m a good songwriter but a mediocre jazz player, but I love both. Thanks for the advise. I took your advise before I ever read this. 🎶 Will & James Ragar One on BBE records out of London & on Bandcamp.

I agree with Derek. Balance is everything. If you’re out of balance, it will be hard to accomplish any of your goals as you will be scattered. Be patient, grateful for your talent, and love what you do. Follow your passion for music, network, play with other musicians, practice a couple hours a day honing your skills, and dream. Dreams are the seeds of reality. The opportunities and money will come when you are passionate!

This practical and wise philosophy should be part of the education curriculum. I agree with Derek's ethos here.

Thanks for imparting your knowledge and wisdom.

Vincent Cousins.

Good stuff

Really worthy information. I am actually struggling in this jiggle slightly at the moment. It became an eye-opener for me. I will try to balance the work and art. THank you for the article.

In this article, what I agree most is that you have to balance your life between what you love and what you need to do to earn money for your living. It does reflect my current life pretty well. I love working remotely and self employed, but the thing is it's not that easy without proper plans, skills, and of course, money. So, I have to work to earn some money for the future plan, and spare some times developing a website (www.onlineappzone.com/) in hope that one day it will earn enough money so I can work full time on the project. But whether once the project reach it goal or not, be happy and appreciate what I have is more important than anything else.

Derek, I keep coming back to this post every time I'm trying to decide if I should quit a job or not. And I always end up pissed that you won't suggest quitting your job, ha! I think that says a lot about myself and my decision

Maybe the calm demeanor of someone you're having a glass of wine with who is not worried about money looks more like they are experiencing 'happiness' than the stressed creative without the day job... but who has more meaning at the end of the day, the person who went all-in or the person who hedged their bets? Only those who go all-in know the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat

Hi there,
this proposition is, what felt most convenient for me when reading Derek´s books.
The reason: i like earning money. But I´m unhappy with the cirumstances that developed in the recent years working in a hospital.
On the other hand I feel completely unable to change totally, because I am nearly 60 years old.
And I wanna focus more on my "hobbies". Learning, writing about my interests, hearing music.
And I am staring to find a new balance by myself.So this chapter encourages me to persue that way.
(sorry for my imperfect language, I am german and not a native speaker)
Thomas

Balance! Revisit the three standards, happy, smart, and useful.

1. Everytime I'm confused or fed up with what I'm doing in life, or if someone wim advising feels this way, I remember this article & come back here to find a semblance of balance.

2. I'm yet to put the art part into action. But then today I read another 2 posts of yours, and the first one resonated with me, as this is something Ive also been thinking of - "I’m in the final third of my life" sive.rs/f3

3. And the next one reminded me that u love writing, and I should get back it it. "Come and get me (both you and AI)" sive.rs/getme.

Thank a for sharing Derek.

Probably been said many times already, this article has been a lifesaver. I just wish I knew the information sooner, but this is the course I am trying to plot now. Thank you.

Great article, the only thing I would add is to pursue a career that gives you satisfaction of creating value for yourself and knowing that it helps others, weather its flipping the tastiest burgers to designing the best space rocket, knowing that your efforts benefit society has benefits beyond the idea of drudging a job for a paycheck.

Well I have been doing this my whole life but the art always suffers and I never really get anywhere. So crap advice.

Is creativity an essential element of your art? How about musicians who play in orchestral groups where following the music is the criterion for success? Is that style of artistic expression sufficient for the art side? The creative aspect is the arena of the composer, arranger, and conductor of the performance. Where do marathoners fit? And on the other side of the balance formula how about retirees, who no longer need to work for a sufficient income? Is creativity alone sufficient? Is public performance required for their creativity?


I like the concept but have some concerns about over simplified approaches.

“Please read my book.” can be enough for your reply.

Thanks for giving me a thought exercise I seldom use.

Joe Eder

Thank you! This is exactly what I HAVE been doing. Finally I feel like it is 'OK' to take this approach!

Sounds like a great recipe for sanity!

Someone shared this as their best advice and I already passed it over to others. In my case I have to juggle day job, raising two boys and my ambient music passion. Makes me dizzy but I can't drop any of them at any point.

한국의 독자입니다. 한국어를 번역해서 읽어주실지 모르겠습니다.
저는 작가의 꿈을 가지고 퇴사했으나, 전업 작가로 밥벌이를 하는 것이 쉽지 않음을 깨달았습니다. 그래서 다시 직업을 가지고 조금씩 다시 소설을 쓰고 있어요.
하루에 많은 부분을 소설과 직접적으로는 관련없는 일을 하지만, 그 경험이 또 소설 집필에 피와 살이 될 것이란 것도 사실 분명한 이치이지요.

중요한 건 일을 할 때에는 일에 집중, 의무가 아닌 작품활동도 일하듯 부지런하게 이어가야하는 것일텐데, 성실이 제일 어려운 것 같네요.

I like the clear and slow audio. It is easy for the non-native english speaker like me. Someone speak too fast for me.

I just started reading the book. This is the best lesson so far (along with several amazing ones earlier). I work in Investment Banking and I always realized it is a head decision and not heart decision and I truly value the financial stability /independence it has brought in my life. I think of art as starting a business on the side and in my mind doing it on the side once I have financial stability / independence really mitigates the risk but does not take away the potential growth, learning and satisfaction I can have from the endeavor. Am I thinking about this correctly?