{"id":568,"date":"2018-12-02T23:53:58","date_gmt":"2018-12-02T23:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creativeedgeco.wpengine.com\/?p=568"},"modified":"2025-07-10T10:43:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T23:43:50","slug":"get-a-real-job-musicians-performing-artists-designers-this-is-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creativeedgecoaching.com.au\/get-a-real-job-musicians-performing-artists-designers-this-is-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Get a Real Job! Musicians, Performing Artists, Designers, this is for YOU"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last week I started a new coaching engagement with an extraordinarily creative designer. She has been in business for over 15 years and in spite of working hard and creating outstanding results for her clients she has not achieved the financial success she desires. After listening to her explain her situation I said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you get a real job?\u201d She looked at me with disbelief as if I had punched her in the face\u2026 and then I said, \u201cWho has told you that?\u201d With tears in her eyes she said, \u201cMy father \u2026 and he still tells me to get a real job.\u201d<\/p>\n

When you follow your creative \u2018calling\u2019 you step off the traditional career path that offers a well-defined and well-trodden track.\u00a0For a creative person there is no clear road to success or promotion and there are no obvious or defined milestones to indicate progress. There are few if any mentors to assist, guide and teach you, and there are no financial bonuses or annual graded pay increases that people in traditional jobs receive as they move up the career ladder of \u2018success\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a world where job status and job titles are markers for success, intelligence, financial security and the like, it is no wonder creative people often struggle with self- esteem issues and feel under-valued.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a recent survey I conducted with past and present coaching clients and a few creative friends three desires were noted as common for all the respondents:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0To make a good living from their creativity<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0To be creatively fulfilled<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0To be supported in their creative journey<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For over twenty five years spent listening to creative people (artists, designers, singers, musicians, actors, dancers, painters, small business owners etc.) talk about their career aspirations I have noticed a range of distinct differences between people who have not gained success and fulfilment and those who have. Those who have struggled hold a deep belief that what they do is \u2018not a real job\u2019. A voice of a well intentioned parent, a trusted friend or a jilted artist lives in a deep part of their mind causing havoc \u2013 playing with them, judging them, criticising them, sabotaging them. These people who struggle live from project to project, gig to gig or role to role.\u00a0They procrastinate<\/a>, they feel overwhelmed, stressed, and their self worth is often at rock bottom. Often they become discouraged and they see no other way than to abandon their dream of using their creative gifts to earn an income, and then they end up in jobs that pay the rent but leave them feeling unfulfilled and creatively bankrupt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Creative people who prosper think and behave differently. They have done the internal work to clear limiting beliefs associated with being creatively successful and fulfilled, and they have developed a plan for their career or business that honours the integrity of their art and provides for the financial reward they desire.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

I tell my creative clients, IF you want to step off Struggle Street<\/a> get a real job! AND that job can be grounded in what you love to do. It can be your passion for your art, your talent, your creative gifts of music, song, poetry, design\u2026 however, you must change your mindset. You must think differently about what you do. You must invest in yourself. You must plan to succeed. You must embrace your creativity and do everything in your power to be your best, to be a master at what you do, to bring your creativity to the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you are stuck in an old mindset that is holding you back and you want to be prosperous using your creative gifts and skills make your creativity your REAL job!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turn those limiting beliefs and that negative self \u2013 talk about getting a \u2018real job\u2019 on its head. If you truly want to lead an extraordinary, creative life YOU need to take control. YOU need to leave the struggle behind. Plan to succeed. Plan to be fulfilled. Do what you love and reap the rewards!<\/p>\n

Please feel free to share your own experience of working as a creative person. I\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

_<\/p>\n

Monica O\u2019Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coaching\u00a0<\/em>www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au<\/em><\/a>. She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs.\u00a0<\/em>Book your free discovery call here.<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED!<\/a> Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.<\/p>\n

If you are\u00a0a creative person building your career or looking to grow your creative business, this group is for you! Our purpose is to support and celebrate creativity and the talented people who enrich our world with music, art, drama, poetry, words, shape, colour, beauty and innovation. Our goal is to connect with other like-minded creatives, ask questions, reflect, get unstuck, move through resistance and blocks, participate in group conversations, share our stories, learn, get support and feedback for our creative endeavours\/career\/business and tap into the wisdom of the group.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last week I started a new coaching engagement with an extraordinarily creative designer. She has been in business for over 15 years and in spite of working hard and creating outstanding results for her clients she has not achieved the financial success she desires. 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