I love this topic! I quit a 20-year career in the veterinary field to write full-time. However, I was lucky to have built enough pet-sitting clients to pay the bills before leaving. I earn enough just by staying at other people's houses and doing a few pet visits during the day. Now I can easily fit in 8+ hours a day to write. Two books written, seven more to go in this series, and several one-off novels started already!
@@_ReeAmarr I'm currently writing a sci-fi/space opera. Not published yet, as it's my first series I don't want to publish until I've got all 9 books done. I'd hate to get halfway through the series and then realize I have a huge plot hole or could have put in some clever foreshadowing. But thanks for asking!
@@writethroughtheheart 9 books! What an endeavour! You clearly have hold great importance in clarity and authenticity in your story, which is sick. I have a question, similar to the topic of this video: Did you find it harder to create new ideas/found your creative ideas declined in quality once you quit your supportive career? I found in my art, that when I had more of a reliance on it doing well for me earning money, that because the stakes became higher on it being good, that the quality of my art decreased. Keen to hear your experience :)
I always thought getting a real job would be “selling my soul to corporate america” and all that BS, but then I grew up, moved out my parent’s house and needed to pay rent and become independent. I found that after having a full time job for over a year now and becoming financially independent that it has allowed me to structure my life in a way that is incredibly conducive to my music and art. Having such limited time makes my creative free time so precious and important. I stopped wasting time and started using all my free time to work on myself, learn, read, create, and share what I make! It takes all the pressure off my art making money and that allows me to be as creative as I want, and to truly not care what anyone thinks about it. Being financially independent allows me to make my own decisions and have autonomy over my life outside work, and as an artist I now get to prioritize art over everything else in my personal life. Growing up, getting a job, doing therapy, asking myself what really brings me joy and fulfillment is what allows me to work on art and music a little bit everyday. My job pays my rent, my art feeds my soul. ❤
True but depends on your circumstance, especially in a hyper capitalist world like the US. Time is the most valuable thing you own at the of the day and what you are willing to trade for it is up to you
For me, It’s never been about being “stuck in a 9-5”. It’s that I’ve found the one thing for which I would gladly stay in a 9-5 just to be able to do on the side. Time for making music is scarce, but that makes it more precious.
I guess it’s the difference between having it be a hobby vs a career. Both are valid but require vastly different mindsets and time investments. The 9-5 life zapped the creativity from my music and I didn’t release anything for nearly 4 years. I really, really tried. 1 year post quitting the 9-5 and going all in and I’ve launched a new project and played my first big festivals where I was able to share all my new music with a crowd. The universe seems to know when you go all in. Just to share a different perspective. YMMV.
@@superdarkwrld for sure, it’s definitely an individual thing since we each have our own subjective definition of success. That’s why it’s fascinating to hear how different musicians define it. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Makes me so happy you’ve found your path 🧡
@@superdarkwrldthis is how I feel. Gotta find something that’s more aligned with your gift, talents and abilities because my current corporate 9-5 has taken a lot out of me. I’ve worked on some music here and there, but nowhere near to the degree that I was few years ago. I haven’t released anything since 2022, and even then a lot of the tracks were older. It bothers me that I’m not utilizing my creative like I know I should.
@@gr8myndmuzicit also depend on what your art looks like. I know that the stuff I wanna make is bound to stay niche, si having a dayjob allows me to be uncompromising in my creations. but I think its more doable in countries with proper labor laws, paid leave etc than in the US... (i'm in Europe)
This timing is called "the algorithm" my friend. Synchronicity is what you make of it. The only "signs" are the ones you read. The garden grows where you water it. Good luck my friend
Einstein had a day job! “when Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity, he was employed at a patent office in Bern, Switzerland, where he analyzed patent applications, allowing him to work on his theories during his free time.“ “Some believe that the analytical nature of his patent office work may have contributed to his development of the theory of relativity, as he was constantly thinking about mechanisms and how things worked.” My day job has taught me a lot of valuable lessons about time management, workflow, organization, dead lines, and process that I have translated into my music/art practice. As much as I hate to admit it, having a ‘real’ job has actually allowed me to grow as an artist and a person in ways that I never thought I would.
I definitely vibe with what Elliott Smith said about the effects of a lack of structure in your life. I had a couple years where I had tons of free time, no job, no obligations, nothing but time to pursue music. But then the pressure to make something of all that time turned making music into a job in and of itself and I could barely enjoy it anymore. Having structure, even if it’s not from a job, is vital for me. If I have something I’m beholden to, the time I have outside of that thing becomes so much more precious and I’m more driven not to waste it
Absolutely. 💯 gotta use a 9-5 as a stepping stone and allocate your time and money into the things your passionate about and love. It’s not easy but if you can do that you’ll appreciate it and enjoy yourself that much more whenever you do have the time to do the things you love.
I had the same experience. When I was still at the day job, I couldn’t wait to get out. I was able to write 2-4K words before work every day, so surely I’d be able to do way more when I went full-time. It was the exact opposite. I slowed down, because there was no longer pressed for time. It took me a long while to find a new structure that worked for me, and even a year and a half into full-time writing, I can lose a whole day’s productivity if I mess up one step.
15:20 A favourite poem of mine by Charles Bukowski touches on this topic. It speaks of the drive to create, and how you should never allow circumstances or excuses to get in the way. Air and Light and Time and Space ”- you know, I’ve either had a family, a job, something has always been in the way but now I’ve sold my house, I’ve found this place, a large studio, you should see the space and the light. for the first time in my life I’m going to have a place and the time to create.” no baby, if you’re going to create you’re going to create whether you work 16 hours a day in a coal mine or you’re going to create in a small room with 3 children while you’re on welfare, you’re going to create with part of your mind and your body blown away, you’re going to create blind crippled demented, you’re going to create with a cat crawling up your back while the whole city trembles in earthquake, bombardment, flood and fire. baby, air and light and time and space have nothing to do with it and don’t create anything except maybe a longer life to find new excuses for.
Thanks for this one, really great poem. Bukowski, to some, is a dangerous inspiration. Personally, I've always loved him. For anyone reading this comment, the poem is from his 1992 book, _The Last Night of the Earth Poems_
I worked for a museum for 17 years of my life. I wouldn’t say I hated my job it was my first job fresh out of high school and I was fortunate enough to move up switch departments. Learning new things until horticulture was my primary job from an assistant to a supervisor. It never brought me full joy but it had its perks and sense of accomplishment turning blank landscapes into something beautiful for the public to appreciate. Now years later I’m driving delivering packages and food with no health benefits while working on opening up my first business which is my passion. It’s so hard the stresses of life, ware and tare on you vehicle and feeling like no one sees your vision. I’m pressing on but in LA it’s so hard and everything is expensive. I’m hoping and praying/working for my break through. Good luck people🙏🏾
As an artist, I care deeply about telling my story. I am a parent, educator, partner, and community leader. My art still feels like the most important thing in my life but the work i do for others gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and in turn enhances my creative expression. I have made music for 20 years now and after one year of marriage, a big boy job, and children, I have tripled my creative output and actually stand behind what i make. Like my day to day life is stocked full of inspiration. My music is real now. I think people forget that their day to day life is what drives creativity and when those relatable struggles aren't there, the art is more shallow.
This may be narcissistic I'm not too sure but I shed a little tear when you read the line "...and if it's just me that enjoys the outcome, then that's fine with me" Hits hard... That is the prime driver of having creativity driving you/me... I might be the only person that likes it.. but that's all that matters to keep going..i kind of don't feel so alone after hearing that.. Love your videos man I've been watching for a while now and I always throw your videos on in particular when I need that push to not give up my creative pursuits.. Thankyou bro
No it’s not i understand what you mean I don’t care for the audience and I should . It makes me feel like iam selfish but it’s true. I make art and skateboard cause I love it and I just wanna see what I can come up with and if people like it that makes me feel good sure. But I really should be trying to care a little more about an audience. I think it would be better for me imo. Maybe more healthy. 🤷♂️ but as Bukowski said I’m going to create regardless. ❤ God bless yall. 🫡💯👊
The trick is to work a job that you are skilled at, and that has some type of tangible benefit to society. I’m a mailman and I can directly see the results of my hard work. Plus, I get to be outside all day and think of my next project. Very different from sitting in an office doing meaningless busywork.
Thank you for posting this. I failed 5 times trying to make it big in 5 bands that I started. At the same time I worked full time. I’m finally starting to see that I am guitarist , who can write songs . Which is a 😊good thing.
I wish I had a solid answer on how to manage it. Right now, I’m working a full-time job I hate, pursuing my undergrad, and learning how to create music. At 28, it’s easy to feel stuck in the ‘lack of time’ mindset. Starting relatively late and seeing everything I need to learn and overcome to be great feels overwhelming sometimes. But the key for me has been showing up every day and giving myself the chance to do something I enjoy. A year ago, I started doing rap bar exercises, and I wouldn’t have made it this far if I hadn’t learned to be a friend to myself.
glad i watched this. made me realize whats been holding me back. my 9-5 has all the pressure, my passion doesn't. so i should create without fear/pressure. but time, you have to manage it and make the most of the free time you have to pursue your creative endeavors
Day jobs get a bad rap. I work as an electrical engineering technician. I'm not an engineer, but I get to do a lot of soldering and that in itself is creative, yet is also economically viable. I work my 40 hours a week and leave my work at work. When I do testing, it's monotonous and repetitive, but frees up my mind and my ears to listen to whatever I want while I do it for hours on end, like podcasts, audio books, music, comedy specials, etc. I make good money but I'm not rich or anything. Music is my passion and I love the freedom of being able to make it purely for myself. I literally just make the music that *I* like, that *I* think sounds good, with no thought given to making even a single cent off of it. It is purely for its own sake, and I think that's beautiful. I think the real difficulty in a position like this is what to do with that music, especially in the age of A.I. (Venus Theory has a great video recently about how messed up the youtube content ID system is being abused, and other videos like how shitty spotify is to indie artists). I record music and work on it until I'm satisfied, but then it's just this file sitting on my computer. Part of me thinks I should just put it out there, but I don't think anyone would care because I don't want to learn to "advertise" or dance like a monkey to get people's attention, or make music that will get the most clicks or likes or whatever, to become a character or persona. Part of me worries about success, of it becoming known to some degree that might affect my day job career if I "got famous" in some way, part of me worries about stalkers and part of me wonders what the point is if it likely won't make any money or get any recognition no matter how good it might be, how much artistic merit it might possess. Somehow I feel like avoiding publicly sharing my work allows me to avoid the vanity and corruption that would come with that, "losing your anonymity" like others have talked about. I think there's something beautiful about the act of making art for art's sake, for yourself and no one else, and I worry about losing that.
My future 9-5 and my passions are all in the creative field but different. At the moment I'm a barista but I'm working towards all of it. Sometimes I feel stuck but when I feel that fire again I make a good chunk of progress. It's just making peace with the ebb and flow of being creative. You won't always be on fire and that's okay. Doesn't make you less of an artist.
This video is perfect, loved every minute! As for the topic, it hit it right on the nose. I lived through it, as a creative, I lived the "dream" of being unemployed, and not having to worry too much for about 2 years. Ironically enough, those two years were my most unproductive creative span since I was last working. I didn't stop completely, but whatever I did never ended up getting finished, there was so much pressure on needing to do something amazing with all this time I have. To create something astonishing, that in the end nothing wholly worthwhile was produced. Although, it's kind of bittersweet to be going back to work tomorrow, some part of me is looking forward to it, and the ideas that may spawn whilst being away from the desk and the constant need to create, and find myself rushing home to put that idea on paper. We'll see...
This is something I wonder about almost everyday. I am grateful for a job that gives me structure during the day so I can be free to create in the spaces between. Lately though, because things have been busy, I get frustrated at work because I don't have time for "elective thinking." I guess it would be wise to be more present at my day job. However ideally to me, I would be able to daydream/think freely for some amount of satisfying time during the job. Thank you for putting together such motivating clips and ideas that I have heard, have resonated within and are now further emphasized. Lovely video, you are creating a space for us creatives to come together and feel understood.
Artist with over 200k monthly listeners on Spotify here. This is nothing but true for me. Looking back, the days where I was just able to give a fuck about everything were truly amazing. As soon as your whole financial situation and so to say your life is depending on the success of your art, you are really starting to think different about everything. Making music in the mindset of „every new release has to be successful because if it’s not, I might loose my career“ is truly hard af to manage. Constantly being in a state of stress and fear of loosing everything from one day to another is probably also one of the hardest things about being so successful and having such a big audience. You feel like that there is no room for errors and experimentation because that would result in damaging your career and life. Your whole life is always in a safe environment. Finish school, you’ll find a job, get payed, be able to pay the bills. That’s the easy guaranteed route. So being successful as an artist really is the complete opposite. You are the only one in charge for everything. There is no help, no safe route to take. Everything is a risk. That’s why it’s so hard to be a successful artist and live of your art.
9:14 was the one for me fr! I continue to perfect different aspects of penning and using different styles. I just love a Kaleidoscope of allegory whgen I am reading/writing/listening to different things. I kinda write to under all aspects, just to try what other forms can be unlocked.
I really appreciate your channel! I think part of the task of a modern artist is redefining what it means to be an artist. There are so many variations to how and what people create and those diversities are all valid and can all lead to successful lives
Everyone is different. Some of us do our best work quick and dirty, churning a piece out in a couple of hours. Others have to spend countless hours in every nook and cranny of it. For some of us, turning our creative hobby into a profession would suck the fun out of it, this happened to me with music. But for others, we still love doing the thing even though money and stress and assholes are involved. Writing is that for me. Figure out what works best for you. Some of us need the structure of a regular job, some of us create our own structure just as well.
When you want to make art for a living and not work soul sucking jobs that destroy all of your creative energy, it can be tough. I understand the message of "Work a full-time job so when you do have time, you use your time more wisely" but when you work a job that takes away all of your energy, that little time you get is spent simply resting/recovering/preparing for the next week ahead. I'd rather commodify myself than be a wage slave making someone else's company successful while I'm paid pennies in comparison. You'll never break free from the 9-5 chains because all of your time is being sold in exchange for just enough money to keep you a slave.
love this - interesting to think about protecting the slowness as an essential part of creative work as opposed to labeling it as the enemy or the unfortunate byproduct of the full time job. it's easy to feel rushed to produce or be tempted to return to the formulas that have worked before, especially in the social media age. as someone who reflects on this struggle of balance a lot, i'm looking forward to making more work with this new perspective
I think regarding the Travis comment about not having a Plan B: this is great if it works out. But I consider myself the “failed” drummer. I did a lot of great things-toured, created, met amazing people-but in the eyes of what I expected of myself, I had failed. I followed the “no Plan B” mindset from age 17 to 32 (I heard Will Smith say it once-cheers, Will). Resentment appeared, and I had to crawl out of a sticky place. You can absolutely have a Plan B, and I’d recommend it. I think taking your mind into your day job or other areas can actually add to your creativity. There’s no single way to be a creative. I avoided a Plan B because I was told that otherwise, I’d have failed before I even began. The idea of the suffering artist will always be a thing, but don’t suffer too much. Enjoy yourself.
This video landed on my browsing for inspiration here on TH-cam after being sick for 4-5 days and having not painted none of those days because I didn’t feel like it and because I had low energy. I guess I have some sort of trauma when it comes to this because now getting in the creative flow was a bit harder than expected which is why I’m seeking out advice.
relatable af thanks for this insight and video Creative Minds! im a music artist that just released my 4th album and working on my next music projects, life works in interesting ways, and thru jobs and income, even part-time, got me slowly out of survival mode, which brought abundance to my life and a more pure and freeing approach to the time I make for my art
Watching this now, it's Sunday evening of course. Thanks. Im temporarily soothed until my next freak out. Homestly, this is a really great video with some really valuable sentiments to remember.
This topic is very interesting I still have a 9-5 job mainly as I built my art career and I need this money to invest my aim is to be free at the end end of this year. From experience I cannot stop advice you not to stop your regular unless you are ready for. Improve your skills, create your discipline, learn, make contact and when you are ready for then GO don’t hesitate you won’t regret it. Being a creative or an artist allows you be free and this is amazing.
I've always had this idea of creating different mediums of telling a story that is my life. The only ideas I have at this point would be an album, a book, and a website. I'm sure more things will come along in life but I know that without a full-time job I will not be able to accomplish these goals. I don't expect success financially from any project but more of the emotional satisfaction of knowing that I created something that I was fully capable of doing.
I was blessed to have a mother like mines and lucky to have friends I call my brothers and also waiting on disability that is going to help a lot to be creating music 24/7 my name is L.O.W Tha Rider and I'm happy to go through the ups and downs of an artist
I work full-time as a forklift operator. My shift starts at 1pm and I rarely work longer than 9 hours. I have the whole morning to be creative. It's a pretty good gig for someone like me.
Here cause starting my comedy career 3 months ago have been nothing short of amazing! Even in my 9-5 I daydream about something I’m going to be doing by the end of the week!
In my experience it’s always been an either or with jobs and music. I admire people who can balance it. My output was where I wanted it when I was making just enough off of it to live. Since then I’ve been trying get back to creating but I have a family and all sorts of other things in the equation that make it feel pretty impossible to make stuff on any high level.
It's interesting to note that your low level of creation can be someone else's high level of listening experience I am a perfectionist as well, I try to like my first take enough so I don't stop in the process, basically reducing self doubt while creating Good luck on your path
I hear you. I’ve never been able to balance the two . Atleast for long. I always end up sabotaging my job by trying to create and I burn out and then end up being miserable and tired as hell at my job and get fired lol. I’m tired of not being able to work properly and hold a job and still be productive and have the energy to do things at 100% it sucks
I think that what is really bad is structurally our society is so weighted towards the idea of a job. Why can’t we all get a balanced life of practical and creative pursuits. The greed of people who want to monopolise and own things for power prevents others from moving from survival to thriving. I think Elliott smith was correct we all need a bit of structure and discipline but we also need space to play and create.
travis does play the shit out of that drum kit live. ive seen him play for different bands over the years, and he does hit those drums like there aint no tomorow. 😂
It’s the consistency part I know deep down I can’t keep up with. I don’t want to feel like a slave to my passions I might as well just work a job at tht point
Damn! Every single one of your videos is so inspiring and helpful. So glad that you're working hard on all those video essays (we should rather call it meta art really!). Anyways, you're doing a fantastic job, thank you so much!
Well, at least one of your sources mentioned neoliberalism. I know there's many conversations to be had on this topic, but as a politically inclined sicko myself, I feel disappointed that there wasn't more discussion on the material conditions that create this struggle for creativity. You know who never has to worry whether turning their passion into a career is a good idea? You know who has the free time to pursue their interests without worrying about necessities? You know who feels unpressured to make their creative works become as lucrative as possible, rather than the most true to themselves? You know who. You know who.
Just finished the video. Having too much free time and nothing to do with that free time is a struggle of mine. I often tell myself my creative work is something I need to do, and that puts an overwhelming amount of pressure onto that creativity. I wanna learn how to see it as a want rather than a need. Because I have a full-time job, working harsh hours that leave me exhausted and drained every day. Doing something I want to do vs. need to do is the reason why I fell into certain unproductive habits, but I can make this work around the way I’ve developed, instead of trying to change every aspect to fit what I feel I need to do.
I found a solid office job that pays well but the workload wears me out man. My goal is to find a chill (preferably hybrid/remote) job so I can pursue music more intensely on side.
If you have a labour intensive full-time job (mentally or physically): you can't pursue both at the same time. You can spend a few hours a night on your hobby / music but that's all you got until you find a wedge of money to last you a while.
Idk why I’m watching this lol. I have zero creativity. I found peace once I just accepted my reality in that moment. One day it’ll be over and I can rest
For me, it’s my love of the TH-cam game, yet, they don’t let me succeed. They shadow ban my channel, and take away views and subscribers when I’ve done nothing wrong. It’s so hard to stay motivated when these unfair things are happening.
The biggest thing about this topic is I need to pay my damn rent😂 I’d quit my full time job if I didn’t have to do that. Everybody in my situation, we have to grind harder than the average!
I play music every single day, I never work on it. I hardly ever release anything, other people seeing it isn't a big deal to me. The praise or insults I get in comments don't mean much to me either way.
Joe Rogan qoute is generic BS. his good friends that were successful full time comedians grew up with families that had money. Tom Segura, Bert, Whitney Cummings, Brendan Schaub, Bryan Callen. If you did not worry about money yes you can focus on comedy. They are all well known mediocre comedians that are successful through their connections with people like Joe Rogan.
I didn't know about that, however it's not rare to see when you dig a little bit that some artists rely heavily on their family because of the uncertain nature of their activity.
I love this topic! I quit a 20-year career in the veterinary field to write full-time. However, I was lucky to have built enough pet-sitting clients to pay the bills before leaving. I earn enough just by staying at other people's houses and doing a few pet visits during the day. Now I can easily fit in 8+ hours a day to write. Two books written, seven more to go in this series, and several one-off novels started already!
What kind of books? I too used to get paid to stay at wonderful homes with peoples pets, I miss them all.
Are those 2 books published? If so, what kind of books do you write? and where can I find them?
@@migzz7976 The series I'm writing now is a sci-fi/space opera. And don't pets just make for the best company!
@@_ReeAmarr I'm currently writing a sci-fi/space opera. Not published yet, as it's my first series I don't want to publish until I've got all 9 books done. I'd hate to get halfway through the series and then realize I have a huge plot hole or could have put in some clever foreshadowing. But thanks for asking!
@@writethroughtheheart 9 books! What an endeavour! You clearly have hold great importance in clarity and authenticity in your story, which is sick. I have a question, similar to the topic of this video: Did you find it harder to create new ideas/found your creative ideas declined in quality once you quit your supportive career? I found in my art, that when I had more of a reliance on it doing well for me earning money, that because the stakes became higher on it being good, that the quality of my art decreased. Keen to hear your experience :)
I always thought getting a real job would be “selling my soul to corporate america” and all that BS, but then I grew up, moved out my parent’s house and needed to pay rent and become independent. I found that after having a full time job for over a year now and becoming financially independent that it has allowed me to structure my life in a way that is incredibly conducive to my music and art. Having such limited time makes my creative free time so precious and important. I stopped wasting time and started using all my free time to work on myself, learn, read, create, and share what I make! It takes all the pressure off my art making money and that allows me to be as creative as I want, and to truly not care what anyone thinks about it. Being financially independent allows me to make my own decisions and have autonomy over my life outside work, and as an artist I now get to prioritize art over everything else in my personal life. Growing up, getting a job, doing therapy, asking myself what really brings me joy and fulfillment is what allows me to work on art and music a little bit everyday. My job pays my rent, my art feeds my soul. ❤
You should be financially stable without having a job. You shouldn't need a job to have a place to live.
@@Sundjicorrect in theory , but who said the world was fair
True but depends on your circumstance, especially in a hyper capitalist world like the US. Time is the most valuable thing you own at the of the day and what you are willing to trade for it is up to you
I wish I could do the sane I don't know how to escape low wage jobs
@@Sundjidude lives in a fantasy world where there’s no problems and fees lmao
For me, It’s never been about being “stuck in a 9-5”. It’s that I’ve found the one thing for which I would gladly stay in a 9-5 just to be able to do on the side. Time for making music is scarce, but that makes it more precious.
Thank you
I guess it’s the difference between having it be a hobby vs a career. Both are valid but require vastly different mindsets and time investments. The 9-5 life zapped the creativity from my music and I didn’t release anything for nearly 4 years. I really, really tried. 1 year post quitting the 9-5 and going all in and I’ve launched a new project and played my first big festivals where I was able to share all my new music with a crowd. The universe seems to know when you go all in. Just to share a different perspective. YMMV.
@@superdarkwrld for sure, it’s definitely an individual thing since we each have our own subjective definition of success. That’s why it’s fascinating to hear how different musicians define it. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Makes me so happy you’ve found your path 🧡
@@superdarkwrldthis is how I feel. Gotta find something that’s more aligned with your gift, talents and abilities because my current corporate 9-5 has taken a lot out of me. I’ve worked on some music here and there, but nowhere near to the degree that I was few years ago. I haven’t released anything since 2022, and even then a lot of the tracks were older. It bothers me that I’m not utilizing my creative like I know I should.
@@gr8myndmuzicit also depend on what your art looks like. I know that the stuff I wanna make is bound to stay niche, si having a dayjob allows me to be uncompromising in my creations.
but I think its more doable in countries with proper labor laws, paid leave etc than in the US... (i'm in Europe)
This timing is crazy
Crazy ass synchronicity
🔥🩸🫀
This timing is called "the algorithm" my friend. Synchronicity is what you make of it. The only "signs" are the ones you read. The garden grows where you water it. Good luck my friend
Einstein had a day job! “when Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity, he was employed at a patent office in Bern, Switzerland, where he analyzed patent applications, allowing him to work on his theories during his free time.“
“Some believe that the analytical nature of his patent office work may have contributed to his development of the theory of relativity, as he was constantly thinking about mechanisms and how things worked.”
My day job has taught me a lot of valuable lessons about time management, workflow, organization, dead lines, and process that I have translated into my music/art practice. As much as I hate to admit it, having a ‘real’ job has actually allowed me to grow as an artist and a person in ways that I never thought I would.
Yep.. the daily bread allows u the space to ponder and travel into the unknown.
I love this !
I definitely vibe with what Elliott Smith said about the effects of a lack of structure in your life. I had a couple years where I had tons of free time, no job, no obligations, nothing but time to pursue music. But then the pressure to make something of all that time turned making music into a job in and of itself and I could barely enjoy it anymore. Having structure, even if it’s not from a job, is vital for me. If I have something I’m beholden to, the time I have outside of that thing becomes so much more precious and I’m more driven not to waste it
Absolutely. 💯 gotta use a 9-5 as a stepping stone and allocate your time and money into the things your passionate about and love. It’s not easy but if you can do that you’ll appreciate it and enjoy yourself that much more whenever you do have the time to do the things you love.
I had the same experience. When I was still at the day job, I couldn’t wait to get out. I was able to write 2-4K words before work every day, so surely I’d be able to do way more when I went full-time.
It was the exact opposite. I slowed down, because there was no longer pressed for time. It took me a long while to find a new structure that worked for me, and even a year and a half into full-time writing, I can lose a whole day’s productivity if I mess up one step.
15:20 A favourite poem of mine by Charles Bukowski touches on this topic. It speaks of the drive to create, and how you should never allow circumstances or excuses to get in the way.
Air and Light and Time and Space
”- you know, I’ve either had a family, a job,
something has always been in the
way
but now
I’ve sold my house, I’ve found this
place, a large studio, you should see the space and
the light.
for the first time in my life I’m going to have
a place and the time to
create.”
no baby, if you’re going to create
you’re going to create whether you work
16 hours a day in a coal mine
or
you’re going to create in a small room with 3 children
while you’re on
welfare,
you’re going to create with part of your mind and your body blown
away,
you’re going to create blind
crippled
demented,
you’re going to create with a cat crawling up your
back while
the whole city trembles in earthquake, bombardment,
flood and fire.
baby, air and light and time and space
have nothing to do with it
and don’t create anything
except maybe a longer life to find
new excuses
for.
Thanks for this one, really great poem. Bukowski, to some, is a dangerous inspiration. Personally, I've always loved him. For anyone reading this comment, the poem is from his 1992 book, _The Last Night of the Earth Poems_
@@DaRkPlUm yeah, I’m quite partial to the work of Walt Whitman too. It’s what inspired me to build my meth empire despite my diagnosis
@@DaRkPlUmThanks
This is what I told my friend. If you make excuses then you don't really want it.
I worked for a museum for 17 years of my life. I wouldn’t say I hated my job it was my first job fresh out of high school and I was fortunate enough to move up switch departments. Learning new things until horticulture was my primary job from an assistant to a supervisor. It never brought me full joy but it had its perks and sense of accomplishment turning blank landscapes into something beautiful for the public to appreciate. Now years later I’m driving delivering packages and food with no health benefits while working on opening up my first business which is my passion. It’s so hard the stresses of life, ware and tare on you vehicle and feeling like no one sees your vision. I’m pressing on but in LA it’s so hard and everything is expensive. I’m hoping and praying/working for my break through. Good luck people🙏🏾
Enjoy the journey👐🏽 I’m sure you’ll reach your goal!
As an artist, I care deeply about telling my story. I am a parent, educator, partner, and community leader. My art still feels like the most important thing in my life but the work i do for others gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and in turn enhances my creative expression. I have made music for 20 years now and after one year of marriage, a big boy job, and children, I have tripled my creative output and actually stand behind what i make. Like my day to day life is stocked full of inspiration. My music is real now. I think people forget that their day to day life is what drives creativity and when those relatable struggles aren't there, the art is more shallow.
Well said.👍🏾
This may be narcissistic I'm not too sure but I shed a little tear when you read the line "...and if it's just me that enjoys the outcome, then that's fine with me"
Hits hard... That is the prime driver of having creativity driving you/me... I might be the only person that likes it.. but that's all that matters to keep going..i kind of don't feel so alone after hearing that..
Love your videos man I've been watching for a while now and I always throw your videos on in particular when I need that push to not give up my creative pursuits..
Thankyou bro
No it’s not i understand what you mean I don’t care for the audience and I should . It makes me feel like iam selfish but it’s true. I make art and skateboard cause I love it and I just wanna see what I can come up with and if people like it that makes me feel good sure. But I really should be trying to care a little more about an audience. I think it would be better for me imo. Maybe more healthy. 🤷♂️ but as Bukowski said I’m going to create regardless. ❤ God bless yall. 🫡💯👊
KA is a prime example
successful firefighter & legendary emcee
The concept of "heroic slowness" really hit me. I feel inspired and more confident in my process.
The trick is to work a job that you are skilled at, and that has some type of tangible benefit to society. I’m a mailman and I can directly see the results of my hard work. Plus, I get to be outside all day and think of my next project. Very different from sitting in an office doing meaningless busywork.
Thank you for posting this. I failed 5 times trying to make it big in 5 bands that I started. At the same time I worked full time. I’m finally starting to see that I am guitarist , who can write songs . Which is a 😊good thing.
great comment dude. Its like you just kept trying things to find where your powers lie.
This reflects my own situation so closely…
I wish I had a solid answer on how to manage it. Right now, I’m working a full-time job I hate, pursuing my undergrad, and learning how to create music. At 28, it’s easy to feel stuck in the ‘lack of time’ mindset. Starting relatively late and seeing everything I need to learn and overcome to be great feels overwhelming sometimes. But the key for me has been showing up every day and giving myself the chance to do something I enjoy. A year ago, I started doing rap bar exercises, and I wouldn’t have made it this far if I hadn’t learned to be a friend to myself.
glad i watched this. made me realize whats been holding me back. my 9-5 has all the pressure, my passion doesn't. so i should create without fear/pressure. but time, you have to manage it and make the most of the free time you have to pursue your creative endeavors
Day jobs get a bad rap. I work as an electrical engineering technician. I'm not an engineer, but I get to do a lot of soldering and that in itself is creative, yet is also economically viable. I work my 40 hours a week and leave my work at work. When I do testing, it's monotonous and repetitive, but frees up my mind and my ears to listen to whatever I want while I do it for hours on end, like podcasts, audio books, music, comedy specials, etc. I make good money but I'm not rich or anything. Music is my passion and I love the freedom of being able to make it purely for myself. I literally just make the music that *I* like, that *I* think sounds good, with no thought given to making even a single cent off of it. It is purely for its own sake, and I think that's beautiful.
I think the real difficulty in a position like this is what to do with that music, especially in the age of A.I. (Venus Theory has a great video recently about how messed up the youtube content ID system is being abused, and other videos like how shitty spotify is to indie artists). I record music and work on it until I'm satisfied, but then it's just this file sitting on my computer. Part of me thinks I should just put it out there, but I don't think anyone would care because I don't want to learn to "advertise" or dance like a monkey to get people's attention, or make music that will get the most clicks or likes or whatever, to become a character or persona. Part of me worries about success, of it becoming known to some degree that might affect my day job career if I "got famous" in some way, part of me worries about stalkers and part of me wonders what the point is if it likely won't make any money or get any recognition no matter how good it might be, how much artistic merit it might possess. Somehow I feel like avoiding publicly sharing my work allows me to avoid the vanity and corruption that would come with that, "losing your anonymity" like others have talked about. I think there's something beautiful about the act of making art for art's sake, for yourself and no one else, and I worry about losing that.
My future 9-5 and my passions are all in the creative field but different. At the moment I'm a barista but I'm working towards all of it. Sometimes I feel stuck but when I feel that fire again I make a good chunk of progress. It's just making peace with the ebb and flow of being creative. You won't always be on fire and that's okay. Doesn't make you less of an artist.
SHOUTOUT BARISTAS
@@ColdDarkCrypt 😤🫡
This video is perfect, loved every minute! As for the topic, it hit it right on the nose. I lived through it, as a creative, I lived the "dream" of being unemployed, and not having to worry too much for about 2 years. Ironically enough, those two years were my most unproductive creative span since I was last working. I didn't stop completely, but whatever I did never ended up getting finished, there was so much pressure on needing to do something amazing with all this time I have. To create something astonishing, that in the end nothing wholly worthwhile was produced. Although, it's kind of bittersweet to be going back to work tomorrow, some part of me is looking forward to it, and the ideas that may spawn whilst being away from the desk and the constant need to create, and find myself rushing home to put that idea on paper. We'll see...
Im the opposite been out of work for a year and a half and love it. Finished four drafts this year.
Exciting things ahead man, good luck!
You’re the Goat for having that Elliott clip at the start
This is something I wonder about almost everyday. I am grateful for a job that gives me structure during the day so I can be free to create in the spaces between. Lately though, because things have been busy, I get frustrated at work because I don't have time for "elective thinking." I guess it would be wise to be more present at my day job. However ideally to me, I would be able to daydream/think freely for some amount of satisfying time during the job. Thank you for putting together such motivating clips and ideas that I have heard, have resonated within and are now further emphasized. Lovely video, you are creating a space for us creatives to come together and feel understood.
Artist with over 200k monthly listeners on Spotify here. This is nothing but true for me. Looking back, the days where I was just able to give a fuck about everything were truly amazing. As soon as your whole financial situation and so to say your life is depending on the success of your art, you are really starting to think different about everything. Making music in the mindset of „every new release has to be successful because if it’s not, I might loose my career“ is truly hard af to manage. Constantly being in a state of stress and fear of loosing everything from one day to another is probably also one of the hardest things about being so successful and having such a big audience. You feel like that there is no room for errors and experimentation because that would result in damaging your career and life. Your whole life is always in a safe environment. Finish school, you’ll find a job, get payed, be able to pay the bills. That’s the easy guaranteed route. So being successful as an artist really is the complete opposite. You are the only one in charge for everything. There is no help, no safe route to take. Everything is a risk. That’s why it’s so hard to be a successful artist and live of your art.
How’d you grow to 200k
9:14 was the one for me fr! I continue to perfect different aspects of penning and using different styles. I just love a Kaleidoscope of allegory whgen I am reading/writing/listening to different things. I kinda write to under all aspects, just to try what other forms can be unlocked.
instant sub. love the pacing of how you told this. can’t wait for more. even though, we should consume less media 😅
I really appreciate your channel! I think part of the task of a modern artist is redefining what it means to be an artist. There are so many variations to how and what people create and those diversities are all valid and can all lead to successful lives
Everyone is different. Some of us do our best work quick and dirty, churning a piece out in a couple of hours. Others have to spend countless hours in every nook and cranny of it. For some of us, turning our creative hobby into a profession would suck the fun out of it, this happened to me with music. But for others, we still love doing the thing even though money and stress and assholes are involved. Writing is that for me.
Figure out what works best for you. Some of us need the structure of a regular job, some of us create our own structure just as well.
When you want to make art for a living and not work soul sucking jobs that destroy all of your creative energy, it can be tough. I understand the message of "Work a full-time job so when you do have time, you use your time more wisely" but when you work a job that takes away all of your energy, that little time you get is spent simply resting/recovering/preparing for the next week ahead. I'd rather commodify myself than be a wage slave making someone else's company successful while I'm paid pennies in comparison. You'll never break free from the 9-5 chains because all of your time is being sold in exchange for just enough money to keep you a slave.
love this - interesting to think about protecting the slowness as an essential part of creative work as opposed to labeling it as the enemy or the unfortunate byproduct of the full time job. it's easy to feel rushed to produce or be tempted to return to the formulas that have worked before, especially in the social media age. as someone who reflects on this struggle of balance a lot, i'm looking forward to making more work with this new perspective
I think regarding the Travis comment about not having a Plan B: this is great if it works out. But I consider myself the “failed” drummer. I did a lot of great things-toured, created, met amazing people-but in the eyes of what I expected of myself, I had failed. I followed the “no Plan B” mindset from age 17 to 32 (I heard Will Smith say it once-cheers, Will).
Resentment appeared, and I had to crawl out of a sticky place. You can absolutely have a Plan B, and I’d recommend it. I think taking your mind into your day job or other areas can actually add to your creativity.
There’s no single way to be a creative. I avoided a Plan B because I was told that otherwise, I’d have failed before I even began. The idea of the suffering artist will always be a thing, but don’t suffer too much. Enjoy yourself.
This video landed on my browsing for inspiration here on TH-cam after being sick for 4-5 days and having not painted none of those days because I didn’t feel like it and because I had low energy. I guess I have some sort of trauma when it comes to this because now getting in the creative flow was a bit harder than expected which is why I’m seeking out advice.
relatable af thanks for this insight and video Creative Minds! im a music artist that just released my 4th album and working on my next music projects, life works in interesting ways, and thru jobs and income, even part-time, got me slowly out of survival mode, which brought abundance to my life and a more pure and freeing approach to the time I make for my art
Watching this now, it's Sunday evening of course. Thanks. Im temporarily soothed until my next freak out. Homestly, this is a really great video with some really valuable sentiments to remember.
This topic is very interesting I still have a 9-5 job mainly as I built my art career and I need this money to invest my aim is to be free at the end end of this year. From experience I cannot stop advice you not to stop your regular unless you are ready for. Improve your skills, create your discipline, learn, make contact and when you are ready for then GO don’t hesitate you won’t regret it. Being a creative or an artist allows you be free and this is amazing.
I've always had this idea of creating different mediums of telling a story that is my life. The only ideas I have at this point would be an album, a book, and a website. I'm sure more things will come along in life but I know that without a full-time job I will not be able to accomplish these goals. I don't expect success financially from any project but more of the emotional satisfaction of knowing that I created something that I was fully capable of doing.
I was blessed to have a mother like mines and lucky to have friends I call my brothers and also waiting on disability that is going to help a lot to be creating music 24/7 my name is L.O.W Tha Rider and I'm happy to go through the ups and downs of an artist
I legit just started my fulltime job and you come in just in the nick is time to help me along brother - Thankyou!
I work full-time as a forklift operator. My shift starts at 1pm and I rarely work longer than 9 hours. I have the whole morning to be creative. It's a pretty good gig for someone like me.
Here cause starting my comedy career 3 months ago have been nothing short of amazing! Even in my 9-5 I daydream about something I’m going to be doing by the end of the week!
I and I feel several other creatives needed this, great content.
In my experience it’s always been an either or with jobs and music. I admire people who can balance it. My output was where I wanted it when I was making just enough off of it to live. Since then I’ve been trying get back to creating but I have a family and all sorts of other things in the equation that make it feel pretty impossible to make stuff on any high level.
It's interesting to note that your low level of creation can be someone else's high level of listening experience
I am a perfectionist as well, I try to like my first take enough so I don't stop in the process, basically reducing self doubt while creating
Good luck on your path
I hear you. I’ve never been able to balance the two . Atleast for long. I always end up sabotaging my job by trying to create and I burn out and then end up being miserable and tired as hell at my job and get fired lol. I’m tired of not being able to work properly and hold a job and still be productive and have the energy to do things at 100% it sucks
@@soundsbitter I got fired this morning... here we go again. If you a have a tip to spare you're welcome
Just for the record, I found another one and it seem to be a good one, wish me luck !!
Mind if I ask what happened? How did it not work? What city were you in?
These videos keep me balanced .
I think that what is really bad is structurally our society is so weighted towards the idea of a job. Why can’t we all get a balanced life of practical and creative pursuits. The greed of people who want to monopolise and own things for power prevents others from moving from survival to thriving. I think Elliott smith was correct we all need a bit of structure and discipline but we also need space to play and create.
this is crazy. been trying and always procrastinating..but this video make me open my mind more. thank you for making this. blessings.
travis does play the shit out of that drum kit live. ive seen him play for different bands over the years, and he does hit those drums like there aint no tomorow. 😂
This was an incredible video. Thanks for all the work you do to bring these voices to us, when we need to hear it the most!
It’s the consistency part I know deep down I can’t keep up with. I don’t want to feel like a slave to my passions I might as well just work a job at tht point
yes i love being creative, cloth, stones,wood, everthing, drawings..et
i love that ur adding more Elliott Smith to ur content, respect
Damn! Every single one of your videos is so inspiring and helpful. So glad that you're working hard on all those video essays (we should rather call it meta art really!). Anyways, you're doing a fantastic job, thank you so much!
Nuanced topic, mate. Shoutout.
Well, at least one of your sources mentioned neoliberalism. I know there's many conversations to be had on this topic, but as a politically inclined sicko myself, I feel disappointed that there wasn't more discussion on the material conditions that create this struggle for creativity. You know who never has to worry whether turning their passion into a career is a good idea? You know who has the free time to pursue their interests without worrying about necessities? You know who feels unpressured to make their creative works become as lucrative as possible, rather than the most true to themselves? You know who. You know who.
Tellem
Trade offs. I know who will forever be in a crisis of meaning too….
loved the last 27 minute and 16 seconds of life (it took me a minute to write this comment)
One of your best videos to-date, amazing stuff
Chills… Thank you
Just finished the video. Having too much free time and nothing to do with that free time is a struggle of mine. I often tell myself my creative work is something I need to do, and that puts an overwhelming amount of pressure onto that creativity. I wanna learn how to see it as a want rather than a need. Because I have a full-time job, working harsh hours that leave me exhausted and drained every day. Doing something I want to do vs. need to do is the reason why I fell into certain unproductive habits, but I can make this work around the way I’ve developed, instead of trying to change every aspect to fit what I feel I need to do.
Well said. Can relate
Was literally thinking about this right now
Solid guy! He sampled my dads music
Where can I watch the full interview at 2:16?
The endless struggle of balancing
I found a solid office job that pays well but the workload wears me out man. My goal is to find a chill (preferably hybrid/remote) job so I can pursue music more intensely on side.
God bless this channel and you sir. 🙏
I literally had my family telling me I needed a plan b on thanksgiving
You should listen to them
nobody has the vision you have but only yourself
Damn bro couldn't even eat 🤦🏾♂️
Thanks. This made my day
this video is incredible
Very interesting video, thank you for creating and sharing!
I love this video incredibly
Thanks for this.
Great Vid
Great video thank you for this
Great video bruv
Great video. Thank you
16:19 where can I find that video please? i love your videos man it keeps me motivated
Sub gained. Fantastic, resonant messages.
If you have a labour intensive full-time job (mentally or physically): you can't pursue both at the same time.
You can spend a few hours a night on your hobby / music but that's all you got until you find a wedge of money to last you a while.
great video!
The background jazz track is a tad bit too loud and distracting at points, something to note for next time!
The amount of improv and the nature of jazz doesn't fit BGM unless it's very structured. You end up in a trance of anticipation of odd notes.
What is the instrumental in the background
constructive criticism - you need to turn down the classical music in the background. i cant focus on 2 things at once its distracting as!
agreed
Idk why I’m watching this lol. I have zero creativity. I found peace once I just accepted my reality in that moment. One day it’ll be over and I can rest
Who’s speaking at 2:30?
I work a 9-9 6x/wk job and starting over with my band. I will come back when I take over the world 💀
Is that Earl the hooded sweater or whatever his name is?
Whats the song during the outro? 26:10
For me, it’s my love of the TH-cam game, yet, they don’t let me succeed. They shadow ban my channel, and take away views and subscribers when I’ve done nothing wrong. It’s so hard to stay motivated when these unfair things are happening.
The biggest thing about this topic is I need to pay my damn rent😂 I’d quit my full time job if I didn’t have to do that. Everybody in my situation, we have to grind harder than the average!
Elliot smith
It's travis Barker , not Parker
What's the name of the song in this vid???
I play music every single day, I never work on it. I hardly ever release anything, other people seeing it isn't a big deal to me. The praise or insults I get in comments don't mean much to me either way.
What’s the first song!
more than just a kiss - nocturnal spirits
@@MalwandeMathonsi Thank you so much!
Joe Rogan qoute is generic BS. his good friends that were successful full time comedians grew up with families that had money. Tom Segura, Bert, Whitney Cummings, Brendan Schaub, Bryan Callen. If you did not worry about money yes you can focus on comedy. They are all well known mediocre comedians that are successful through their connections with people like Joe Rogan.
I didn't know about that, however it's not rare to see when you dig a little bit that some artists rely heavily on their family because of the uncertain nature of their activity.
Please some blessed soul: what's the name of the starting track of the video?
great stuff
this is great
TH-cam please keep showing me shi like this , just gave me some GAME
I really want to watch this video but there wasn't a clear question or direction to the narrative keep it up tho I love this subject
Junior Diaz? 14:44
this is painful. Ive been making BEATS. love it. but gotta keep the mind positive.
I've noticed that countries with national healthcare systems seem to have a lot more creatives in them. Just sayin.
its NOW