Real vs. Creative Life

[Julie Deane]

I'll second that advice about coffee. And don't forget diet Coke {my drug of choice lately)!

[Patricia Joyce]

".. kids in the house... spouse to clean up after, cook for, iron for, etc? ... band, socceer, tae kwon do practices to chauffer to? No dentists, orthodontists appointments to keep straight for a whole family? ...PTA, boy scouts or youth groups to chaperone? No health problems that can stop you?-Kim

Boy Kim, I remember those days. I did all that, single, working two jobs and going to college full time (that was when I was first diagnosed with CFSD, an autoimmunie disorder). It has been five years since my last child moved out on his own, I finished my degree, and quit my second job. . .

It is true, I AM what is keeping me back. FEAR of the unknown and FEAR of being foolish. My family already thinks I am foolish and would believe I had jumped off the deep end if I quite working full time and devote more of my time to my art. But then my family cannot live my life, only I can.

I believe this is my winter to really decide what I will be doing come summer, since I would be foolish to do anything before March when I am vested. My goal is to be working less then 40 hours a week and still support myself so that I can spend more hours painting and selling portraits, whether that will happen in Cleveland or down south remains to be seen. Janel your idea is great, but would be a no go with the nuns, unfortunately. But working for them part time is a more likely option and one I may be able to live on.

Richard thank you for the idea of selling my prints. I have ordered a few and really like what they look like, having never done this before. I will try some of your marketing suggestions.

Thank you all for your comments and support, It makes me feel stronger. In the meantime I put in at least 20 hours this past weekend on a drawing which is coming along nicely - that puts a smile on my face!!!

Thank you all!

[Richard Monro]

Pat,
Here is another option to consider. When you are ready in your mind and heart (even if you are scared to death) to quit, approach your employer and ask to go to part time work such as two 10 hour days per week.

Tell them you still want medical and other benefits etc.. In most cases a company does not want to lose a valued employee and will make concessions. I have 3 friends who have done this exact thing. Your ace in the hole is that you will quit anyway if those conditions are not acceptable to them. They will sense your resolve ( or you can tell them outright that you will have to leave if an arrangement can't be made) and will make the necessary adjustments to keep you.

After March when you are fully vested, try it. You may be pleasantly surprised. If this subtle persuasion works, you have a built in cushion to get you started. If it doesn't work you have lost nothing anyway.

Forget about what people think. In the first place most aren't thinking anything at all. some will be jealous of your courage to go out on your own. and a few will be nay sayers just to be mean spirited. The only friends or family that really count are the ones that support and encourage you to go for your dream. The rest are black holes that just sap your vital energy. Avoid them at all costs.

[Julie Deane]

Pat -

I like how you are taking your frustration and channeling it into action. And how you're weighing your options. Glad you got 20 hours in on a picture - I'm jealous!

Julie