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Abandoning Financial Security: Am I crazy?

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  • January 20, 2015 at 11:52 pm #71717
    Little Coconut
    Participant

    Hi, everyone.

    So for a little bit of background: I grew up fortunate. I feel guilty even describing it and wailing about my “problems”, but the truth is, my parents were able to provide me with the basic things I wanted. I didn’t unlimited spending money or anything like that, but if I wanted to go to theatre camp, they would send me, or if I wanted to go to prom, they would pay for my dress. I was, and am, really lucky. I have no student loans. I have no car payments. I am 24 and debt-free because of my parents’ generosity.

    Here’s the thing: I am slightly aimless. I was involved in theatre and film throughout college, and told myself I would move to LA to become a TV writer or produce. I would have a somewhat predictable income and I would be able to afford the things in life that would keep me feeling secure. I’ve since moved to LA, and am realizing that while the idea of the entertainment industry seem to be a great option, that is no longer the case. Currently I work in an entry-level position at a pretty cool advertising agency. The job’s pay is increasing and it looks like I am on the road to a career where I will be working 9-5(ish) and doing okay.

    Here’s the problem: I don’t like it. I leave feeling drained. I don’t like sitting in a desk all day.

    In college, I loved writing and acting and the creativity of these beautiful mediums. I left that world because I didn’t want an unstable career. I miss them, and I’m finding new joy in yoga (it is LITERALLY the thing that makes me get up every morning) and continuing to write. Right now I am on the brink of having enough free time to write and do yoga classes, but on some days my job interferes and I no longer have the time to chase these creative pursuits.

    I’ve thought about pursuing writing and yoga, but that terrifies me. Both industries make way less than what my parents made, and I’m afraid of not having any money. Health insurance, 401k, blahblah…these are all great things that come from the regular 9-5. Do I need to suck it up and stop being spoiled and just work my job? If I do the 9-5 route, I can afford to go on yoga retreats or take writing classes, but would that be worth it when all day I hate my job?

    I know money isn’t the most important thing, but it’s presence is thick on my mind. I want to leave it behind and go teach yoga or creative writing, but I am afraid of abandoning my financial security.

    Wise words? Help? Would love to know what other people think on this matter..thank you all so much.

    January 21, 2015 at 6:25 am #71724
    Nicole Neto
    Participant

    Hello!
    While reading this post I couldnt help but understand every emotion you are going through. I’m currently in a very similar situation. I also moved to LA to persue my career of doing hair and makeup for film. I tried it out, and quickly realized it wasnt for me. I now am working full time at a salon, and while its very rewarding I also realize its draining me. Ive been in this indusrty for 10 years now, and I know deep inside there are things out there I want to try. I find myself putting my needs aside because im too tired and drained from a full work day.
    My advice to you…and to myslef, is take the leap of faith! Start writing down skills that your good at, and skills that you enjoy. It seems you already have a clear vision of yoga training and writitng. THATS GREAT! Maybe swith to a shorter work week to begin with, that way you arent going to be finalcillay stressed (which can also drain you from wanting to practice yoga and write)
    THen, you can have an extra day to pursure those creative skills that fulfill you. Eventually you can keep working on what feels right and things will fall into place as they should. I am a firm believer in putting out into the universe exactly what you want, vision it, hold on to that vision andlet the universe make the way. Small steps towards your goal. I hope this helps!!!

    January 21, 2015 at 1:00 pm #71734
    pink24
    Participant

    Reading your post was like going back in a time machine. I had the same reservations ten years ago, (and I sometimes still have those same reservations but in a far less serious life-changing way and it’s usually with a martini in hand) At 24, I left an advertising job, backpacked through Europe on my own, and returned to New York to become an actress. I found a temp job, a cheap apartment, and I just DID IT. And not to mention I graduated from an Ivy League college so my parents weren’t exactly thrilled.

    If you want to do something–anything–you can do it. At first it feels a little, actually a lot, uncomfortable, but hey, change always is. That’s why so few people do it. If you want to teach yoga and write, teach yoga and write. Practically speaking, maybe keep the full time job while you get certified. Talk to some yoga teachers. See how they live. Surely some of them are artists too. I’m a writer now, and so I know–if you want to be an artist, there’s no real way around a struggle of some kind. Financial, personal. There’s always a price for anything worth doing. But what you gain is always worth far more than what you (seem) to lose.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by pink24.
    January 21, 2015 at 10:32 pm #71773
    Little Coconut
    Participant

    Thank you all! Your voices are inspirational; it’s comforting to know people who have made the leap and found personal success!

    I’m a little scared, but feeling optimistic. Money is important…but I keep questioning to what extent. Maybe I’m naive.

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