The Common Creative Panic: Lack of Money
October 10, 2011 in Turning Your Dream Into Reality
Image from Poor Artists in Residence
Every couple of months or so I analyse my finances and have a cry – a long one. I’ve been self-employed for eight months now and still I’m just scraping through. Every time a student cancels a lesson, my mind quickly tries to calculate whether or not I’ll be able to afford rent this month. When I decided to resign from my weekend job recently, I wondered if it was a silly move due to the unpredictable nature of my income. But I made the decision to work this way to get quality of life back, to sway the ratio of living to working back in my favour.
Do I wish I didn’t have to worry about money? Yes.
Do I regret setting up my own creative business? Not one bit.
I have begun to realise that time is much more valuable than money and that time can buy much more happiness than money.
Since I stopped working a nine-to-five office job, I have had much more time to invest in my health, my relationships and have been able to explore a whole bunch of creative avenues and projects. I feel happier, healthier and more in control of my life. I can jump on opportunities, reflect on failures and live in the moment.
So they next time you’re having a stress-fest over money, take a moment to realise what you DO have that is much more important. Health, friends, time, family, travel experiences and relationships all trump money.
I had a semi freak out yesterday… But you’re totally right, you have to remind yourself that there are much more important things than your money situation. It’s hard to do sometimes, but it helps!
I think keeping a record of everything I spend my dosh on defiantly helps!
I think you read my mind with this post!
x
Thanks for the comment Sian, I’m glad I’m not the only one that has slight panic attacks about the financial side of things. Keeping a spending list sounds like a great idea, I’ll start putting that into practise! xx
Well said! Money is important of course, but there are so many other aspects in life that are ultimately much more fufilling – as you say, having the time to invest in things like health, relationships and creative ideas. And these are what can often directly influence your day to day happiness, and yet they might not cost a cent. Sometimes a simple refocus is all it takes to realise WHY you are doing what you’re doing, and how much you have gained. xx
Thank you Hannah. Those other elements definitely influence my day-to-day happiness much more than any amount of money. It’s the little things and realising that you can live and be hapy with less, it’s just a shift in focus. :) xx
Man, I just blogged about this yesterday. I have been working as a server while I pursue my dream of becoming a life coach and writer and now that the money is slow…I have become so frustrated and stressed. I will say that I agree with you though, it feels great to have the time to create and to connect with other people. I am also taking more responsibility with the money I have. Its causing me to be much deliberate in how I spend both my money and my time. Thanks for this Kimberley…its right on time.
Great minds huh Kenya? :) I think you are very brave to be doing what you’re doing – never forget that. I firmly believe that if the passion and talent is there, the money will follow. Sometimes it’s the patience that’s the hard part. Best of luck and I look forward to hearing more about your journey. xx