Scenario 3
James, at age 52, decided to leave his job of thirty years to pursue painting. James always knew he had artistic talent but never considered such a pursuit practical or financially feasible. However, art was in his blood. It was his passion and it was something that he wanted to commit to on a full time basis. But there was always something holding him back.
Over the years, he painted during his off hours and made contacts in the arts community through volunteering and his part time job as a night school art instructor. He sold a few of his paintings through friends and colleagues and at community events in which other artists displayed their works to the public.
In his discussions with his wife, she was not so enthusiastic about his desire to devote his time to his art on a full time basis, but she ultimately relented and offered support for his decision. While they were financially stable, James realized that by leaving his job thirteen years before retirement age, he was risking a substantial loss of annual income and retirement benefits.
After leaving his job, James set forth a schedule in which he devoted time to painting, networking and marketing his work. He knew that if he were to make a living at doing what he loved, he not only had to create but also sell. And if he were to succeed, he must remain disciplined about his routine. In the first year, James’s creative output was voluminous but he had yet to attract the interest of art dealers and his income for the year was not much better than when he was selling his art at community events. However, he remained steadfast in his dream and desire.
During his second year, James managed to interest a community center to display some of his paintings. Through the community center, James was contacted by a local art dealer who expressed interest in selling his work. The gallery took on twenty of James’s paintings. Fourteen of them were sold in less than two months. In subsequent months, James’s paintings continue to sell and developed a loyal following. James’s annual income, while not comparable to his old job, it was more than enough to provide for himself and his wife.
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Should you quit your job and pursue your dream job?
Assess your talent/abilities. (Don’t laugh. Be brutally honest. Obtain independent evaluation of your talent and abilities, if you don’t already know.)
Assess your financial situation.
Consider additional education or training and its costs.
Do you have the discipline to work at developing your talent?
What is your plan for success?
Are you prepared to commit to an endeavour in which the only person to push you is you?
Are you willing to take criticism and rejection?
Are you open to learning from negative feedback?
Are you prepared to market yourself?
Are you willing to live with less financially?
Have you discussed your plans with loved ones?
Remember the adage: “Don’t quit your day job.”
