How (&Why) I'm Creating a Dual-Career Lifestyle*A Creative Attempt at Balancing Passion w/Financial "Success"

My father is a brilliant and successful entrepreneur; I'm grateful to have inherited, through either birth or osmosis, his innate motivation, and drive to create his own rules. I've worked for him on and off throughout the years as a full- or part-time employee. In my younger years, I was driven purely by the money--I mean it's business, right!? In my early twenties, I moved to San Francisco (so much more on this later), and played my hand of skills to nuzzle myself into a cushy position at a fancy money management firm. I needed to know I could reach financial "success" on my own, as well as under my dad's wing. I spent the majority of my waking hours engulfed in my work, and "networking" at related social events. As much as I kept myself busy, I still felt a disconnect between my true self--my inner being--my natural me--and the things I was doing. I spent as much time as I could exploring the city, looking at art, and reading anything from nutritional science to William Boroughs to Harry Potter. These hobbies usually failed to progress at a rate necessary for me to fully explore them, however. I would be inspired, and start to write a short story, for example, but this would soon be eclipsed by an urgent work matter. In many cases, these work matters seemed so urgent, that they came to me in night terrors. I realized, time and time again, maybe after getting shingles (yes, shingles, a condition normally reserved for the elderly and those with serious immunodeficiency issues), that I was running my mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health into the ground for the chase of the almighty dollar. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot about leadership, time management, negotiation, business politics, budget planning, recruitment, culture creation, etc. etc. etc., but I was suffering in a way I couldn't quite put my finger on. I eventually decided to return to Minnesota to complete a B.A. degree I had walked away from at 20 years old, mostly so nobody could ever bring it up again, and treat me like a second-class citizen because I didn't have a 4-year degree (finger twirl for education reform, more on this, too, later). I didn't expect that all of my mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical wounds would bubble to the surface during my two semesters back at a state university, but I was able to heal, explore my passions, and prioritize my needs. I became very aware and in-tune with my intuition, and I'm now hellbent on both nurturing and following it.

After graduation, I suited up and set out in pursuit of a full-time job where I could earn money to support myself. I had decided to move back into my Minneapolis home for reasons I may write more about later, as well. I interviewed for a few recruiting, account management, and sales jobs, to no avail. In the meantime, I joined a friend/filmmaker who's creating a film called 'The Making of a Unicorn.' In my unique role, I have access to every aspect of filmmaking, and I'm relishing the opportunity to learn from everyone involved. Between this project, the networking involved, and with what I'm doing here on Steemit, I feel my creative juices flowing at an amazing rate. Let me say that the difference between creative networking and networking in the finance industry is the SOUL. I don't feel like I'm working, or have an agenda. Interactions are full of life, and conversations dance organically... After a few weeks of interviewing for full-time jobs and working to jumpstart a creative career, it hit me that a traditional M-F, 9-5 schedule would undoubtedly kill a good portion of this absolute JOY I was experiencing. After looking at countless part-time job offerings that I was grossly overqualified for, yet considering, I finally thought, you know what, FUCK THIS, I AM AMAZING, I AM SKILLED, I AM VALUABLE, and I'M GOING TO GET WHAT I WANT. I realize not everyone has the connection to someone like my father, but nonetheless, I re-approached him with a renewed confidence that he had something I wanted, and I was not only worthy of the opportunity, but I was worthy of flexibility and the freedom to choose my own terms. I knew I was so alive inside that my passion and sincerity would shine through. Although I was previously denied the opportunity to work for his firm part-time just weeks earlier because "everyone [there] works full-time," "that's just the way this business works," "everyone [there] must equally contribute to the team," etc., I re-introduced my proposal to work three days per week for the firm, and made the statement that I am the most happy, productive, creative, and alive person I can be when I have the time to pursue my entrepreneurial/creative passions. I continued that I would like to create a true "dual-career" for myself, wherein I'm equally committed to each part. I recognize the need for financial stability as being equally as important as creative expression. I also respect each side's purpose in the function of society, as well as what each side can do for my personal/professional development. I saw the realization in his eyes that I was not going to give up on this dream, and also that I was prepared to be fully-committed during my time at the firm, and I was presented an offer after he consulted with the team. 

I'm now enjoying the freedom of being able to choose my creative/freelance projects, without the concern for monetary benefit (but let's be clear, I won't be doling out free labor all willy-nilly, I know my worth), ALL the chocolate-laced pastries (thank you, Caffetto), and a part-time career at a stable firm which pays the bills. I'm making a little over 50% of my previous salary, however, I'm certain I can adjust, and have been doing fine so far. Most importantly, I'm feeling 1,000% more confident and alive. 

I recommend the following to those interested in creating a "Dual-Career Lifestyle":

1. 'KANSO' your life - 'Kanso' is a Japanese term for gaining clarity through the elimination of clutter. Analyze your life and record what you are spending most of your thoughts (yes, your 'thinking time' is valuable), time, and money on. Are these priorities resonating with your true self--your inner being--your natural you? If not, CLEAN 'EM OUT. Don't worry about tossing a few babies with the bathwater; the important stuff will come back to you.

2. Make a vision board - Oh yes, I'm going there! Create your own best version. Write your priorities down on a piece of paper and tape them to the wall, use magazine clippings, hang up some abstract art, do whatever you need to do to keep your goals top of mind.

3. Get a planner & map every hour of every day - Don't stress it. If you don't get to something, honor yourself and your freedom, and simply reschedule! I love goal-setting planners with prompts to set goals at the beginning of the year, and push tasks throughout each month. Make a small step each day toward each one of your most important goals.

4. Research opportunities - Research, research, research! Read and ask others about how they're doing the things you want to be doing. Find common pain points, and start to configure how you will innovate your life to avoid them.

5. Budget your life & refine your exact needs - Be prepared to tell someone exactly what you want, exactly what you need, and why. 

6. Renew your confidence & make the ask! - When it comes to solidifying your paid position, get into the mind of the business owner/decision maker, and appeal to their passion for entrepreneurial ventures. When they see you confident and inspired, they'll be more likely to offer you an opportunity. Tip: since you'll have more flexibility outside this time, reassure them you'll be 100% committed to their business during this shorter time frame, no non-emergency doctor visits, cutting out an hour here or there, etc., and then stick to it! Show your passion, stand your ground, and make the ask! Be prepared to walk away, if necessary, and ask someone else. The right person will see your truth. Be authentic, and don't lie. 

7. Slay & repeat! - Refine your craft. Constantly reprioritize. Stay organized. Exercise. Meditate. Juice. Balance your life. Pur your own self-care first . Your badass-self deserves it. 

I hope this was valuable to you--and thanks for reading! I'd love to expand on this, so please let me know where you'd like to know more. As always, if you're inspired by my writings, do comment, follow, and resteeem! I love interacting, and I look forward to knowing your reactions. Xx! Mo :)