But there’s a world of difference between doing what you love for you, and doing what you love for a paycheck. 

I went to undergrad for graphic design and 3-D design–art and more art, I usually say–and I loved it. You know what I didn’t love? Trying to collect my fees from clients. Trying to meet unrealistic, over-simplified or over-specific briefs from people who didn’t know what they were talking about. Coming home, having worked creatively all day, with no creative juice left for the things I wanted to do.

You know what I would tell you instead? Do something that you can be interested in, with people you like.

You don’t have to love it. Loving your work can be a lot, and it often means you have to live in your job 24/7. Some people can do that. Not everyone can, or should.  But if you can find work that’s interesting enough that it doesn’t feel tedious, and people you can enjoy spending your 9-5 with, and you can make money, that’s great! It means you can do the things you love for you.

I’m in law school now. It’s interesting work, and difficult, and I like doing it. I like how complicated it gets, and I like the stories it tells. But I don’t come home and read law journals for fun. I come home, and I sculpt, and I draw, and I paint, and I read. I do these things for me.

I chose to take a job that was not the most high-paying option available to me, because it wouldn’t require me to bill my time, I would have a better work-life balance, I found the work more engaging, and I really loved the office. It has paid off so much.

I get to walk to work, and most days I leave my laptop behind when I walk home at five. I have a little house with a little garden and a bunch of seedlings sprouting too early for spring. I have two stupid cats and two stupider doves and they make me happy. I put a little money into food and shelter for the neighborhood strays and name all my visiting opossums Harold. My art gets done when I feel inspiration striking, sometimes in the middle of the night, and I let my hobby fund itself without the pressure of deadlines. There is so much joy in making only what I want to. My sleep schedule has stabilized. For the first time in my life, I know the shape my days will take weeks and months away, because my routine is consistent, and I never knew what a peace that was. My job is predictable but never boring, interesting but not consuming, and it’s just a job. 

There are people who will tell you–people who have told me–that turning my back on an artistic career or a career you have “potential” in is selling out, or settling. 

i wasn't kidding btw

bonus because this one is my personal favoeite that isnt talked about as often

I'll go into exile, barefoot and in rags, entirely alone. For 10 years if I die during that time, I forgive you for my death. But if I come back after 10 years after you and my lord the king are stil alive, I want to be your companion, just as I used to be.

"Hello everyone, My name is Amina Yasser, I am 28 years old. I am married to Khalil Arhim, 34 years old. I am a mother of three children, Nasser, 8 years old, my daughter Baraa, 4 years old, and my son Adam, 2 years old. My husband had his own business. He was a sound engineer and had his own sound equipment. This work provided for me and my children. I cherish them more than anything in my life. We lost our home, our lives, and our jobs. They and I were displaced and displaced nearly five times. We live in Gaza, where conditions are difficult, but I believe that hope still exists." - From Amina's campaign page

I am writing this post for Amina @meemees-stuff and her beautiful family! My brother Ibrahim made me aware of this campaign, thank you!! 🥰

Nasser is suffering from malnutrition and that Adam is hungry and only eats once a day. Please, if you can spare any amount for this family, no matter how little, they will be eternally grateful!! 🩷🩷🩷

Proof of vetting (#19)

A selection of emojis from a love letter written in 1916.