Try not to get too comfortable

Try not to get too comfortable

My husband is a man content to work the same job for years.  I know he isn’t abnormal, thousands of people are like him.  Men and women who have watches and pins for various anniversaries at their work place.  My uncle was the same way, he was a fire fighter at Boeing for over 30 years.  I’m not like that and especially not being an artist.

I did DECA when I was in high school, it was an organization who helped students become vocationally ready.  My teacher, Mrs Butler; wanted us to be able to make money.  The whole thing sounded great in theory but when it came to practical application, I hated it.  Ultimately, I ended up working in the family business promoting my mother and selling art.

Here I am now; trying to create, promote and sell my own art and make a basic living doing what I have come to love.  I have learned how to teach what I love, and I enjoy doing that but; most places I teach are with non-profit organizations.  Non-profits are pretty fluid, they might cruise along for a while but boards change, personnel go on to better paying positions, and the structure will evolve.  That is change that effects your income and sometimes you have to go looking for something different. 

That means that where ever I am, I can’t get too comfortable.  I have to constantly look for different opportunities and continually look for new connections.  Spokane is amazing in how many places there are to teach what I do.  I am pretty lucky that way.  I recently interviewed with a new agency and they asked what my students thought about me.  I think it went pretty well.  I was open about the bad review I had but I was also able to counter that with glowing reviews from that person’s classmates.

All of this means that I can remain flexible for a while and be ready for change.  How about you?  Can you jump to something new?  Are you lucky enough to stay in one place for over 30 years?  I hope what ever you choose, it brings you joy like my job.  Happy Spring!