Career & Business Coaching Blog.
Inspiration and tips for multi-passionate creatives & entrepreneurs.
The Great Resignation: What to do if You're Ready to Quit Your Job
You might have heard about the Great Resignation, also known as the Big Quit and the Great Reshuffle. This massive wave of people quitting their jobs and looking for something better or a different way of life is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs en masse. And it all started at the beginning of 2021.
Statistics point towards the younger generations as the biggest resignation group, but they're not alone. According to Wikipedia, possible causes include wage stagnation amid the rising cost of living, long-lasting job dissatisfaction, safety concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the desire to work for companies with better remote-working policies. An overall sense of dissatisfaction, a lack of purpose, and too little pay for shitty jobs make people want to explore new options. As a business and career coach, I've long seen this wave coming (it really didn’t start with the pandemic!), but everything accelerated with covid and the lockdowns.
This article is for people feeling the resignation itch and ready to quit jobs. It starts by briefly exploring the reasons why this resignation wave might be going on (without trying to be exhaustive as this is an incredibly complex socio-economic phenomenon) and continues by offering some tips and insights on how to best surf the wave and what to do if you're ready to quit your job.
What's wrong with work?
Work has been in crisis for a very long time. For the last decades, we've seen a slow and steady erosion of the social contract between employer and employee. In the past, companies offered workers stability and security for their loyalty and hard work. But now, that social contract has all but disappeared. Companies are no longer loyal to their employees – they're only interested in short-term profits. And as a result, employees have become increasingly disposable. If you don't like your job, or if you're not working hard enough, or if you're not making enough money, then there are a million other people who would gladly take your place. This is especially true during economic downturns when jobs are scarce, and competition for jobs is fierce.
In addition, the traditional career path – working your way up the ladder at one company until you retire – is no longer guaranteed. In today's economy, jobs are often temporary and insecure. And even if you have a secure job, there's no guarantee that it will be exciting or fulfilling. So it's no wonder that so many people are quitting their jobs. They're tired of being treated like commodities, and they're tired of work that isn't worthwhile.
The Great Resignation is also a response to the changing nature of work. We now live in a hyper-specialized world, where workers are expected to do a limited type of work. This is especially true in the knowledge economy, where workers are often nothing more than cogs in a machine. They're not allowed to use their creativity or their intelligence, and they're not given the opportunity to grow. This can be incredibly frustrating, (especially for creative generalists) and it's one of the main reasons many people quit their jobs.
What makes people want to quit?
As I mentioned before, there are many reasons why people might want to quit their jobs. But here are some of the most common ones:
#1 Lack of purpose
The first reason I see clients come to me for a career change is the lack of purpose that many people feel in their work. Jobs have become increasingly specialized, and while this has its advantages, it also means that people (particularly creative generalists or multi-passionate creatives) often spend their days doing things they don't care about or don't make them feel good. This can be incredibly frustrating and is one of the main reasons people are looking for something new.
#2 Low pay (for shitty jobs)
The second reason I see clients being dissatisfied is that many jobs don't pay enough. This has always been a problem, but it's becoming more and more acute as the cost of living continues to rise while wages remain stagnant. Add to this that many low-paying jobs are among the shittiest, and you've got a resignation wave waiting to happen.
#3 Boring and unfulfilling jobs
The third reason clients tell me they want to change careers is because they are dissatisfied with their jobs. Part of this is due to the reasons I've already mentioned, but it's also because we're becoming increasingly aware of the options out there. With the internet and social media, it's easier than ever to see what other people are doing with their lives, and this can often make our own lives seem small, boring, and unfulfilling by comparison.
#4 Lack of challenges and inspiration
The fourth reason I see clients change careers (or start a business of their own) is that they feel they're not being challenged enough at work. They're only allowed to bring a small part of their talents to work, but nothing else. Especially for (multi-passionate) creatives and entrepreneurs, this can be challenging. They want to be able to create, experiment and play, but their jobs often don't allow it.
#5 Toxic environments and being squeezed like lemons
The fifth most common reason I see people resign and change careers is when they're faced with toxic environments or are under such pressure to perform that they're being squeezed like lemons. Unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly common as organizations try to do more with less, and employees are expected to pick up the slack. This often leads to a toxic work environment, where people are constantly stressed and overworked.
These are just a few reasons people come to me for career or business coaching. If you're feeling ready to quit your job, my advice is to explore all of your options and find something that genuinely makes you happy.
So what can you do if you're ready to quit your job?
First of all, don't panic. This is a big decision, and you should not take it lightly. If you're thinking about quitting your job, it's essential to take the time to reflect on your decision. What are your motivations for wanting to leave? What are your goals? What are your alternatives? Once you've thought through these questions, you'll be in a better position to make a decision.
If you're sure quitting your job is the right decision, the next step is to start planning your exit strategy. It doesn't mean that you have to leave tomorrow, but it does mean that you need to start thinking about how you're going to transition out of your current job. Are you going to give notice? Are you going to start looking for a new job first? Are you going to freelance or become self-employed? There are many options, and the best way forward will depend on your circumstances.
The most important thing is to make sure that you have a plan. Once you have a plan, quitting your job will be much easier (and less stressful). So take the time to think through your decision, find support (hey, hello, I can help!), and develop a plan that will work for you.
Quitting your job is a big decision, but it can be incredibly liberating. With careful planning and a bit of courage, you can leap and start living the life you want to live! If you're unhappy with your current situation, don't be afraid to explore your options and make a change.
I know because I see and help people do it every day!
Feeling stuck in your career?
You're not the only one. A lot of people are unhappy in their jobs, but they don't know what to do about it. That's where we come in! I'm a certified career coach, and I can help you figure out what you want to do and how to get there.
I'll help you find a job that makes you happy, and give you the tools you need to succeed. I've helped hundreds of people make a change for the better, and I know I can help you too.
Boredom Versus Resistance: How to Know When to Quit?
Creative generalists (multi-passionate creatives) are a rare breed. We have more than one passion, and we don't want to choose just one path in life. But when boredom starts creeping in, it can be challenging to keep up the momentum of being creative or pursuing one or more of our interests. Resistance is often mistaken for boredom, but there's a difference between the two that you should know about if you're multi-passionate like many of my clients and me! In this article, I'll explore boredom versus resistance so you know when to quit on something and when it's time to push through and stay motivated.
Do you ever feel like giving up? Like all your efforts pointless? You're not alone! This feeling is known as boredom. It's when we no longer find a project or passion interesting enough to continue with. Often, we've reached what we came for in that project, job, or interest (usually some form of skill or new knowledge). We got what we wanted from it, so why would we want to keep going?
A new definition of done
We immerse ourselves into playing the guitar diligently every day for two years and then one day put the instrument to the side to not pick it up again for years. Or we decide we want to know everything there is to know about YouTube marketing, create the channel, buy all the courses, post a ton of videos, and suddenly decide to move on to something else.
Why do we do this? For most, finishing means an external endpoint, not for creative generalists. It's more an internal feeling of being done (bored) with something than anything else, often when, to the outside world, we don't seem done at all.
On the other hand, resistance shows up when something is important to us, when we're hitting on what matters most or makes us come alive. It's an inner feeling of not wanting to do something, even though we know deep down we want to or we should, often disguised as stress, anxiety, or fear.
Is it boredom or resistance?
For creative generalists, boredom is the internal feeling of not wanting to do something anymore because it feels like a chore when we've reached what we want from that project, job, or interest and feel no need to push through anymore.
On the other hand, resistance is a biological and evolutionary response to things that are important to us. It's a protection mechanism that is rooted in our fight-or-flight response. What resistance wants is for everything to stay the way it is. So although boredom and resistance can feel pretty much the same, they're each other's opposites! Boredom is a gentle nudge that you need change; resistance is a - often much harder - blow that you want things to stay the same, precisely when you should be moving forward!
Resistance is when we should push through boredom or whatever else we're feeling - fear, lack of self-confidence, doubt, self-loathing, procrastination - and continue with what we're doing for some other, more profound reason. It's that feeling of "I don't want to do this, but I just know it's the right thing for me" because it matters more than anything else in your life right now.
How to know the difference between boredom and resistance?
Knowing the difference between boredom and resistance can help you understand when to quit something and when to push through. Boredom means it's time for a change, while resistance is the only way we can get back in touch with what matters most right now.
If you're not sure whether you're experiencing boredom or resistance, here are some questions to ask yourself:
What is my goal with this project, job, or interest?
Have I reached that goal?
Do I still find this project, position, or interest interesting?
Why do I want to quit?
What would happen if I did leave?
Would I regret quitting later?
Answering these questions can help you determine whether you're experiencing boredom or resistance. If you're bored, it might be time to move on to something new. But if you're feeling resistance, it's probably because there's something vital that you need to do! Instead of quitting, take stock of what's going on emotionally. How are you feeling? What is that telling you about what you're trying to resist?
When to quit?
There's no shame in admitting that you're bored of something or ready for something new. It doesn't mean that you're a quitter or not good at it. It means that you've reached a point where you no longer want to continue with that project, job, or interest. And that's perfectly okay!
In summary, here's how to know when to quit:
The critical difference between boredom and resistance is that boredom feels like the project or job has become too easy. You've learned everything you wanted or needed to know from it, so the boredom feeling is our body telling us to move on and try something new.
Resistance happens when we're doing something important to us, or that needs our attention for other reasons. It feels like, "I don't want to do this, but I have to because it matters more than anything else."
If you're not sure whether you're experiencing boredom or resistance, refer to the questions above to find more clarity.
The most important thing to remember about being ready to move on to something else like a (multi-passionate) creative or entrepreneur is that your cut-off point, when you're "ready" with something, will often be different from that of other, more specialist people. So it's useless to mirror your actions to what they would do. They don't have your multi-passionate brain, and they're not you. How could you then know what you need or what is suitable for you?
So if you're feeling bored, it might be time to move on. But if you're feeling resistance, it's probably because there's something important that you need to do! Push through and see what happens!
Feeling stuck in your career or business?
You're not alone. Many people find themselves at a crossroads, not sure what to do next. That's where I come in - I'm a career and business coach with almost ten years of experience helping people figure out their next steps.
Quit your job? Start your own business? There are many options, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's where I come in – I can help you figure out what to do next and put together a plan to help you achieve your goals.
How to Get Unstuck in Your Career: 5 Tips to Figure Out Your Next Career Move
Are you feeling stuck in your career? Are you unsure of what your next career move should be? If so, don't worry – you're not alone. Many people find themselves in this position at some point. The good news is that there are ways to get unstuck and figure out your next career move. This article will discuss five tips to help you get started.
Over the last decade, I've spent thousands of hours helping business owners and (multi-passionate) creative entrepreneurs get unstuck.
There are many reasons we get stuck, but one of the most common reasons I hear clients talk about when they get stuck is overwhelm. We get a burst of inspiration or passion and get carried away about how awesome it all could be. The ideas get more elaborate without us taking any real action until we wind up feeling afraid, frustrated, and burnt out at the mountain we've created in our mind - even before we started!
Or we're caught up in the routines of everyday life, going through the motions, feeling like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day, reliving the same day repeatedly. I felt like I was stuck on the same day for a long time, and many of the people I've helped throughout the years have told me that they felt like that for a long time as well.
When every day feels the same, we start to feel an itch.
Perhaps you’ve felt or are currently feeling like this. We know something is off, but we can’t quite put our finger on it. This, too, can be very overwhelming. I remember spending sleepless nights imagining an alternative life where I was happy and successful, where I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes or making bold moves, where every day would be exciting and new. But every morning, I would go back to doing the same thing. I knew what I had, but I didn’t know if what I wanted would even be possible for me.
The thing about overwhelm is that it's a catch-all phrase. The visual I get when I hear the word is a big, tsunami-like wave that splashes over us. When we say we're overwhelmed, we don't see the forest through the trees anymore. It's not always because we have a burst of energy or inspiration and too many ideas. Overwhelm can also happen when we're afraid, anxious, stressed out, or overthinking. All of these feelings and states of being can and often will get in the way of what we want.
If you get overwhelmed, are afraid, or don’t know what to do at times, I’m sure you’ll know exactly what it means to “feel like there’s so much out there for you, but you don’t know where to start, how to get there, and you’re afraid it won’t work.” If this is you, don't worry, you're not alone. I've felt that way for a long time, as have many of my clients. That's precisely why I decided to write this article.
The tried & tested action steps I'm sharing below have helped hundreds of people to find clarity and a way forward in their careers, sometimes after feeling stuck for years. Maybe this is how you're feeling right now. Perhaps you've been thinking about a career change or what to do next for a while. If you have, I want you to know that there is a way out of this rut, that there is a creative, fun, fulfilling career waiting for you, and that this guide will help you get there.
How to get unstuck and move forward with your career
Change takes time, effort, and commitment. But I can tell you that if you keep reading and do the short exercises below, you will gain clarity and start thinking about things differently. That's precisely where we need to begin to help you get unstuck: change how you look at the problem in front of you.
STEP 1: Ask yourself what you can control regarding your career.
When talking about change, I always ask clients to share how difficult they find it to change. They reply by telling me that it's probably one of the hardest things they've ever had to do. I think it's true, don't you? When you've been stuck for a while, thinking about change can cause agony and despair. That's how hard it is (but it doesn't need to be, hence this ebook). But here's the thing. If it's so hard to change ourselves, how hard is it for us to try and change someone else? Still, we insist on trying. The boss that never listens to us, the co-worker who's always sloppy and never fills the coffee machine properly, the clients who know we're giving them our best but keep on nagging about something anyway. As strange as it may be, we've told all these people a million times how we want them to behave and treat us, and still they insist on ignoring us.
So what’s a better way to deal with this?
To get unstuck, you have to rethink the person you are to fit your dreams. And most importantly, you must take control of your career, allow yourself to dream your dreams, and believe that you can achieve them. Remember that you can control how you show up, work, and treat the people around you. But that's it. You cannot control other people, their reactions, or what they do. You also cannot control the economy, your boss, or the company you work for.
STEP 2: Get curious about your professional life.
The second step is to get curious. Yes, really! Curiosity breeds creativity and innovative thoughts, so it's time to start asking yourself questions that will help you see things differently and get unstuck.
Especially as multi-passionate creatives and entrepreneurs, we use our curiosity every day. We don't always use it to our advantage when it comes to our careers. Right now is the time for you to be limitless, to imagine your professional life as big and bold as you can imagine it because successful career change can happen for you if you let it.
As we've touched on in step one, it's about starting to see things differently and discover the options you have, not the ones you have confined yourself to. Remember that the answers to these questions might not come right away, and that's okay. Allow yourself the time to marinate on them and see what new ideas or options start to emerge.
STEP 3: Get creative about your career options.
The third step is to get creative about your career options. In my experience, one of the key reasons why we get stuck in our careers is overthinking. "I have all these career and business ideas, but I'm not sure which one to start first or what could even be successful!"
It's normal because our natural human tendency is to overthink before taking action. Almost everyone experiences this at least once when wondering about a career change or thinking about starting their own thing. When I get stuck on an important decision, I've learned to distract myself temporarily until the answer becomes obvious; less thinking + more doing = taking action.
When we get stuck, our momentum has been slowed down or dramatically stopped. The easiest way to get unstuck is to get back into some action where you are moving forward again, even if it's just taking one tiny step in the right direction. That's where creativity comes in: come up with some actions you can take. Remember that you can't go wrong with your answers and that it doesn't need to be an overnight insight. Creatively brainstorming about solutions can feel uncomfortable. Letting go are your fears and limiting beliefs is the first step to taking action on your creative career ideas. After all, this is your career we're talking about, and you deserve to spend time getting to know inside and out what could work for you.
STEP 4: Take inspired action on your career options.
The fourth step is to take inspired action on your career options. I say "inspired" because I want you to do something that feels good in your gut, even if it scares you. Inspired action always comes from a place of knowing and feeling that what you're doing is the right thing, even if it's not clear yet.
When we don't take inspired action, our career goals can feel more like obligations or duties instead of something that feels good to us. This is usually because we haven't taken the time to clarify what we want and why we want it. Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect and that you'll learn as you go. The most important thing is that you take action towards your career goal and don't give up.
STEP 5: Believe in yourself and your career dreams.
The fifth step is to believe in yourself and your career dreams. This might be the hardest step for some people because it means feeling confident even when we're not sure of what the future holds.
Making a career change can be scary, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to discover more about yourself and what you're truly capable of. We should continuously work towards career dreams and goals, even when we don't feel confident in them. The truth is that nobody knows everything, and that's okay.
Moreover, confidence - just like clarity - is something that you achieve by doing. The more you try things out, the more you learn about what works and doesn't work for you, and the more confident you become, especially in your capacity to grow and figure things out. That's why it's so important to move forward and think about your next step consistently. Remember that you’re capable of anything you put your mind to. Believe in yourself and the career dreams you have, and take action on them.
PS: This article is the short version of an eBook I wrote and that you can download for free here.
Feeling stuck in your career?
You're not alone. A lot of people feel stuck at some point in their careers. That's where I come in. I'm a career coach with almost a decade of experience helping creatives and entrepreneurs figure out their next steps.
Wouldn't it be great to have someone help you get unstuck? Someone who understands what you're going through and can help guide you to the next step? Well, that's what I do. And it's what I love to do. So let me help you get unstuck and on your way to the career of your dreams.
3 Tips to Live at Your Full Potential, Instead of Your Full Capacity
"I'm tired. I'm exhausted. I'm burnt out. Am I doing enough?" It's a question many of us ask ourselves. I hear it from my clients, too. But is it the right question to be asked to assess success in life?
Living at capacity is not living at your full potential; capacity means working as hard and as long as possible even if it doesn't make sense for your own needs, schedule, or goals. Full capacity means that you're using up all of your resources, not that you’re doing the right things…
Success is not about working as hard as possible all the time. It's not about being busy, and it's not about filling up your calendar so you can check off "done" for the day/week/month. Yet, this is how many people go through their lives—always trying to get to the end of a to-do list that keeps getting longer.
Success comes when we're living our full potential, which means doing things that make us happy and using our gifts and talents. For creative generalists (multi-passionate creatives) especially, because of the many interests and ideas we have, this can be challenging. Because we're fast learners and good at many things, it's easy for us to fall into the trap of busyness instead of doing work that matters to us.
Besides the daily grind, many reasons can get you stuck working at full capacity. Here are the four most common ones:
You're a perfectionist
Perfectionism is the number one reason people get stuck working at full capacity. They want everything to be perfect before they can move on, which means they spend more time than necessary on tasks and end up never finishing anything. If you're a perfectionist, it's essential to learn to let go and move on.
You're a people pleaser
People pleasers tend to overcommit themselves because they don't want to let others down. They say "yes" to everything, even sacrificing their own time and energy. As a result, they end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. If you're a people pleaser, it's essential to learn to set boundaries and say "no" when necessary.
You're a control freak
Control freaks want to be in charge of everything, which means they have difficulty delegating tasks or asking for help. As a result, they do more than they need to and burn themselves out. If you're a control freak, it's essential to learn to stop micromanaging and allow others to help you.
You're a procrastinator
If you're a procrastinator, it's essential to learn to manage your time better and start tasks sooner. Procrastinators tend to put off tasks until the last minute, creating unnecessary stress and pressure. They often work better under pressure, but this isn't sustainable in the long run. If you’re a procrastinator, lower the bar to the point that even you can’t make excuses anymore.
So, how can you shift from living at full capacity to living at your full potential?
Here are three tips:
Get clear on your values and what makes you happy.
Knowing what's important to you makes it easier to make decisions that align with those values. And when you're doing things that make you happy, you're more likely to be in a flow state, which is when we're most productive.
Simplify your life and schedule.
Remove any activity that isn't helping you to be happy or successful (yes, that probably means a big chunk of what you're currently doing on the daily). When you have more free time, use it to do things that bring you joy or work on your passion projects.
Set boundaries and say "no" more often.
This is probably the most important one. When you have clear boundaries, you can say no to the things that don't align with your values and goals. This allows you to focus your time and energy on the truly important things to you.
Living at full potential doesn't mean you have to do more; it just means you have to do things that align with your values and make you happy. This might mean that if you're a creative generalist or an entrepreneur, you will need to figure out what a unique career path might look like. Because when you're clear on what those things are, it's much easier to focus your time and energy on them.
If you feel exhausted and burnt out, ask yourself if you're living at full capacity or full potential. If it's full capacity, make some changes so you can start living at your full potential.
Feeling lost and uncertain about your career?
You're not alone. A lot of people feel this way at some point in their lives. That's why I offer coaching to help you find your way.
I can help you get unstuck and move forward in your career. Together, we can figure out what's holding you back and create a plan to overcome it. Coaching is an investment in yourself – and it will pay off big time.
How to Get Better at Being Wrong: How to Accept Not Being Perfect and Handle Mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of life. But for some people, making mistakes can be challenging, especially if you're a perfectionist or a people-pleaser. If you find yourself struggling with this, don't worry - you're not alone. I know a thing or two about not being great at being wrong. This article will explore how to get better at it and handle mistakes more healthily.
No one is perfect. To some, this isn't a problem. To others, it can be agonizing to have to deliver something that isn't exactly right or the way they pictured it in their head. I know because I used to be like that. And to be honest, I still am sometimes. But I've learned that it's okay to be wrong. It's essential if you want to grow and improve.
Making mistakes is how we learn. If we never made any mistakes, we would never learn anything new. We would stay stuck, sitting on the warm cushion of our comfort zones, doing the same things repeatedly. So next time you make a mistake, instead of beating yourself up about it, try to see it as an opportunity to expand and discover something new about yourself.
Let's explore and figure out how to get better at being wrong...
If you're a perfectionist, the key is to learn to accept not being perfect and to focus on the process, not the outcome. It's important to remember that you cannot move forward in your life without being wrong sometimes. Instead of beating yourself up about it, try to see it as an opportunity to grow. Something that helped me, and many of my clients, is to realize that your worth is not tied to your level of "perfectness." Making a mistake doesn't diminish your value or the amount of recognition you deserve for your work or the person that you are. These are entirely separate things. So be gentle with yourself, and remind yourself that you're just human.
If you're a people-pleaser, it's equally important to remember that making mistakes does not reflect your worth as a person. Just because you made a mistake doesn't mean you're bad or unworthy of love and respect. It's okay to make mistakes - we all do it. What matters is how you handle them. So instead of stressing over it, try to see it as a part of being alive, of being human. And next time, try not to put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect.
As a people-pleaser, setting healthy boundaries can help to avoid mistakes. Don't put yourself in situations where you're likely to make mistakes to please others. It's okay to say no if something isn't right for you. And when you do make a mistake, don't be afraid to own up to it and apologize if necessary.
To summarise, here are seven tips to get better at being wrong:
Learn to accept not being perfect: Remember that mistakes are part of learning and growth. Instead of beating yourself up about them, try to see them as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Focus on the process, not the outcome: If you're a perfectionist, it's important to remember that your worth is not tied to your level of "perfectness." Making a mistake doesn't diminish your value or the amount of recognition you deserve for your work or the person that you are.
Be gentle with yourself: We all make mistakes - it's part of life. So be gentle with yourself, and remind yourself that you're just human.
Set healthy boundaries: As a people-pleaser, it's important to set healthy boundaries. Don't put yourself in situations where you're likely to make mistakes to please others.
Own up to your mistakes: When you make a mistake, don't be afraid to own up to it and apologize.
Remember that we all make mistakes: So next time you make one, try to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow instead of beating yourself up about it. And if you're struggling with this, don't worry - you're not alone. Remember that your worth is not tied to your mistakes and that making a mistake doesn't make you a bad person.
Embrace your mistakes: One final tip is to try and embrace your mistakes. Instead of seeing them as a negative thing, try to see them as a part of who you are. Embracing your mistakes can help you to accept yourself, good and bad. It can also be a source of strength - knowing that you're not perfect but still choosing to try and do your best.
Doing these things will help you get better at being wrong and hopefully make mistakes less daunting. So next time you make a mistake, don't hide it - embrace it!
Do you have trouble accepting making mistakes?
I know how it feels to be paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. I offer private business and career coaching to help you move past that fear and start living your best life.
Imagine what it would feel like to not care about making mistakes. To know that you can try new things, take risks, and be yourself without worrying about what others will think. With my help, you can finally let go of the perfectionism and people-pleasing that's been holding you back for years to build a career or business that you love!
Are You Too Creative For the Corporate World or Too Corporate For The Creative World?
This is a question that many creative generalists (multi-passionate creatives) ask themselves, and it can be challenging to determine which side you are on. This article will look briefly at the struggles of left-brain people in the corporate world and right-brain people in the creative world. We then move on to the question: What happens if you fall somewhere in the middle? In what category do you fit? Let's find out!
Neither here nor there
Left-brained people in the corporate world often feel stifled by the rigid rules and lack of creativity at these workplaces. They may feel like they're not able to express their true selves or be creative in the ways that they want to be.
On the other hand, right-brained people in the creative world often struggle with the constant need to be creative and come up with new ideas. They may feel like they cannot relax or take a break from their work because they have this persistent need to think about new projects or ideas constantly.
So, what happens if you fall somewhere in the middle? In what category do you fit?
If you identify as a creative generalist (or multi-passionate creative), you may find that you have a unique perspective that can be beneficial in both the corporate and creative world. You're likely to have the ability to see things from different angles and come up with innovative solutions to problems. You may also find that you're able to balance out the left-brain and right-brain aspects of your personality, helping you manage your work and personal life.
When our idea of creativity keeps us trapped
It often seems easier to make it as a creative generalist in a creative job rather than trying to pursue a corporate career. But what do you do if you think you're not quite creative enough for the creative world?
A world you'd love to belong to, but one that you're not cut out for because you don't feel like a "real" creative, as so many of us creative generalists do.
What if you think you only look creative from the outside, but you feel like a fake deep down?
What if you think you're not creative at all - but still, you seem to be the only one who brings different and daring ideas to the corporate table?
Many multi-passionate creatives like being creative, but most believe they're not really creative, or at least not enough. The problem is that when we think about creativity, most of us don't see past paintbrushes and modeling clay. Many creative generalists also believe that being creative not only equals being "artistic" but also that you must excel at your art.
But this false belief of what a real creative must be like limits us, like all other false beliefs do: by speaking to us through our inner voice, by making its way into our conversations with others, and ultimately, by influencing our actions.
It makes us believe there's only one way to be creative, one way to express our creativity, and we're often not even aware of it because we think of it as a fact. Not a belief.
Ultimately, it keeps us trapped.
We come up with excuses for not trying, not playing, not exploring, for not creating. We drag our feet, don't complete projects, or fail to try something new. It weakens our beliefs about who we are and what we're capable of. It holds us back from pursuing hobbies, passions, and crafts from getting outside our box.
When we don't even start trying, we lose the opportunity to exercise creativity, stuck in a self-perpetuating process.
The good news: You can bust this false belief.
Think about who makes up the "creative enough" rules. Who gets to be that decision-maker, whether you're creative enough or not? Who is qualified to award you that title? Assign you that label?
That's right, the answer is you - and only you.
That means you have the power to skirt that rule of "enough," and you get to break that rule entirely. Drop "enough." You can start thinking of ways and alternatives. (That is being creative!) Be the exception to the rule. Or find the exception to the rule. Because there are plenty of others out there, who are being creative their way. And that IS enough.
A label can help us make sense of our world. But it can also limit us if we let it.
Neither here nor there: Not a bad place to be
Once you get out of your own way to claim the "I'm creative" title, you might still wonder whether the corporate or creative world is best suited for you. Here are a few questions that might help you to decide what career path to follow (or create your own, why don't you?):
When you're in creative flow, do you feel more alive, or do you prefer to have structure and systems filling up your days?
Do you feel like you need to constantly create something new, or are you happy working on both creative and non-creative projects?
Do you feel energized by interacting with people, or do you prefer to spend more time alone?
Do you feel like you need to be in a specific place or environment to create (e.g., do you only write when you're at home, or can you write anywhere)?
Do you prefer to work on one project at a time or juggle multiple projects simultaneously?
Accepting that you are creative enough and answering the questions above honestly will help clarify whether the corporate or the creative world is a better fit for you! And if you find that you don't neatly fit into either category, like so many other multi-passionate creatives, that's fine, too! You always have the option to create your own path and build a career that's tailored specifically to your strengths and interests!
If you're unsure of which path to take, the best advice would be to experiment, to try different things.
What feels right for you? What do you naturally feel drawn to?
You don't need to force yourself into a specific box or category - go with the flow and be open about where it takes you. You may find that you enjoy elements of both the corporate and creative world, and that's perfectly okay!
Just follow your heart and intuition; they usually know the way.
This article was a collaboration between myself and Winnie Tang. Click here to learn more about Winnie and to discover her work.
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10 Alternatives to Feeling Guilt and Shame on Zero-Progress Days
It's a zero-progress day. There's a ton on your plate, your to-do list is screaming at you, but you have no inspiration and even less motivation to do anything. You're procrastinating, you didn't get anything done, and now you feel guilty and ashamed for it.
We all have unproductive days from time to time, but feeling guilt or shame about them only makes the problem worse. In this article, we'll discuss why doing nothing can be productive and ten alternatives to feeling bad about your lack of progress so that you can make the most out of your downtime!
When we get nothing done, we can feel guilty and shameful for doing nothing.
We all know that unproductive days are inevitable - you can't be at your best all the time, but the worst thing you can do on those days is beat yourself up. Especially as creatives and entrepreneurs, who always have so much going on in our businesses or lives, we can feel the pressure when it looks like we’re “losing” time.
As long as it's not a daily habit that keeps you stuck, doing nothing regularly is an essential part of being productive in a balanced way. You can't be 'on' all the time, and if you try to be, you're only setting yourself up for burnout.
So what should you do on those zero-progress days? Here are ten alternatives to feeling bad about your lack of progress:
Give yourself a break: One of the best things you can do on an unproductive day is give yourself a break. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, or take a nap - anything to get your mind off work.
Make a list of what you did: Rather than feeling guilty and ashamed about not getting anything done, make a list of everything you did manage to do. The list can include taking a walk, reading an article, or even checking your email.
Set some simple goals for tomorrow: If you're struggling to get started on anything, it might help set some simple goals for tomorrow. Plans don't need to be lofty or complicated; they can be as simple as "take a shower" or "make breakfast."
Do some easy tasks: Unproductive days can be frustrating because we feel like we're not accomplishing anything. To combat this, try to do some easy tasks to check off your list quickly. Doing this will help you feel more productive and motivated.
Unplug from technology: Although it may seem counterintuitive, one of the best things you can do on an unproductive day is disconnect from all forms of technology. This includes your phone, computer, television, and any other devices you use daily.
Get organised: One of the best ways to combat unproductive days is to get organised. Spend an hour or two organising your workspace, your to-do list, or your schedule. Doing this will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, and it's something many of us do when we procrastinate anyway :)
Learn something new: Take some time to learn something new. Read an article, listen to a podcast, or watch a tutorial. Learning something new can help jump-start your brain and give you some new ideas.
Connect with someone: When we're feeling unproductive, we can feel isolated and alone. Take some time to reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague. Check in on them, have a conversation, or exchange some funny memes.
Exercise: Exercise is a great way to jump-start your day and get your energy up. If you're not in the mood to work out, try going for a walk or doing some yoga.
Take a break from work: Finally, if all else fails, take a break from work. Sometimes it's just not possible to get anything done, and that's okay. Tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities.
Unproductive days are inevitable, but that doesn't mean you have to spend the whole day feeling guilty. There are plenty of things you can do to make the most out of your downtime. So next time you find yourself with an unproductive day, try one of these ten alternatives and see how you feel.
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