Why I Quit My Job And Bet On My Own Creativity

Last Friday, right in the middle of the biggest economic crisis in a generation, I walked away from my nice, safe, secure job. I walked away from a steady paycheck, employer supplied health insurance, and a 401k. I am betting that my creativity will reap greater rewards and bring more value to myself, my family and the world than working for someone else 40 hours a week.

I took back control of my time and my life.

Saying that I 'bet' on my creativity makes it sound a littler crazier than it really is. A degree of risk is inherent in all our choices. My friends who are working at a 9-5 job right now are betting that they made the right choice and that they won't be unexpectedly laid off or have their hours slashed in order to save their jobs. They are betting that they will do better at their jobs. It's a bet I could no longer make.

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

Part of the economic failure we're seeing right now comes to this hard truth - big companies have let all of us down. We've been let down as citizens, consumers, investors and employees. Companies wasted resources and lined the pockets of executives. As I watched the economy start to sink and I realized that some profitable companies were starting to use the poor economy as a way to cut costs, I knew it was time to get real and stop counting on the Corporate American Dream.

It all makes me think of John Lennon's beautiful and heart wrenching song God, where he wearily lists all the things he doesn't believe in - Elvis, The Beatles, and an assortment of deities - ending with...

I just believe in me. Yoko and me. That's reality.

The dream is over and it just comes down to me. Once I decided that, the rush of fear and excitement began. The path was clear and it was time to start working out the details.

There's never been a better time to be a creative person or artist than right now. When I started my job five years ago, the creative landscape was very different. There was no YouTube and social media was in its infancy. The costs of the tools and technologies has dropped dramatically.

Today we face a scary prospect - technology and the internet has brought us almost unlimited creative possibilities. You can create work, distribute it instantly around the world and promote it yourself. It's scary because it takes away our excuses and leaves our future in our own hands

Now the trick is to integrate art and commerce on our own terms, As creative people, we now have to think like business people. You can complain about this new reality or embrace it.

If you want to be inspired, just look at the rock and roll, where the most creative musicians have experimented with business models as much as they did with sounds. Radiohead offered their In Rainbows album available online at a name your own price point...and they made a lot of money doing it. Bands like Nine Inch Nails and U2 are offering limited collector's edition versions of their new albums and making their most dedicated fans very happy.

There are even rainbows in the the bad economic news. Seth Godin is one my favorite authors and I asked him for his thoughts on the tough economy. He said...

"In a down economy, attention doesn't go away and it doesn't cost anything. If anything, it's easier to reach people because the noise level goes down. Which means cash-starved but idea-rich organizations can create ideas that spread farther and faster than ever before."

There are a number of ways that quote can be apply to creatives. It's true for our own art work. I discovered this during last year's TV writer's strike, where I ended up getting a good deal of press for my political comedy due to the lack of 'noise' from broadcast television.

It's also true that our services as creative people are more vital than ever to companies struggling to survive and needing someone to help them become 'idea rich'. Find those companies who are struggling and use your creativity to help them. Maybe it's the restaurant you love but who is on the verge of closing. Maybe it;'s the indie bookstore down the street or your favorite charity. It might even be the company where you work right now. Could they benefit from your knowledge of viral video or ability to design a brilliant poster?

Once you take responsibility for your own time and creativity and start thinking about how you can add value to the world, this frightening economy starts to look different. I see a world full of that's in need of healing but that's full of possibility and waiting for me to let the light of my creative work to shine on it.

The world needs your light, too...

Lee Stranahan is moving to New Mexico to make movies and teach. He'll also be teaching a seminar on UnJobbing at The UnConvention

Comments

[David Brown 1]

Holy christ Lee... I had to look twice at who penned this. Today is my last day before switching from real job to side job. Like you say, I'm leaving a steady pay-check, health insurance, 401k, benefits, water coolers, monday meetings... however, I'm incredibly excited and motivated to discover the next chapter. Thank you for writing this, seriously, it feels good to know there's others out there that share in the creative dream. Good luck to you and reach out anytime.

[Deli]

'Only problem is Seth Godin is wrong. Yes, I said it. While I fully support the premise of this article, there is more noise than ever as the clamor moves from large budget advertisers to a massive number of individuals reaching out in social media.

Another example is the din of "Everyjournalist" vs. the dying bastion of old-school journalism. I'm not sure why people think Seth is so spot on. I find a lot of his observations to be sweeping generalizations, about as deep as dust.

When it comes to Godin, I apply my general rule, "Never put too much credence in the advice of a wealthy man who hasn't bothered to fix his teeth."

[condor101]

Deli, Your post is completely negative. Of course you never read anything written by Seth Godin; You could not make one argument for any of his statements. You offered nothing constructive.
It looks like you are a complainer.
So what have you written from your infinite wisdom?
Where is the link to your publications and website?

It's easy to dismiss a messenger.....but what is your constructive message?..­......None­, of course.

Seth Godin is great and has many fantastic ideas. He has produced many best sellers because people admire his thinking and have used his advice to better themselves and their businesses.
I am very fortunate to have been recommended his book, Tribes, and I look forward to reading all his publications.

[Deli]

You are so right. My apologies on the negativity. 'Mostly tongue in cheek. However, I do disagree that there is less noise and having a body of work is not a prerequisite to commenting.

Frankly, I was a tad flabbergasted about some of the assumptions Seth made during a live presentation, so I am not inventing my genuine disagreement. I fully support anyone who finds value, and Seth's right to be who he is.

I commit to eradicating all forms of negativity, personal attacks, and narrow thinking regarding Seth and the royal Tribe. I mean this sincerely. It is completely counterproductive to the spirit of thriving on which this article is based.

Thank you, Condor101.

[melmorgan]

Inspiring read.

For other inspiring stories check out:

www.papertowelluxury.com

[brooklyncitizen]

Great to know I have company. I quit my cushy 6-figure job to devote my time to creative pursuits. I really thought that job was the most unhealthy part of my life.So much of is is about adapting and using what you have. The risk is real but the rewards are also real. Ther is no substitute for living life on your won terms.

[condor101]

I think your article is really valuable as a life lesson, particularly in this economic climate. I used to work in corporate america and you are correct that life is made up of choices. You can stay in a corporate job and hope that the business will take care of you or you take control of your life and dictate your own success, rather than rely on the decisions of other people. I recently read the a book by Seth Godin, titled "Tribes". Through your article, I assume you must have read it too. It makes many valid points; One that particulary struct me was that of overcoming the F word....."FEAR".
Godin's book has awaken my consciousness that I needed to overcome my fear and initiate my ideas into action.
I agree with you that you need to take risk and place yourself out beyond the corporate umbrella in order to achieve success. Recently I had a business idea. I formed my own corporation and learned through investigation how to make my business idea into reality. I have all the tools in place. It's a matter of persistance and determinat­ion......a­nd Action that will make my business prosperous.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I wish you success on your creative business endeavors.

[bltmn]

A wonderful post. Even for those of us who are not quite ready to take the self-employment plunge, you've encouraged us to think in terms of opportunity and self-promotion rather than a passive reliance on the trickle-down corporate food chain.

[Citizen54]

I agree with Mr Stranahan's theory and outlook, but the reality is that those of us without trust funds or rich spouses have to pay bills and pay taxes. (Have you paid taxes on freelance income yet? It will enhance your admiration of the US tax code.) I took a similar step as the author, and I don't regret it.... but for anyone who thinks creativity will pay bills and taxes, keep in mind that paying outlets for creativity are diminishing rapidly. And for every person with a creative idea or creative skills, there are a thousand others, equally as hungry and some better-connected.

I suggest, strongly, check out the realities of how our tax system treats those who work for themselves and aren't part of a corporation. If you think taxes are high on the wage earner, check out the taxes on the self-employed. I wonder why there's no outcry about that.

Oh, also, unless your spouse has got coverage, you have to pay for your own health insurance.

Freedom is not inexpensive.

[MsIrisMG]

That's what I was trying to say, but I guess it wasn't accepted.