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You are here: Home / Work Life / Carving out a creative career

Carving out a creative career

24 August, 2017 By Joy Adan Leave a Comment

For a long time I was convinced that a “creative career” was an oxymoron; surely exercising creativity was something one did in their spare time and not something to be mistaken as an acceptable or sustainable occupation. It took almost three decades for me to realise now how ridiculous that is, but I got there.

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by one of my friends to take part in a video series for a mentoring program for young women who are in their first three years of their career. I spent some time putting together my answers and thought I’d share them here, especially since tomorrow I’ll be speaking at a local careers expo, and sharing some of the lessons I’ve learnt on my journey to becoming a writer. Sometimes I still feel like a bit of a fraud when I tell other people that’s what I do for a living, but I’ll learn to own it… eventually.

Brené Brown has an awesome mantra, which I’ve adopted: “Courage starts with showing up and letting yourself be seen.” As a creative person, I find myself constantly battling between the voice that tells me I’m not good enough and the voice that tells me I’m too big for my boots. In those moments, I remind myself that courage starts with just showing up and starting. Once I've done that, everything gets a bit easier. Here are some of the lessons I've learnt on my journey as a writer.

I wish I had a mentor when…

I was at uni or earlier in my career – someone to who I could ask the tough questions, and who I could trust to be honest with me about my strengths, weaknesses and the types of work I should seek out. If I’d had a mentor then, I probably would have been a lot braver in pursuing the career I really wanted. Even though I knew I could write – and write well! – I wasn’t sure what type of writing I wanted to do, and I’d also been conditioned to believe it was impossible to support myself financially as a writer. I feared failure and chose the safe route, applying for jobs that suited my skill set but were meant to be “stable”. As a result, I spent a lot of my time wondering if I could be doing something else.

In the absence of a mentor, I was doing a lot of guess-work. I was diligent, adaptive and quick to learn new industries and skills, which meant I could apply for a job and get it, without having to worry if it was really the “right” one for me.

The downside is my career journey has been a bit all over the shop – I’ve been a youth worker, executive assistant, technical sales assistant, multimedia producer, communications manager, video editor, script writer, website developer, magazine editor, engagement manager, project manager, change manager… the list goes on. I’ve worked with businesses with 5 or 5,000 employees, each teaching me something new about how to engage and communicate with people.

The upside is that I now have really a really diverse skill set, which I can now leverage as a freelance writer and digital creative. But I almost certainly could have taken a more direct route to where I am today, had I sought out guidance early on.

My most memorable mentor was…

an informal arrangement with my boss from ten years ago. He’d hired me into my first professional role as a team leader – I looked after a team of writers and designers for an internal communications division, and we had so much fun, partly because my boss had a really good way of making us feel like our contribution to the business was really important (far more important than it probably was at the time), that our skills and input were valuable, and – despite many of us being fresh out of uni – that we had the common sense to make good decisions without him always having to be there. He was also really good at preventing bottlenecks and shielding us from office politics. He would really bat for us when he thought our ideas were great, and he also knew how to deliver the bad news in a way that we didn’t take personally. So I learnt a lot from him, his leadership style, and his sense of humour, despite it not being a formal mentoring relationship.

He was the leader who taught me that you go to work as your “whole self” (a lesson I carry with me and am passionate about sharing), and that more often than not, output and results are more important than how many hours one spends in the office. “There are plenty of people who spend their entire day here but achieve nothing,” he told me. “Get the urgent, important work done quickly, so you still have time to do the fun stuff.”

We’d have meetings over coffee during the day or a drink after work, and he would share some great advice about so many different topics; from how to read and influence people to how to get over a crisis in confidence. He was great at sharing lessons from his personal experience and seemed to innately build confidence and encourage innovation, often by throwing me into the deep end and allowing me to make mistakes and try again.

I’ll never forget the values and skills he taught me in those early years.

The best thing about being a mentor is…

seeing the people I’ve worked with discover their strengths and succeed. It’s such a rewarding experience to know that somehow, by being present and generous with sharing what I’ve learnt from others – other people have grown and developed their own sense of confidence in the work they do. I love learning – I never stop learning – but what I love most about learning is being able to share that knowledge with someone else, kind of as a way of paying it forward.

If there’s anything I’ve learnt in my work, it’s that generosity goes such a long way. When we are generous with our time, support and knowledge, it almost always ends up being a win/win situation for all.

My first three years of working professionally were…

a bit all over the shop. Straight out of uni, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself so I spent a year doing volunteer work in high schools. After that, I did a bit of work for the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and then left to do further study. Two years and a bunch of different jobs later, I graduated with a Masters in Publishing but was still unsure of myself and whether I wanted to or had the ability to work in either the magazine or book industry. My tutors had great faith in me, but unfortunately, I didn’t. Looking back now, I should have listened to them and just taken a chance on myself. It took another 4 years for me to gain the confidence to quit my day job and start freelancing, and a few months into that I was offered an amazing part-time role as a staff writer.

I did learn a lot in those early years about how easy it is to burn out. I’d say yes to almost every project and worked long hours. But thanks to some concerned leaders and good friends, I was reminded that time for recreation and rest was critical if I wanted to succeed. During my time working with the Archdiocese of Sydney, one of the bishops told me,

“Even God rested on the seventh day. Take a leaf out of his book, will you? If he sees the value in rest, you probably should too.”

In short: you can’t keep giving if your tank is empty.

I also learnt that people are people, and it doesn’t matter all that much what title they hold, how old they are, or where they come from. Everyone is human and there will always be someone who knows more or less or does better or worse than I do – so there’s little point in comparing myself or worrying about what other people might think. Comparison really is the thief of joy. After years of working with and interviewing so many different people, I’ve come to appreciate that deep down, despite our differences, we’re all essentially a same. We’re all human. This really helps keep me grounded and helps me enter a room or step onto a stage knowing that at the end of it all, I’ll be fine.

Brené Brown has an awesome mantra, which I’ve adopted:

“Courage starts with showing up and letting yourself be seen.”

As a creative person, I find myself constantly battling between the voice that tells me I’m not good enough and the voice that tells me I’m too big for my boots. In those moments, I remind myself that courage starts with just showing up and starting. Once I’ve done that, everything gets a bit easier.

What were some of the lessons you learnt early in your career? Have you changed careers, or are you secretly wishing you could but are still a bit scared to? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on Unsplash

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Hi

Joy Adan

I'm Joy. I'm a 30-something, storytelling, coffee-drinking, book-devouring, ocean-obsessed freelance writer, brush lettering enthusiast, speaker and content producer. You'll find some of my stories and art here, along with my advice about attempt at balancing the creative career + family life hustle.

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Finding Joy | Joy Adan
Ran the first in-person lettering workshop of 2022 Ran the first in-person lettering workshop of 2022 today! So so so blessed to introduce a group of incredible women (and their beautiful kids!) to @findingjoyau and the joy that comes with exercising our creativity. 💕

Oh yes... and I'm moving/switching up my Insta. You'll find me sharing more of my art/lettering/how-tos and all things making and creating over here 👉👉👉 @findingjoyau so give this lady a bit of love (and a follow). 

xoxoxo
Needing rest and recovery is a massive shame trigg Needing rest and recovery is a massive shame trigger for many people, myself included.

I've found this to be especially true within migrant families and communities I've worked with - rest was not an option for lots of people because it was literally a matter of work now to survive, otherwise you die.  

I know that the absence of that "threat to survival" puts me in a very privileged position. I also know that even though the pressure to survive at any cost might be gone, the expectation to overwork and overcommit still weighs heavily and still demands sacrifice - from women especially. Thankfully, I (and many in my generation) have the added privilege of better education - we now know that failure to rest when our bodies and minds need to rest leads to poorer long-term health outcomes.

So a few months ago I turned down opportunities to do amazing work with amazing companies. Instead, I decided to hit "pause" and put my health and my family first. The past 2-3 years have been a bit of a fiasco. I really had to make a call about where to spend my time and energy, and I knew that if I wanted to keep giving my best in anything - work, home or community - I needed time out before taking on new or additional challenges.  

It was (and still is) terrifying, and it took me a good few months to truly "switch off". Once I did I became so grateful that taking a break meant being able to slow down and breathe, to focus on home and health, to enjoy agenda-free days with my kids, to take the foot off the accelerator, to embrace creativity, connection and serving my community... you know, things that too often get chucked on the back burner. 

I share this because I want to normalise people taking a break when they need a break. It might just be a short break in a busy day or week, it might be a career break. Point is... we all need rest, and we should NEVER feel guilty for wanting some downtime or pausing to reprioritise, refocus or recover. 

No one else should get to determine what "success" or "productivity" looks like/means for you. 💕
Impromptu paint workshop with some little visitors Impromptu paint workshop with some little visitors today! Whipped out the watercolours and acrylics after lunch and just enjoyed some down time, playing with colour, experimenting with texture and stamping mint leaves... and discussing the fact pink is not an actual colour according to science (and then had to assure them that pink did still exist... But apparently it is just something our brains made up? What?!). 

Painting really is therapy for me. There's something primal and grounding about the activity that helps me enter a completely different space mentally and emotionally. And so it was nice to be able to offer this as a method of play and recreation (and to experience it myself).

Tip 1: Watercolours are a far less stressful way to introduce paint to little ones - find cheap non-toxic washable paint and don't stress about mixing all your colours - it's part of the fun. Embrace the mess. 
Tip 2: I have been reusing the same blue dollar store table cloth to protect our dining table for 4 years. We wipe it down with paper towels or baby wipes at the end of a painting session, and wrap it all up abd shake it off outside after a play dough session. It's getting a bit holey but it does the job. 
Tip 3: Use a clothes horse to peg up and dry paintings as kids finish them. It's pretty satisfying seeing all their pictures hanging up and shining in the sun.

🌞🖌🎨🙌🏽💕
To the woman wondering if she'll ever get through To the woman wondering if she'll ever get through her to-do list before the end of the day... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering if she's cleaning/working/playing/exercising/cuddling/learning/teaching/disciplining/guiding/supporting/giving/loving as much as she can/should... you are enough.

To the woman who can never keep up with messages and voicemails and always forgets to reply... you are enough. 

To the woman doubled over in pain because her body isn't agreeing with her and she can't access the support she needs... you are enough. 

To the woman who is run ragged... you are enough. 

To the woman who knows she shouldn't probably eat that/buy that/say that... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering if she should apply for the job when she doesn't meet all the criteria... you are enough. 

To the woman who wonders if her contribution to her home or her community will ever get the recognition it deserves... you are enough. 

To the woman who is tired of searching for a place where she is respected - not just for what she brings but who she is... you are enough. 

To the woman wishing days like this weren't so exhausting... you are enough. 

To the woman who fears (or has been told) she is intimidating (instead of confident), outspoken (instead of articulate), too soft (instead of empathetic), power-hungry (instead of hard-working), lazy (instead of balanced)... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering what her worth is when so many are seen, recognised, paid and promoted before she is... you are enough. 

To the woman feeling uncertain, afraid, exhausted, frustrated, alone, restless... you are enough. 

To the woman who hopes and works hard for a better world for the future, wondering if we'll ever get there... you are enough. 

The world needs you, whether you're ready for battle or ready for rest. The world needs you, whether you're certain or still seeking. The world needs you as you are, because you are unique and irreplaceable. You are worth celebrating, today and everyday. 

You are enough. 

--- Tag a sister who needs reminding. ❤ xoxo

#iwd2022 #internationalwomensday #sisterhood
Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season fo Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season for millions of Catholics around the world. The road to our usual church was blocked yesterday due to floodwater, but thankfully some the rain eased and I could make it to morning Mass today. 

This week the skies are heavy, as are the hearts of many who have lost their homes and their peace - whether due to war or natural disaster. And so I pray. I pray because I know I need to ask for God's grace and mercy - I know I am so small and unable... but when He guides me I can see more clearly where to serve, how to help, where to channel my energy, time and resources... 

When it's all too much and I am unsure, this is the place I can return... knowing that the time I spend in His presence empowers me in a way no human eye can see.

If there is something you would like me to pray for, especially this Lent, let me know (you can shoot me a message too), and I'll bring it to our Father with love. ❤❤

#Lent #Lent2022
Went to Mass this morning after a very restless ni Went to Mass this morning after a very restless night. The Gospel was about a man who had brought his child to the disciples asking them to heal the child from convulsions that would often put him in physical danger. The disciples were unable. Here's part of the the conversation Jesus had with the father: 

"Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' 

'From childhood,' he replied 'and it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.' 

'If you can?' retorted Jesus. 'Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.' 

Immediately the father of the boy cried out, 'I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!'" For the full Gospel, see Mark 9:14-29

Yes, this Gospel is a reminder that anything - and everything - is possible for anyone who has faith. But, as Fr Redmond pointed out this morning, it's also about believing that our faith has the ability and opportunity to grow. Faith isn't a one-off grace or gift we get once. It's a seed that is planted, it is something we can nourish and nurture. It is something that can wane when challenged or ignored. 

Simply put, faith is something we shouldn't take for granted. Faith required prayer, action and desire on our part.

That exclamation from a father desperate to do whatever he can to save his son is a prayer. It is a cry for help to God, asking him to increase and strengthen his faith. "Help the little faith I have!" he pleads. 

O Lord, that I may be humble enough to come to you and request the same when my faith is too small and I put limits on your grace. Help the little faith I have.

ID 1: An open page of a dot grid journal. The words “I have faith. Help the little faith I have” are lettered in pink ink. A pink Pentel Brush Sign Pen lies on an angle in top right corner. 

ID2: A golden tabernacle is in the centre of the frame. On either side are embroidered images from Bible stories.

.

.

.

#FindingJoy #JoyAdanWrites #PursuitOfJoy #PerfectlyImperfect #PracticeMakesProgress #CalledToCreate #CreativePractice #CreativeEntrepreneur #CatholicCreative #BibleLettering #Journal
Consider this permission to slow down. ❤ ID: Op Consider this permission to slow down. ❤

ID: Open page of a notebook with lilac hand-lettering that says “Don't rush to the urgent at the expense of the important”. A lilac @pentel_australia brush sign pen lies on top the page beside the writing.
I reckon this is one of my favourite lines in “S I reckon this is one of my favourite lines in “Surface Pressure”. It's one of many truths in the song, but I love this one in particular because people who know their worth & dignity tend to light up the room. 😉

Meanwhile, we've just ended 1 week of iso.. which we spent listening to the @encantomovie soundtrack on repeat and playing Super Mario and table tennis for hours on end. Thankfully, COVID symptoms were mild and shortlived, the boys maintained good spirits, and I managed to squeeze in painting as down-time over the weekend while everyone else slept. Now to declutter my desk and get back to business.......

ID: An open page dot grid notebook lies on a wooden desk. The left page is painted with blue, gold, brown and green watercolour flowers around the border. In the centre is navy blue lettering, with the words “I move mountains, I move churches, and I glow coz I know what my worth is.”

#ink #handwriting #catholiccreatives #qotd #pentelbrushpen
Flashback to this nugget of wisdom. ❤ Wherever y Flashback to this nugget of wisdom. ❤ Wherever you are, whoever you are, may you rest in the knowledge that not only are you made to love others, you are made to receive and worthy of being loved also. 

Image: Framed image of the quote “Love is, therefore, the fundamental vocation of every human being. - St John Paul II - Familiaris Consortio” lettered in blue foil and sitting on a wooden shelf surrounded by green plants. 

#LoveIs #Vocation #Calling
#StValentinesDay
Have had the best kind of whirlwind week of weddin Have had the best kind of whirlwind week of wedding bliss!! Big big love to my Toasties @kate_samways @sammyjkerr and cuzins4lyf @philipjamolin @simmyyyy 

You both chose parts of John 15 for your ceremonies. ❤ Praying you always remember that your love for each other comes straight from the same Love that powers every good thing in this universe... that whenever you hear music that moves you, marvel at the mountains, feel the sunshine on your skin, ride the waves, or stop in awe or wonder, you remember that a spark of those beautiful things isn't anywhere as big and powerful as the spark that brought you to the one you chose to enjoy your days with. And that through every magical moment, big or small, joyful or sorrowful, that your love for each other remains powerful and complete. 🥂💕🥰💕❤
“Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will no “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.” - St Augustine

Been reflecting about this one a lot over the past few weeks... about the agency we too often forfeit or conveniently forget when change demands effort and intention. We're invited to be co-creators, to be cooperators... but that in itself is both power and a responsibility (yep, just got all Spiderman on you, whoops) 😝.

I lettered this one while watching the morning surfers at Flynns Beach. The waves came in fast, strong and big that day. And the thing that kept popping into my head was the determination of the surf students as they made their way out. We can't control the waves... another power beyond us does that. But we do have to consider when we start kicking or when to jump on the board if we want to ride the waves. 

🌊
I made a thing! Finally unboxed and turned on the I made a thing! Finally unboxed and turned on the sewing machine I bought during the last lockdown. The first thing I did was “fix” a fitted sheet (by sewing a seam on the wrong side, but I mean it still fits on the bed so... It's technically fixed). And because I'm an impatient person, I jumped right into making a half-circle skirt with remnant fabric (thanks Google) and then stuffed it up by adding a pocket without really planning ahead. Because why would I even bother making clothes if they don't have pockets??

You know my love for imperfect things (the pocket kinda faces the wrong way and there's a random seam next to the pocket that makes it bunch up) 😂 but WHATEVER. It fits (*just*😝), the pocket is functional and I am wearing it today because I can. Lol. 

#WhatAmIEvenDoing #SewWhat
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