In which Cate rambles aimlessly about her aims

I accidentally snapped this picture of myself a couple of days ago while trying to adjust my camera settings, and I feel it sums up my recent life quite well. I mentioned previously that I'm moving soon (next week, to be exact), and I have quite a few other changes going on, too.

I realized that I never shared one of those changes with my blog readers, and in the interest of sharing some of my artistic motivation, perhaps I should. Two years ago, I decided I no longer wanted art to be my profession. While I dearly love creating, creating for the sake of feeding myself and keeping a roof over my head is not fun for me. I've spent a lot of time since graduating college trying to find a way to make a solid career out of creative work, and at every turn, I enjoyed the process less and less.

So, as I mentioned, I made a change two years ago. I decided one day, while bored and unhappy at my day job, that I wanted to be an accountant. A week later, I was registered for the coursework that would start me on a journey to become a CPA.

I bring this up now because I realize how much that journey has taken me away from my artwork. Trying to put myself through school (with the support of my amazing family) while avoiding destitution and creating regularly has proven to be extremely difficult. However, I am practically at my destination, now. This past week I started working as a tax accountant, and I absolutely love it.

It will probably be another year or so before my life gains some stability, but I am so happy with my current trajectory. I've managed to situate myself at the bottom of a ladder I will enjoy climbing rather than desperately hanging on at the middle of one that doesn't make me happy. Within a few months, I will have finished my coursework, and then I can begin the CPA exam. After that, I'll be able to simply focus on building my career.

My ultimate goal is to combine my love of art with my love of taxes. (No, seriously, I love them!) I want to work with artists and other sole proprietors and small businesses doing consulting and tax work. The best part of all: I can do the bulk of my work from January to April (when art sales tend to be abysmal anyways), leaving the rest of my year free to enjoy life and create.

And so there you have it—the real reason I tend to leave this blog unattended so often. For whatever reason, "I was too busy embroidering to finish my paper" just doesn't seem to fly with my professors. And so, my wonderful readers, as long as you can forgive me for leaving you hanging from time to time, I look forward to sharing with you all those things I make just for the sheer joy of it.

Comments

[mo]

I agree that it is certainly a difficult thing to do your art , make enough money to make it your living and still enjoy it all. I wish you all the best in your new tax careerand hope it brings you the balance you desire so that you can enjoy making more of your beautiful art that so many people love.

[Joanne]

Congratulations, Cate! I have found that I appreciate my artsy time so much more when I focus on my work and let my hobby be my hobby rather than my means of earning a wage. I hope that you continue to enjoy your new career and that it brings you everything you ever wanted! xo

[Marianna]

I think it was gutsy of you to decide that if your were not happy at your job. Then change it into something that does make you happy. And to combine your love of art and taxes how cool is that! Good luck to you on your journey and congratulations on reaching many of your goals.

As far as not keeping a regular blog. This is YOUR blog it belongs to you. Updating it or not updating is your prerogative.

I have enjoyed reading it and I find your artwork delightful.

Be well...