Overcome your Fear and Start a Creative Career | Ep.2

Today's episode answers a question from viewer Jacqueline: how do you confront your fears in pursuing a creative career which will be less financially stable (and profitable) than a 9 to 5? After just three months, I took a leap of faith and left my first office job despite working in soul-draining retail for almost a decade. That leap of faith resulted in my now 6-year creative freelance career. This is my advice for anyone afraid to take the risk and leave.
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WHO AM I?
Hey there, I’m Cinzia DuBois. I’m a part-time, self-funded PhD student and KZbinr, Podcaster and writer. I’ve been creating videos for over thirteen years. I discuss productivity, personal development, PhD, academia and mental well-being on this channel. On my main channel, I talk about all things dark and ancient history, literature and folklore.

[@jacquelinemitchell7254]

This is Jacqueline… Thank you, Cinzia, for your kind thoughts and advice. I cannot say how touched I was to see my question as your first! An unexpected surprise as I sat down to listen to these first two episodes with my morning tea! A month after sending in my question I took the leap and put in notice at my job. I am now 5 months into officially being out of it completely and have never been happier. Still scared sometimes, but every passing day makes me more thankful I did it. ☺️ This podcast is coming at a wonderful time for recurring inspiration on my path! I’ve been telling myself things very similar to what you mentioned here: after 10 years of experience, if I was truly in financial danger I could get my job back. But if the last 5 months have shown me anything, I don’t think I’ll need that ace in my sleeve. In any case, just trying has been a salve for my very burnt out soul. 😊 I cannot wait to hear more episodes! I look forward to future content both here and on Lady of the Library!❤

[@abigailcross624]

This is sound advice. As a woman of 45 I can say that playing it safe gets you nowhere in life. The best thing I was reminded is that I am going to die, there is no other option, and with that knowledge I ask myself: how do I want to live? I’ve started again more than once so I know what I am capable of. Live your lives everyone. Make those changes no matter how small. Change nothing and nothing changes!

[@SilverXT]

I've been a teacher for 8 years and worked in education for 10 years. I'm quitting this month for the sake of pursuing a writing career. My first book comes out in about a week and I'm super excited to be a published author!

[@pas_du_tout]

Good luck!🍀

[@godfunk]

Once you get on track facing your fears you hit a lot of resistance from friends and family that instilled those fears. Just be calm and hold course, they’ll come around once you find your feet

[@tob4643]

This is everything I needed to hear, as someone who has had the burning desire to establish 2 creative outlets with the possibility of monetization to the point of main source of income, one of which making/editing videos for my own channel & others and has me reconsidering priorities that I've placed on myself thanks to societal pressure, but what my heart is passionate about is paramount above literally anything and has what has kept me going this far. Now I should take the next steps accordingly, thanks to your voice. And yes, £50 is a lot to donate for me & is a risk on any creator, but your content has meant so much to me in the past 7 months since I discovered you. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you. Be well and keep being who you are. Thank you. ❤️

[@SelfHelpShelf]

that’s so incredibly generous of you, Tob, thank you so much. Please never spend on me money you need for yourself - you’re incredibly kind and thoughtful and I appreciate it so much, though you putting yourself first would mean more to me than any money. Thank you and I really appreciate you, I hope you have a fantastic day and I hope this channel continues to help you.

[@tob4643]

​@@SelfHelpShelfBit late to respond but bless your heart for writing this. Thank you. I shall take your words to heart and not donate for a minute when I have myself to prioritize, and yeah, I'm certain this channel will continue to help me & many other people for as long as your videos are publicly available. ❤️ Had to send in a form for the podcast aswell. Would be insane if you happened to cover my request but I look forward to whatever comes next from this series.✨

[@nicoleholding]

'Ruining' your life' could also potentially mean staying in the same boring secure job year after year and not pursuing your actual dreams. You get to the end of your life and say 'I wish I had done this or that if only I took the chance'.

[@desertpinevintage162]

For me it’s not facing my fears , it’s figuring out what the hell I want to do.

[@fftrouma]

Watching this at 3AM because I can't sleep as thoughts about having to wake up for my job torment me. Thank you. I'm putting in that resignation in a few weeks.

[@kegar9899]

This is very motivating to me into perusing a career that I actually want rather than what makes the most and is more socially rewarding. I’m so tired of making these big life choices out of fear.

[@SuperGhostuk]

I can't speak for everyone's motivation in employment, but one of my favourite jobs wasn't very well paid, mentally stimulating or challenging however my colleagues and the fact I was surrounded by my hobbies made everything worth it. It would be nice if more jobs could ignite that kind of passion, as well as pay and mentally stimulate their employees well enough, because too often it looks like some people just don't want to be there.

[@humanharddrive1]

she's so right, there's always a way if you're doing something out of perseverance and stubbornness, and you have a way to bounce back even if you have to pause your passions

[@roadtoantiquity]

I really needed to hear this - I just quit my office job after three years and want to jump back into academics/the cultural sector (I left after my Master's degree) and pursue a PhD in a couple of years, eventually. Really scared right now, but I will be all right. Thank you :)

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

And I needed to read this, I plan to quit next year to finish my Anthropology degree and other things.

[@stewart2517]

Also social media pressures people to follow the norm., thats why I delete it all. I’ve tried a few careers and am finally getting one I wanted after working toward it. Am less depressed and finally going to travel next year. And networking is absolutely helpful.

[@julesm9081]

Wow! I want to start a creative career of my own - was made redundant in 2020, from my full time job - i was there for about 3 years it was a retail job - before that I worked in a catering job over 8 years and there were managers there who made my life hell and bullied me so much. I have applied and applied to more jobs the only one I was offered I found out was also toxic - I just want to be happy and now I feel like it’s time to go after my dreams. I’ve wanted to start a creative online business well over ten years xxx

[@jlmo3027]

Love the bright and airy background in the video!

[@ocdtdc]

A lot of points addressed in this video which have been weighing heavily on my mind the past year which i appreciate your perspective on. Your pursuit of goals is very inspiring

[@SelfHelpShelf]

Wonderful to know it's helped! Good luck with everything

[@zacariasnelson5753]

Hearing this story of yours has made me me think of you as the eloquent, effeminate and elegant version of Elisha Long. Really boiled down to just grabbing your own ‘coin purse’ and just getting after it and being your own commander of your own life. Awesome and inspiring!

[@winterburden]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us Cinzia!

[@BlackBat808]

Oh my god, I am so glad you started this series Cinzia. I could listen to you analysing life for hours

[@SelfHelpShelf]

thank you so much! Glad you enjoy it!

[@craycray375]

I remember going through high-school in love with archeology and such. I was socially discouraged to find something more stable or take less time to learn. And was often told " all the good stuff has already been found ". 😢

[@katherineeaton2515]

Practical paths into archaeology are surveying and chemistry.

[@christophercrews1380]

Thank you Cinzia. I recently changed professions from housekeeping to a healthcare job as a sterile processor of surgical equipment and instruments.

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

I just noticed the change on the channel name and I love it ❤

[@guerabella]

This sounds like wise advice to me. Indeed, a lot of our systems don't work, and it is up to individuals to try making changes in their own lives to see what benefits them.

[@moviesyay28]

Thank you soo very much for this question and answer, i have had so much fear and push from my family about the direction I want to go in and I connect to what you are saying 100 percent. I can see how we can choose, and how important it is to listen to our inner voice regardless of how ridiculous it may seem. I actually found your channel through the video “ I ruined my life “ and I have been a fan ever since.

[@user-ge2hp3qw3j]

I have a pretty cozy job, and I think it's a pretty bad idea to give up stability. But that's partly because I've already experienced enough unstable jobs to know what its like and know I don't want it. There is an irony however in ranting about the system putting you down while knowingly throwing money away. My answer to this problem is don't make your job your life. Having a lot of money can be very liberating, Do whatever job you have to do and use that money to do what you want in your life. Life is so much less stressful when you have money. I think the reality of financial stability beats any dream out there.

[@ScarletClarity]

I am currently tethering between this attitude and Cinzia's. I agree with you both which keeps me suspended in this constant loop of indecision! At the end of the day, one will be right for some people and the second for other people - it'll depend on their circumstances and life priorities!

[@user-ge2hp3qw3j]

@@ScarletClarity Definiteiy. And I guess one thing I didn't include (because I didn't want to be too long winded) is that there is still a benefit to taking risks. There are opportunities in life that show up that you should take. But yeah, it's a tough balance.

[@marocat4749]

@@ScarletClarity I mean an onk job and other satisfying stuff you do , is still pretty good, but its really what people need and want , and every person is different. Comtemplating is definitly the right thing to do what your needs and circustances are. Its probably just inmportant to consider it an option to begin with to be able to do a meaningful choice openly.

[@HGAitssimple]

Such a pleasure to listen to.

[@Cafendless]

I'm honestly happy to subscribed to this channel, we need more of these videos.

[@RylanVG]

Beautiful video, thank you for this advice!

[@carleybarnes4365]

Loved this video! ❤

[@janegrace8743]

Thank you, this was excellent🌼

[@animorph309]

Such a well thought and supportive answer

[@violetgoesshopping]

this couldn't have come at a better time !

[@jessi5924]

I already love this podcast.

[@SelfHelpShelf]

aww thank you so much, I’m glad to hear it!

[@frankandstern8803]

Absolutely sound advice. Dont be like some of us fools who back burnered their creative talents to conform to WHATEVER. Unhealthy relationships, friends not supportive, whatever. Imagine understanding what you were meant to do from the beginning DECADES LATER. Always connected yet somehow distracted away from the act. But dont despair. Continue making art. There are Different forms and timings when it comes to peoples potential success. So many stupid jobs out there to waste a person's time with.Even the trade which is worth while was something I should have avoided , along with a few other decisions. Dont get me wrong. You Should be carrying your own weight.

[@4587445]

This is exactly the video I needed to watch. Thank you!

[@SelfHelpShelf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kasandra0]

This was such a great episode!

[@SelfHelpShelf]

thank you so much!

[@Computra]

Thanks!

[@drew8235]

Sometimes it's not about overcoming your fears so much as just being realistic. I currently work in a very cozy office job as a video producer. I'm treated very well, paid extremely well, insane benefits. It's the kind of job people would actually stay in for 30 years. But it's also boring and not very rewarding. I never studied film to just be a video producer. My dream was to go to grad school and hopefully teach at the university level, filmmaking, film history, etc. Problem is, I can't really do that unless I go work in the film industry for a decade or so (which I no longer want to do). Even if I did that and obtained the Masters/PhD, there likely aren't any jobs out there, and even if there were... it sounds like working in academia is really awful. I don't see a path forward, and it's hard to figure out what to do when your dreams die.

[@marocat4749]

Can you do it as side hobby or other things at the side that satisfy you somewhat and arent your dreams but keep alive that passion as hobby? In some way? Sometimes thats something that might, be an option? Ok i fdont know the job or what hours are possible, but like some people do youtube or so just for that, hobbies can, maybe keep some alive in a way? I dont know. But does it have to be a job that gives you the fun? For a taste aside? Then i dont know the work but , a hobby and side thing might be a good test??? If it bothers you do , something here? Again i dont know the hours.

[@richardparadox163]

Cinzia, I haven’t watched the video yet, but I just popped in to say, whatever look you had in the thumbnail, it’s working for you! You looked glowing!

[@SelfHelpShelf]

thank you - I’m just not wearing my glasses haha

[@richardparadox163]

⁠@@SelfHelpShelfYou’re welcome! I noticed that but it’s not just that (you’ve had your glasses off in another thumbnail), it’s the lovely outfit too (along with, I suppose, the lighting and the camera angle/ focal length) and you just look … happier.

[@dustyoldhat]

in this thumbnail i'm wondering what it says in the hidden text.... it says "earning less......" and then your head and then "...creative"

[@kegar9899]

Earning less as a creative” I assume

[@ingweking8748]

Omg you looked so different in thumbnail photo

[@SelfHelpShelf]

yeah I took my glasses off the reduce glare in the photo haha

[@fftrouma]

❤

[@yelenairwin1717]

📚

[@johnmanole4779]

I don't know which university to go to, I like history, English and German language and literature and philosophy. I don't know which one is the better choice.

[@vjpublisher]

Also, life is short.

[@waldllwyn139]

Hullo 0.0

[@mr.zafner8295]

Hey look I enjoy your words and I think you're doing a great thing, making the right choice, by being a creative person and putting your own thoughts out into the universe. Good for you. But if you're looking for alternative sources of income, I very much recommend that you do something with your voice. Your voice is marvelous. Listening to you is like the feeling of eating chocolate. I seriously doubt it would be a challenge for you to put in the work required to become a voice acting professional or do narration work, like audiobooks or voice over work. I don't know how to do this, but I'm sure there are KZbin videos you could watch, and if you have no acting ability that is a thing that you can learn; anybody can learn most skills, and that's a skill. Some people do acting as part of their KZbin video essay work. (You know what I'm talking about; it's that rhetorical technique where you pretend to have a conversation with another person, or simulate your own shocked reactions. Some people seem to have adopted this habit.) This comes off terribly if they are bad at acting; I think it's probably a mark of someone who really knows what they're doing if they avoid this, but because you've avoided it I have no idea if you're a good actor or not, or voice actor, even, but even if you are that's not necessarily A permanent situation. All it takes is coaching and practice. So voice acting, narration, and audiobooks are out there, and you could make money off of them. Honestly I hope you pursue this because I think you have your own sort of vocal charisma that could work extremely well in this area. If I were a complete jackass, I would say that I wanted an AI with your voice to be able to vocalize text-to-speech in my phone (and I would mean this as a compliment), but using AI as a substitute for human artists is a moral wrong I decline to accept. The sentiment is there, though. I particularly like Terry Pratchett and I think you could do great voice work with Terry Pratchett novels, but there's a whole world out there outside of my limited experience. I hope you take this suggestion and pursue it. Not only will you make money, but also your voice will be out there more and it will be fun to run into and nice to listen to. Thanks for the contributions you already make.