Getting back to the fictitious (or maybe not so fictitious) band we discussed earlier in this newsletter...

The group has come to the realization that their music is not the end itself. Rather it is a means to an end, which is to connect people with one another.

Now, rather than funnel all their energy into one channel, i.e. creating, rehearsing, performing music, they realize they need to diversify the channels by which they expend their energy.

This likely means from the outset it’s going to be three times as much work as what they had before. Perhaps they have to make some hard decisions regarding gigs they can no longer accept because it’s not in line with their Ikigai.

If you’re keeping score, this means less gigs, less revenue, and more tedious work doing promotion and marketing.

That bassist may have been on to something after all.

Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that being involved with this band is not going to be able to pay the bills anytime soon.

Good thing they’ve all got “real” jobs.

Ah, the “real job,” as we creative types refer to it. We often think of it as the bane of our existence, the thing that inhibits our progress as creatives. However, if one is strategic in choosing their day job, it actually helps stimulate creativity, and I dare say, is an aid to fulfilling our Ikigai.

You have to spend your time doing something. You may as well make that something part of fulfilling your mission in life. Even if it means you have to have a day job in order to do it.

We’ve all heard of Albert Einstein and his theory of relativity. What is not as well known is that Einstein had a day job in the patent office in his hometown in Germany. It was while he had this job that he formulated his most famous theories. In fact, some historians have argued he had his peak creative output occurred during that period of his life.

Franz Kafka is another example of a creative genius who had a “real job.” Kafka’s writings aren’t the type that attract throngs of admirers. If anything, Kafka intentionally repelled his readers, perhaps to weed out the pretenders from the true fans.

But were it not for his day job, we would be deprived of his wisdom bequeathed to humanity.

The key to having a day job - if you must have one - is to have one that channels Energeia into your spirit.

Door Dash isn’t glamorous, but it's money, and it teaches and reinforces a lot of good things: Customer service, patience, moving with a purpose.

Washing windows is a skill that can be learned quickly and is always in demand. And it pays pretty well once you get good at it.

I've used both and many other "low class" jobs in my own ventures. I would argue I'm better off with those, and withoutthe "structured" day job that comes with a pension after x amount of years.

Finish a day of washing windows - especially when it's for a clientele you've built yourself - and you're physically tired, but emotionally energized, ready to create. It provides cash flow and precious flexibility while you're building the thing that aligns with your Ikigai. 

All that to say Don't quit your day job!

It just might be the key to your success.