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In a recent video I watched on raising creative children, an incredibly talented Ugandan creative named Ethel stated that, “It’s demeaning the value people put on creative work.”
I resonated with this notion more than I could explain, having been on the receiving end of this bias.
Check out the full video here - Shnacks Youtube Channel
On Easter Monday I attended a barbecue in celebration of the day. And while I had an incredible time, a brief encounter with someone I had once looked up to made me question my path.
To understand the gravity of the encounter I’ll give some context. I studied Law and International Relations for my bachelor's degree. Upon completing my degree, I came back home, interned at a law firm with the hopes of kickstarting my legal career and realized I hated it.
I switched lanes completely and worked as the operations manager at my parents' establishment and absolutely fell in love with all the duties it entailed. Then the Corona Virus hit, the lockdown was enforced and I was out of a job. In this period I decided to go in 100% with my passion for writing and started working with international organizations and clients providing my writing services and it’s been paying off in ways I could have never dreamt of ever since.
Now, I understand being a writer does not hold the same appeal being a “lawyer” does to several African elders. However, I’d like to assume that if you can make a decent income from what you’re good at/ love doing then it should count for something in the grand scheme of things. I was mistaken - This is how the conversation went;
Unnamed elder: So what do you do?
Me: I’m a writer, I’m studying, I’m also in the process of launching my first business and I trade in the financial markets.
Unnamed elder: So you’re a writer? What do you do? What does that entail?
Me: I provide professional writing services to international organizations such as NGO’s and individual clients to conduct policy reports, ensure content for various platforms is SEO optimized to drive site traffic, I write articles, books, poems and honestly anything and everything writing-related that they would require, I do.
Unnamed elder: So you’re using your primary school education to add commas and use punctuation.
Me: *politely laughs and walks away*
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I was enraged! I understand that people do not have to understand the variations and technicalities of what I do. However, to go as far as saying I’m using my “primary school education to add commas and use punctuation,” wow.
Ignorance does not warrant rudeness. Ignorance does not warrant demeaning professions you don’t understand and ignorance certainly does not warrant blatant disrespect.
It’s laughable.
I was discouraged. I felt humiliated and I questioned my purpose, my drive and my dreams and my work. I still question whether I’m doing the right thing. However, after going over the clients I’ve had within the past couple of months and reading over my portfolio, I realized I’m exactly where I need to be. I secure my bag, I deliver excellence and I will continue to walk in my purpose.
What is this purpose?
To ensure that every creative has a platform to feel seen, heard, appreciated and valued (both emotionally and financially.)
If you’re currently struggling with figuring out whether it was the right decision to take that step to get one step closer to your dreams it was the right step.
If you’re questioning whether to pursue your passion, DO IT.
Adulting is expensive. Being able to sustain yourself on your passion in the creative space isn’t easy but if I can swear on anything it is that it pays off and it pays well eventually. Believe me.
Drown out the noise, listen to your inner voice, make a plan and pursue your dreams relentlessly.
So do more of what makes you happy but can also pay the bills and afford you luxuries here and there. Easier said than done, but definitely doable!
Sincerely,
Sometimes She Writes.
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