5 Things To Do as an Unemployed Creative [Part 2]

Tebogo J. Khalo
Mar 21, 2025
14 min read

Content

Never stop creating for the Joy of it.

Never stop dreaming about where you hope to see yourself one day.

Live your life you are already there.

Keep focus and never lose sight of the dream.

Money is just another resource.

Closing Thoughts.

This blog post is a follow-up to my first post, "5 Things To Do as an Unemployed Creative [Part 1]." If you haven’t had a chance to read that one, I highly recommend you do so—it lays the groundwork for the ideas we’re about to explore. In this post, we dive deeper into the heart of our creative journey by exploring essential philosophies that empower us to thrive, regardless of the challenges we face. We’ll cover how to keep creating for the joy of it, never stop dreaming about where you hope to see yourself, live your life as if you’re already there, maintain focus on your dream, and, as a bonus, why money should only be viewed as a resource, not the end goal. Let’s explore these guiding principles in detail.

Never Stop Creating for the Joy of It

Creativity is a powerful expression of who we are—it’s an extension of our inner selves, a language through which we communicate our deepest emotions, thoughts, and dreams. When you create for the sheer joy of it, you're not merely producing art or content; you're engaging in a deeply personal, soul-nourishing practice that transcends external validation, financial rewards, or societal expectations.

At its core, creating merely for fun means remembering why you started in the first place. It's about embracing your passion and allowing it to guide your work, rather than letting external pressures dictate your creative process. When you create purely out of love—whether it's painting, writing, composing, or any form of artistic expression—you maintain a genuine connection with your art. This connection is what keeps your creative spirit alive, no matter what challenges or obstacles you may face.

Intrinsic Motivation: When you create because you love it, your motivation comes from within. It’s not tied to a paycheck or the approval of others. This intrinsic drive is often the most sustainable and fulfilling form of motivation.
Authenticity: Creating for joy ensures that your work remains authentic. The art you produce reflects your true self, unfiltered and honest. This authenticity is what resonates with people and builds a lasting impact.
Resilience: Artistic creation is a journey filled with ups and downs. When you focus on the joy of creation, you develop a resilience that helps you push through creative blocks, setbacks, or moments of self-doubt.

Why It's Important to Keep Creating

Preserve Your Passion: Every time you create, you’re fueling the passion that first inspired you. It’s like tending to a fire—if you don’t stoke it, the flame will eventually dwindle. By continuing to create, you keep your passion burning brightly, regardless of external circumstances.
Self-Expression and Healing: Art is a form of self-expression that allows you to process your emotions, reflect on your experiences, and find healing. Whether you’re going through a challenging time or simply celebrating life, your creative practice serves as a therapeutic outlet.
Personal Growth: Constant practice is the foundation of mastery. Every piece of work you produce, regardless of its immediate success or recognition, contributes to your growth as an artist. Over time, your skills improve, your style evolves, and you gain a deeper understanding of your creative identity.
Freedom to Experiment: When you create solely for the joy of it, you free yourself from the constraints of perfectionism and commercial expectations. This freedom allows you to experiment, take risks, and explore new ideas without the fear of failure. The process itself becomes a playground for innovation.

Never stop creating for the joy of it, because your creative spirit is one of your most valuable assets. It is the purest expression of who you are, unburdened by the need for external validation. Hold onto that love, and let it guide you through every creation. Whether you’re in a period of abundance or scarcity, that joy will keep you moving forward, always evolving and forever inspiring.

Just create for the love of creation. Every moment you invest in your craft builds a richer, more authentic version of yourself, and the world benefits from the unique beauty that only you can bring forth.

Never Stop Dreaming About Where You Hope to See Yourself One Day

Dreams are the compass that guides us through life's journey, providing direction, purpose, and motivation. They are the visions we hold of our desired future, the aspirations that fuel our actions, and the benchmarks against which we measure our progress. To cease dreaming is to relinquish the very essence of what propels us forward.

Dreams serve as a bridge between our current reality and our envisioned future. They inspire us to strive beyond our immediate circumstances and challenge us to grow. As highlighted in an article on "The Giggling Life," dreaming connects us to our inner selves, helping us focus on the positives in life and providing a sense of purpose. They add vitality to our daily existence. They infuse our lives with enthusiasm and a sense of anticipation. When we have a dream, we navigate life differently—our actions are influenced, our choices are guided, and our decisions are grounded in the pursuit of that dream. This perspective is echoed in "This Wondrous Life," which emphasizes that dreams and goals provide a sense of direction and purpose, impacting our actions and influencing our choices.

Dreams vs. Goals vs. Aspirations

It's essential to distinguish between dreams, goals, and aspirations, as each plays a unique role in our personal development.

Dreams: These are the broad visions we hold for our future. They may not always be immediately achievable but they serve as the ultimate destination we aim for.
Aspirations: Sitting between dreams and goals, aspirations are achievable desires that align with our dreams. They are more concrete than dreams but not as specific as goals.
Goals: These are specific, measurable actions we plan to undertake to achieve our aspirations and, ultimately, our dreams.

Maintaining Motivation Towards Long-Term Dreams

Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Breaking down your dream into smaller, manageable goals can make the journey less daunting and provide a clear roadmap. As highlighted by Francesco Saviano, setting clear, measurable goals that reflect your values and passions is essential.
Develop a Routine: Consistency is key. Establishing a routine ensures regular progress and helps maintain momentum.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledging and celebrating small victories reinforces your commitment and boosts morale. Recognizing progress, no matter how small helps maintain enthusiasm and motivation.
Seek Feedback and Support: Engaging with mentors, peers, or supportive communities provides valuable insights and encouragement. As noted in a Reddit discussion, planning in advance and having a support system can help maintain motivation towards long-term goals.
Prioritize Self-Care: Maintaining physical and mental well-being is crucial for sustained motivation. As emphasized by Asana, prioritizing self-care and preventing burnout are key to staying on course toward long-term goals.

Pursuing your dreams leads to personal growth and self-discovery. The challenges encountered along the way teach resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. The journey toward our dreams often unveils new passions and strengths we were previously unaware of. Chasing your dreams allows them to grow and change with you, leading to a very personal journey of self-discovery.

Never cease to dream about where you hope to see yourself. Dreams provide purpose, direction, and motivation. They are the catalysts for personal growth and the blueprints for our future selves. By nurturing our dreams, setting actionable goals, and maintaining unwavering motivation, we transform our envisioned possibilities into lived realities.

Live Your Life as If You’re Already There

This is a mindset, a philosophy, and a way of life that propels you forward with unwavering commitment and authenticity. This concept isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not; it’s about internalizing your vision so completely that every action, every decision, and every habit is aligned with the reality you are determined to create.

Don't fake it till you make it is a common adage, but here the idea takes on a deeper meaning. It’s not about putting on a façade or mimicking success until you actually achieve it. Instead, it’s about cultivating genuine qualities—resilience, passion, and hard work—that naturally lead to success. When you live your life as if you’re already where you want to be, you’re not faking confidence; you’re building it from the inside out.

Embrace Real Commitment: Your commitment must be real. It’s about understanding that the only option is to make it. Every decision you make, no matter how small, should be a step toward your dream. This means investing time, energy, and emotion into your journey and not settling for anything less than complete dedication.

Internalize Your Vision: Rather than projecting a superficial image of success, deeply internalize your dream. Let your vision guide your actions and be the driving force behind every effort you put in. This internal alignment is what distinguishes true progress from mere pretense.

At the heart of this philosophy is the idea that you live not just for the immediate moment, but for the dream that fuels your passion. This dream is the essence of who you are—a divine gift, a spark that inspires every beat of your heart. Your dream is not an accessory; it is integral to your identity. It’s the reason you wake up each morning and the force that carries you through challenges. When you live for the dream, you allow it to shape your values, your decisions, and your purpose.

The metaphor of “not dying with the dream” speaks to the necessity of nurturing and protecting your vision. Life’s hardships, failures, and setbacks are inevitable, but they should never extinguish the flame of your aspiration. Instead, you must be willing to fight, sacrifice, and even “die” for that dream—investing every ounce of passion and perseverance until it fully comes alive.

Living your life as if you’re already there is about acknowledging that the dream you hold dear is worth every effort, every sacrifice, and every moment of perseverance. Instead of simply waiting for success to come to you, you actively create it by living every day with the certainty that you are on the path to greatness.

Remember, the journey is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about transforming yourself along the way. When you embody this mindset, you don’t just achieve your dreams—you become a living testament to the power of passion, commitment, and authentic living.

So, let your actions speak louder than doubts. Live for the dream with all your heart, and know that every step you take is a bold affirmation that you’re already on your way to making it happen.

Keep Focus and Never Lose Sight of the Dream

In a world overflowing with distractions, maintaining focus on your ultimate vision can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, your dream is the beacon that should guide every decision and action, no matter how chaotic the environment becomes. This is not merely about shutting out distractions—it's about managing them in a way that enhances your productivity and keeps you aligned with your long-term goals.

Your dream is the roadmap to the future you envision for yourself. When you stay focused, you ensure that every step you take, no matter how small, contributes to building that future. Distractions, if not managed well, can derail your progress. However, it's impossible to eliminate distractions completely in today's hyper-connected world. The key lies in managing them effectively.

Principles for Managing Distractions

1. The First Principle: Make Sure Your Distraction is Productive, Fulfilling, and Meaningful

Instead of allowing yourself to be sidetracked by meaningless content, choose distractions that contribute to your personal or professional growth. For example, reading a thought-provoking article or watching an informative video can be both refreshing and inspiring.

Use distractions as intentional breaks to rejuvenate your mind. When done right, these breaks can boost your creativity and energy, rather than deplete them.

Purposeful Diversions: Engage in activities that align with your interests and values. This way, even when you're taking a break, you're reinforcing your overall vision.

2. The Second Principle: Make Sure Your Distraction is Reasonably Timed

Allocate specific times for breaks and leisure. For instance, allow yourself 15–30 minutes after a focused work session to relax and engage in a brief distraction. This ensures that your downtime is controlled and doesn't interfere with your primary goals.

Time Awareness: Use tools like timers or productivity apps to monitor your break periods. This helps you avoid getting lost in distractions that extend far beyond your planned time.

3. The Third Principle: Don’t Find Distraction When You’re Bored—Find Creative Ways Out of Boredom

Instead of resorting to passive distractions like scrolling endlessly through social media when boredom strikes, find ways to engage creatively. Use that time to brainstorm ideas, sketch, write, or learn something new. Transform boredom into an opportunity for creativity.

Mindful Activities: Engage in mindfulness or meditation exercises that can help you reset your mind without losing focus on your overall vision. This proactive approach prevents boredom from becoming a gateway to unproductive habits.

4. The Forth Principle: Change to Different Ways of Getting Distracted—Never Have One Relying on one form of distraction can lead to a repetitive cycle that drains your energy. Instead, diversify your activities. If you’re tired of reading, try listening to a podcast or taking a short walk. The variety can keep your mind refreshed and prevent monotony.

Avoid Dependency: Diversifying distractions ensures that you do not become overly dependent on one type of activity, which might eventually become less effective at rejuvenating you. Experiment with different outlets until you find a balanced mix that works for you.

5. The Fifth Principle: Avoid Entertaining Distractions When You’re Tired or Sleepy—Simply Rest Instead

When you’re fatigued, your ability to process information and make decisions diminishes. In these moments, instead of trying to force productivity through distractions, listen to your body. Rest is essential for recovery and sustained focus.

Prioritize Rest: Quality rest, whether it’s a short nap or a full night’s sleep, can drastically improve your concentration and overall well-being. By prioritizing rest over forced distractions, you ensure that your mind and body are ready to tackle challenges when you return to your work.

Even in a world full of endless distractions, you don’t have to feel guilty or overwhelmed when distractions occur. The goal is not to eliminate them completely, but to manage them so that they serve as tools for rejuvenation and growth rather than obstacles. By aligning your break times, diversifying your activities, and listening to your body's needs, you can harness distractions to your advantage.

Distractions are inevitable. They become detrimental only when they steer you away from your dream. By keeping your focus on your long-term vision and managing your distractions wisely, you transform potential setbacks into stepping stones toward success.

Every moment you dedicate to managing your focus is an investment in your future. Keep your eyes on the dream, and let every distraction be a carefully chosen pause—a chance to recharge and come back stronger. In doing so, you'll not only maintain your productivity but also cultivate a balanced life where creativity, rest, and progress coexist harmoniously.

Money Is Just Another Resource

In the world of creative work, money plays an important but supporting role—it’s a resource, a tool that can fuel your passion and help you reach new heights, rather than the essence of what you create. Understanding this distinction is vital for any creative person.

1. Money as a Tool to Fund Your Creative Work

Money can provide you with the means to invest in better materials, advanced tools, courses, or technology that can improve your craft. For example, a painter might use funds to purchase high-quality canvases and paints, while a digital artist might invest in a powerful computer or professional software. These investments can enhance your work and open up new possibilities for creativity. Having financial resources can allow you to explore different creative projects without worrying about immediate commercial viability. It gives you the freedom to take risks, try out unconventional ideas, and push the boundaries of your art. Whether it’s setting up a dedicated studio space, hiring collaborators, or promoting your work online, money enables you to build an environment where creativity can flourish. It’s the fuel that helps transform ideas into tangible realities.

2. Money Should Not Define the Quality of Your Work

While money can enhance the tools you use, the true quality of your work is determined by your skill, dedication, and creative vision. No amount of money can substitute for the craftsmanship that comes from years of practice and continuous learning. Your creative output should always be driven by your passion and expertise, not by the size of your bank account. When you rely too heavily on money as a measure of success, you risk compromising your creative integrity. Instead of letting financial gain dictate your work, focus on refining your craft and creating pieces that reflect your authentic vision. Money should enhance your art, not overshadow it.

3. Money Can Build Confidence, But It Shouldn’t Dictate Who You Are

Financial resources can boost your confidence by enabling you to take on bigger projects and invest in your growth. It can also provide a safety net during challenging times, which in turn can give you the courage to pursue your creative dreams. However, it’s crucial to remember that your self-worth and creative identity are not determined by money. Money is a means to an end—a way to support your creative journey—not the end itself. Your character, values, and artistic vision are what truly define you. In a world where success is often measured by financial wealth, it can be tempting to shift your focus toward money-driven goals. But true creative fulfillment comes from staying committed to your vision and not allowing monetary considerations to force you into compromising your style or values.

4. Let Money Take You Places, But Never Dim Your Dream

With money as a tool, you can travel, gain new experiences, and draw inspiration from different cultures and environments. These experiences can enrich your work, adding depth and diversity to your creative expression. Even as money opens doors to new opportunities, it should never become a barrier to your dreams. The excitement and wonder of pursuing your creative passion should always remain at the forefront. Use money to enhance your journey, but let your dreams—your aspirations, your inner vision—be the driving force behind everything you do. Think of money as one element of your creative ecosystem. It has the power to transform your lifestyle and broaden your experiences, yet it must always work in harmony with your artistic values. Let it support your endeavors without ever dictating your path or compromising your passion.

Money is an invaluable resource—a facilitator that can help you build, innovate, and share your creative work with the world. However, it is not the essence of your art, nor should it define your self-worth or creative quality. The heart of your work lies in your skill, passion, and vision. Use money wisely as a tool to enhance your journey, explore new opportunities, and sustain your growth, but always remember that the true product is your art—crafted with dedication, authenticity, and the unyielding spirit of your dreams.

Keep your focus on what truly matters: your creative expression and the impact you wish to leave on the world. Let money serve you, not the other way around.

Closing Thoughts

In the journey toward success, it’s important to remember that reaching your destination may take time, and the very delay is an invitation to refine your strategies, learn from your missteps, and celebrate even the smallest milestones. While the road ahead might seem long and uncertain, we can shorten the distance by supporting each other, sharing experiences, and pushing beyond our comfort zones.

Believing in the impossible is the first step toward achieving it. It requires a mindset that is unafraid to dream big and take bold risks—one that challenges conventional ways and dares to go a little crazy in pursuit of greatness. Unemployment, setbacks, and obstacles are not barriers; they are part of the process. They test our resolve, refine our skills, and ultimately prepare us for a future filled with God's promises.

Each of us has the power to shape our destiny. What you do with the insights and ideas shared here is entirely up to you. Some of you may find certain strategies or stories resonating deeply, while others might prefer a different approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Instead, our diversity of experiences and perspectives can create a rich tapestry of solutions that benefit everyone.

I encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and even your criticisms in the comments below. Your feedback, when expressed with respect and kindness, not only enriches our collective understanding but also inspires others to take action. Together, we can build a community where every voice matters—a space where challenges are met with support, and victories are celebrated collectively.

Let’s embark on this odyssey with open hearts and determined minds. Even if the path is winding and filled with uncertainty, remember that every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be. Let's build our future together, fueled by the belief that the impossible is within our reach.

Keep pushing forward, stay true to your dreams, and let’s inspire one another to achieve greatness.

What is your biggest creative challenge right now?