While wandering around the business/sales/finance/marketing section of my local big-chain bookstore yesterday, I came across the last copy that they had of Hugh MacLeod‘s incredibly great book, Ignore Everybody and 39 Other Keys to Creativity, which I then proceeded to read four times in a row, practically missing the Mad Men premiere. Yes, it’s that good. I suggest you get it on Amazon.com right now (or go to the store and buy it), then come back and read the rest of this post.
One of the things that Mr. MacLeod mentioned that really stuck with me was what he calls the Sex & Cash theory, which is basically this: there are some things you do for fun because you’re passionate about them (sex), and some things that you do to make money to help supplement your fun (cash). Sometimes, you’re lucky to have a job where you can do both (not prostitution – this is a metaphor, so don’t take it literally).
I know you might be thinking: Andrew, you already said that selling out is okay. What the hell are you trying to pull here? Well, this isn’t about selling out. This is about sex and cash.
The point here is that there needs to be a balance between one’s passions and one’s necessities. Many people will consider sticking with something that they know well, whether it’s because it’s what they went to school for, or because they like it. Similarly, many people gave up on their dreams to pursue a secure, safe lifestyle, and constantly wonder, “what if.” You need to be able to budget both.
MacLeod tels of a friend whose passion was collecting antique spoons. He left his office job to work as an appraiser for such objects, but quickly became frustrated with the job. What he did was kill his hobby, and in doing so, his passion (sex) died.
If you can find a balance, like MacLeod’s example of an art photographer who pays the bills by shooting photos for catalogs, then go ahead. As long as you’re able to satisfy your personal wants (sex) and needs (cash), you’ll be doing just fine.
Like today’s images? Find more at Hugh MacLeod’s website or pick up his book.
