Don’t Be A Starving Artist: 9 Flexible Day Jobs For Creatives - Page 2

Creative folk have to quench their desire to create. In the words of author Chuck Wendig, “art harder.” But as you’re striving to “art harder” and create a masterpiece, hoping that you can one day make a living from this passion, your student loans, monthly rent, and transportation needs still await. So what do you do? You find a job that will allow you to pay the bills while providing you with flexible working hours to practice your craft without sacrificing too much of your sanity. Yes, jobs such as this do exist, and you won’t have to wait tables or tend bar. Some of them are creative, some are less than. But all of them will pay the bills while leaving time for your real career of choice.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Apartment Manager

One less thing to worry about. Rent that is. If you find work as an apartment manager, your responsibilities will include checking up on the units and dwellers within in your building. You will get free rent in exchange for making phone calls to electricians and making sure that the building is clean, repairs are made when necessary, tenants’ concerns are met, and rent money collected. For creatives, this is a job that can ensure a flexible, D.I.Y. schedule.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Resume Writer

There are always going to be people who need help finding a job, whether they are college graduates or changing careers in their 40s. Writing resumes can be a great complementary job. And if you manage your time and clients effectively, you will be able to make an income fleshing out one’s work experience without having to worry about “clocking out.”

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Speechwriter

Speeches are not only given by presidents and Oscar-winning actors. There are hundreds of speeches made every year, and most of them are told by executives, baseball coaches, teachers, and others across a wide spectrum of professions. Sure, they may be fine writing their own speeches, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a second pair of eyes and hands willing to edit, refine, and advise. This is a job that would require a lot of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, but it can be one of the most satisfying day jobs you could create for yourself.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Compiling Press Kits

Do you like music? Films?  People? Do you have a way with words? Are you a convincing person? You could lend your services writing biographies and compiling EPKs (otherwise known as electronic press kits) for your fellow actors, writers, musicians, Web series directors, or anyone else that you may know in your creative circle and beyond. This job would be an eye-opener in knowing how to market yourself as well, which is a must as a creative. There’s more to being an artist than just creating art. Like it or not, you have to know a bit about how to market yourself and your artwork. Creating press kits for others who can use a bit of help in pushing their names and art to the public would benefit both your clients and yourself in this endeavor.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Creative Consultant

This job, a job focused on areas of personal branding beyond writing resumes, can be done on your own, as a freelancer, or within another company. There are temporary agencies that could help you get started on this path, but you have to be very specific in letting the agency representative that you talk to know that you would like to be considered as a creative consultant. Make sure that your resume is tailored to support your needs in searching for this type of job. If you’re going to give this day job a go on your own, once again tap into your social circle. Whether it’s for a fellow artist or a young professional looking to climb further up the corporate ladder, if you are good at looking at the bigger picture and advising others on how to present themselves and their talents to the outside world, you can make a difference in this day job, while being able to concentrate on your own talents and skills without feeling guilty.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Personal Trainer

Being fit and healthy as a person is exceedingly important especially if you are a creative who acts or models. Make a little money with that fitness know-how by getting an accreditation in an area of interest and heading over to your local health club to check out any openings.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Elementary School Instructor

This one may sound a bit off the path from the aforementioned day jobs I’ve laid out for you yet, but hear me out. If you love kids, you will have no qualms about spending your days doing arts and crafts, singing, planning nap times, and going on field trips to museums. This job will not only expand young minds, but also your own. You may end up thinking about your art in entirely new ways while reading Shel Silverstein poems to your eager students. And there are jobs working with in children’s education that aren’t a full-on teaching position, with fewer training requirements. This job is structured around the 9-to-5 time frame, so bear that in mind in your day job search evaluation.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Personal Assistant

If you like days that are different from the last, being quick on your feet, and you’re fine with a list of tasks set before you, having a day job as a personal assistant may work for you. You may end up assisting a celebrity in Hollywood or a CEO in Chicago. Whatever the scenario, you have to be humble, open-minded, and willing to do the most mundane of tasks at times. Beware, trust your instincts, and let your boss know about your future plans and dreams. The ideal situation is to find a job where you will assist a professional in your intended career path or industry. If you find a perfect fit, you will score invaluable life and work experience, an intriguing reference, and maybe even assistance for your art as well.

Image Source: Bigstock.com

Research Assistant

 A college campus, library, or your employer’s personal home are likely surroundings you may find yourself in as a research assistant. They are hired for their knowledge and interest in a certain topic to do as much research for a person within a contracted period of time. This “person” could be a college professor, an author, or even ghostwriter. The main objective is to help through researching, which includes many hours of reading and analyzing. What’s good about this job is that you are mainly there to provide the task of sifting, finding, and gathering. It can be mind-numbing, but if you are a fan of the subject, you will love it. No to workplace politics. Yes to higher learning.