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Artists: Balancing Day Jobs and Anxiety

A lot of muscians I meet want to ditch the day job for their passion and many get nervous as they grow. Combine those two scenarios together and the path gets a bit tough with building frustration and working in circles.

Yet, Many of history’s most celebrated artists didn’t start their careers with financial security or unwavering confidence.

They worked day jobs, juggled responsibilities, and, in many cases, struggled with anxiety and self-doubt while building their artistic legacies.

Their stories are a testament to perseverance, showing that success isn’t always immediate or smooth but can be achieved despite obstacles.

Artists Who Worked Day Jobs Before Success

1. Vincent van Gogh – Art Dealer, Preacher, Teacher

Before becoming the world-famous post-impressionist painter we know today, Van Gogh held various jobs, including working as an art dealer, a schoolteacher, and even a preacher. His artistic success came posthumously, but his dedication to his craft despite financial instability remains an inspiration.

2. Franz Kafka – Insurance Clerk

Kafka, now considered one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century, spent most of his life working in an insurance office. His job paid the bills, but it left him drained, forcing him to write in the evenings. His work, filled with themes of alienation and bureaucracy, might have been shaped by his day job.

3. Philip Glass – Taxi Driver and Plumber

Before becoming a world-renowned composer, Glass drove taxis and worked as a plumber to support his music. His commitment to his avant-garde compositions eventually led him to redefine contemporary classical music.

4. Charles Bukowski – Postal Worker

Bukowski spent years working in a post office before quitting to pursue writing full-time. His raw, gritty poetry and prose often reflect the struggles of working-class life.

5. Jean-Michel Basquiat – Street Vendor

Before breaking into the art world, Basquiat sold handmade postcards and T-shirts on the streets of New York. His graffiti-inspired paintings eventually catapulted him into the contemporary art scene.

6. T.S. Eliot – Banker

Even after publishing The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Eliot worked at Lloyds Bank in London for years before fully dedicating himself to literature.

Artists Who Struggled with Anxiety and Self-Doubt

Creativity often goes hand-in-hand with introspection, and many successful artists battled anxiety, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome.

1. Edvard Munch – Mental Health Struggles

Best known for The Scream, Munch struggled with severe anxiety and nervous breakdowns throughout his life. His artwork often depicted his internal turmoil, making it deeply resonant and personal.

2. Franz Kafka – Social Anxiety and Self-Doubt

Kafka doubted his abilities and was hesitant about publishing his work. His surreal and existential stories reflect his deep-seated anxieties and fears.

3. Vincent van Gogh – Depression and Self-Doubt

Despite his undeniable talent, Van Gogh’s struggles with mental illness led to self-doubt, despair, and erratic behavior. His letters reveal how deeply he felt like an outsider.

4. Barbara Streisand – Stage Fright

One of the most celebrated vocalists of all time, Streisand suffered from intense stage fright, which led her to avoid live performances for decades.

5. Stephen King – Imposter Syndrome

Even after publishing Carrie, King feared he wasn’t good enough. His self-doubt was so intense that he initially threw away the manuscript of Carrie, only for his wife to retrieve it and encourage him to keep going.

6. Lady Gaga – Anxiety and Self-Doubt

Despite her confidence on stage, Lady Gaga has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and imposter syndrome, proving that even global superstars battle self-doubt.

What Can We Learn from These Artists?

The journey to artistic success is rarely smooth. Many of the greatest creatives juggled day jobs while perfecting their craft and wrestled with anxiety and self-doubt. Their stories show that persistence, resilience, and a willingness to keep creating despite obstacles can lead to incredible success.

For anyone balancing a day job while chasing an artistic dream or battling nerves about their creative abilities, these artists serve as a reminder: Keep going. Greatness often comes from struggle.