The dream job myth

Untangling identity with work

In a job interview, the executive director of the nonprofit animal shelter asked what my dream job would be. "This one," I said, not even lying a little bit.

The promise of a steady paycheck, puppy breath, and kitten cuddles in exchange for photography, copywriting, and designing ads sounded incredible.

I’d been a passionate animal advocate and rescuer for years, and even served on an advisory board for the Memphis city shelter. Pets have always made my world better, so getting hired was a chance to use my creativity to make the world better for them.

It was more perfect than I ever could have imagined.

Spending 40+ hours a week with wonderful humans helping pets find homes was my dream job. I couldn't wait to go to work every morning! I'd pick out a dog for the office (meet some of my past office dogs here) and spend my day making things for a cause I’m passionate about. Eric and I even got married there!

Care too much and life can get messy.

This dream job taught me what happens when I’m too emotionally invested in my work. I was answering work texts on the weekends, checking e-mail before getting out of bed, and ignoring my mental and physical health. I became overloaded, overworked, and ultimately burn out.

It's the same with art.

Becoming too attached to an illustration can lead to tightness, overthinking, and overworking your drawing.

Finding balance in your art

• Work in a beginner's mindset. Ask yourself, "What will I learn from this drawing?" instead of "What should I create?"

• Draw to destress. Do it for the pleasure of the experience. Do it for fun! Not every drawing needs to have a purpose.

• Practice drawing in a creative community. Hint, hint, like this one! We focus on the enjoyment, not the outcome. That’s how you bridge the gap between fun and work.

Another magical resident of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

I demo how I draw dogs IRL the video below using Vigo, Reggie, and Charles as live models. I paid them in pumpkin treats and peanut butter.