The first time I realised people judged me for my career path was at my high school careers information night.

I sat in front of an audience of skeptical parents with their hopeful high school children justifying how and why being a writer can be a plausible post-uni choice. Most of us writers, artists and non-conformist career trailblazers are often asked, “Yeah, but what do you really do?” And I think we should all respond with, “Living my best life!”

Sure, the 9 to 5 grind does bring security and stability but not necessarily fulfillment for a lot of us. If you just can’t stick the idea of being cubicle-ised for young adulthood, read on.

Have A General Plan (Or Not)

By this age, you probably know that most plans seldom work out the way you want them to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t come up with a rough outline of what you want to achieve.

Plot the ideas down on a timeline with years, months or even weeks as intervals.

Maybe you’d like to get an article published in your favourite magazine, start an internship somewhere or simply start going to info nights on whatever field you’re into.

Then again, you can also wing it. Just don’t get side tracked or use this lack of a plan as an excuse to slack off!

Prepare To Work For Free

You knew this was coming. In order to set roots down in whatever field you’re a part of, you might need to do some work for free. You’ll also need to volunteer lots of your time and energy to jobs which are in your field but not exactly what you want to do.

It doesn’t matter what it might be; running errands, the classic coffee run or simply emailing back clients, you’re IN the industry even if you’re not being paid. Getting your foot in the door is more valuable now than cash. Believe it!

Be Specific About What You Want To Do

Nowadays, most people identify with more than one occupation. Slashies (writer/actor/astronaut) but what sells more is just having one occupation or industry.

Being specific about what you do highlights that particular occupation as your expertise. Nobody can be an expert at two let alone three things. One thing done well beats three things done mediocrely.

On the other hand, diversifying your skill set to include things that are directly related to your field can be really beneficial. I.e. knowing how to set up a website as a writer, knowing how to write good copy as a graphic designer.

Save Money

If you’re going to follow an alternate career path, weekly pay cheque may not be a guarantee. You may go for weeks or months without work during a dry spell. Whatever spot of cash that comes your way, save and learn to live frugally. Consider also getting a side job to support you while you do what you really love.

Also, don’t be ashamed of living with your parents until you’re more financially stable. More people are doing it now than ever.

It’ll Make You A Strong Person

Choosing to take an alternative career path is more difficult and unstable but that also means you become more resilient, determined and tough in the process. What’s the alternative?

Dragging out your days in a grey office answering to a boss who doesn’t even know your name? The more you stick it out, the easier it gets and guess who gets the opportunities in the end? The ones who decide to keep going. Good luck!

(Lead image: The Incredible Jessica James/Netflix)