It’s such a hard thing to do, right? Practically working 2 jobs: your salary it-gets-me-by job, whilst  going for your dream; your passion.

I went through this stage especially during my summer holidays after finishing university. I was super ambitious in pursuing a career in broadcasting, and also super broke.

I decided to get a part time job – 3 days a week – and devote the other days to myself, my social life, and most importantly, my brand. This isn’t how it immediately began though.

I then began working full time (9am to 6pm) Monday to Friday, and thankfully felt energised enough to blog, network, and so forth. I was tired all the time but it really paid off.

Whilst working full time, I always ensured I would do the following and ask myself:

⁃ how many times have I emailed across my CV or cover letter to someone this week?

⁃ Am I utilising social media a lot knowing that I can also get opportunities from there?

⁃ How often am I tweaking my LinkedIn and actively searching for networking and workshop opportunities?

⁃ Am I following up from employers via email/phone call if I don’t hear back after some time?

Or more simply, what am I doing each day to get me closer to where I want to be?

So here’s what you do – you ask yourself the questions above every week, you measure your growth in every way possible, you have someone to hold you accountable to make sure that you do at least one of these.

Consistency takes discipline – so here as some tips to ensure that you’re on the right track:

• Start with the smaller tasks first so it doesn’t seem so daunting; start that venture and ask for feedback before launching it, so you’re clear of the direction you want to take with it.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
• Make it an aim to surround yourself with the people who come from an industry you’d like to become part out *coughs* networking events – as often as possible (2-3 times a month). Networking seriously isn’t overrated, read about why it’s so important here.
• If it’s on your mind all the time, why not give it a try? If you’re passionate about photography for example, no way would you need the most expensive camera in the world to get started.

I remember reading something so shocking recently – that the place where you’ll find the most unfulfilled potential is in the graveyard. So many people died without trying, pursuing, and simply just going for it. It could have been many reasons such as ‘not enough time’, ‘fear of what people thought’, and lack of self belief.

Now I’m not telling you to quit your job, I think that’s a ridiculous suggestion seeing as I’m not your bank account – I do however believe in healthy juggling and that it is possible to work a 9-5 whilst pursuing your passion.

Stay driven, stay consistent.

 

When you look at people who are successful, you will find that they aren’t the people who are motivated, but have consistency in their motivation.

Arsene Wenger