Is Quitting Your 9-to-5 Job for Your Passion Really Worth the Risk?

Every few months, I find myself standing at the crossroads of my life as a corporate lawyer and my passion for photography and blogging. The pull of wanderlust, the thrill of capturing fleeting moments through my lens, and the joy of sharing my thoughts on my blog often nudge me to consider taking the leap—leaving my stable 9-to-5 job to dive into the world of full-time photography and travel blogging. But then, reality sets in, and I’m reminded of the harsh truths that make this decision anything but straightforward.

The Over-Glorification of “Quitting the Rat Race”

We live in an era where the idea of ditching your corporate job to pursue your passion is romanticized to an almost mythical level. Instagram reels are filled with people basking in the golden glow of sunsets in Bali, proclaiming how leaving their desk job was the best decision of their lives. But how often do we see posts about the sleepless nights spent worrying about bills or the months of uncertainty waiting for the next client? Have you ever wondered if these dreamy depictions show the whole picture?

Inspirational quotes like, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” flood our social media feeds. While these stories are inspiring, they often leave out critical details—the financial cushion, the privilege of family support, or sometimes even the sheer luck that allowed them to succeed.

Working for yourself as a full-time artist is often glorified, but it’s not for everyone and it’s not the only definition of success.

– Rebecca Volynsky (@rvolcreative)

For many of us, the decision is far more complex. In my case, living in Mumbai—one of the most expensive cities in the world—paying exorbitant rent, managing bills, and supporting my family and aging parents make the idea of leaving a stable job feel less like a leap of faith and more like walking off a cliff without a parachute. How was your inner journey to taking such a leap of faith? Did you have any Plan B? I would love to know your story in the comments.

The Myth of “Freedom”

Let’s address the elephant in the room: freedom. Yes, leaving a 9-to-5 job might free you from office politics, deadlines, and the monotony of routine. But it also introduces a new set of challenges. When you’re self-employed, you’re not just the artist; you’re also the sales guy, accountant, strategist, and sometimes even the delivery person. Instead of one boss, you now have multiple—your clients.

The reality of being a full-time artist is that you’re not just making art—you’re running a business. That means managing finances, paying taxes, negotiating contracts, marketing yourself, and constantly chasing the next opportunity. It’s exhausting.

– Rebecca Volynsky (@rvolcreative)

The real question is—how important is it to you to pursue something you love and be your own boss, even if it may sometimes mean missing out on precious moments like watching your toddler grow, playing with your kids, going for date nights with your spouse, or being there for your aging parents when they need care and attention? Don’t you think, a single-minded focus on our passion sometimes blinds us from our other responsibilities and roles as parents, spouse or son/daughter? Let me know what you think.

“Compelling careers often have complex origins that reject the simple idea that all you have to do is follow your passion.”

– Cal Newport, So Good They Can’t Ignore You 

The Pain Points of This Dilemma

1. Financial Security: Without a stable income, the stress of paying bills can quickly overshadow the joy of pursuing your passion.
2. Income Uncertainty in Photography: The photography and blogging industry faces rising competition, market saturation, pricing pressures, and growing client demands for lower costs. Photographers must also manage increasing gear expenses and self-funded projects, essential for creative growth and portfolio building but with no guaranteed returns.
3. The Cost of Upskilling: To stay competitive, creators often need to invest in timely upgrades, wide range of of books, courses, workshops, photo expeditions, or undertake unpaid apprenticeships—all of which add to the financial burden.
4. Burnout: Balancing a demanding job and a creative pursuit is no cakewalk. Late nights editing photos after a long day at work can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
5. Fear of Failure: What if you take the leap and it doesn’t work out? Returning to a structured job after a break isn’t always easy.

What is your pain point as an artist? Please let me know in the comments.

The Dual Life of a Lawyer-Photographer

I’ve been fortunate to take on professional photography assignments, earning as much as my salary during peak projects. Yet, the unpredictability of this income keeps me grounded. Some seasons bring abundant inquiries, while others are silent. Just like me, many talented photographers face tough choices: turning down assignments or working for less than they deserve; wearing many hats to do it all yourself or spend money hiring people.

My rock-solid career in law for more than a decade, ensures I never have to undercut myself or worry about funding my artistic pursuits. This stability empowers me to choose projects that genuinely excite me, without financial pressure. Like many, I balance late nights and weekends chasing my creative passions, anchored by the security of a steady paycheck. Do I regret this path or resent my job? Not at all. In fact, I feel truly empowered as an artist when I don’t have to fret over money or justify investing in an expensive lens. My career gives me more than just financial stability—it equips me with exceptional communication and people skills honed through years in law firms and global banks. These skills have seamlessly translated into my creative pursuits, giving me a unique edge.

The key lies in leveraging what your current job offers to fuel your passion. For me, it’s a symbiotic relationship: my legal career provides security and structure, while photography offers a creative escape, recharging me to return to work stronger and more inspired. Each complements the other, proving that pursuing your passion doesn’t have to mean abandoning the rest—it can mean finding balance and harmony. Tell me what has worked for you to strike such balance?

Working as a full-time artist doesn’t inherently mean you’re more talented, driven, or successful than someone with a steady job. Success as an artist is about creating work you’re proud of and building a life that works for you. Whether that’s through full-time work, side hustles, or balancing art with a regular job, there’s no one “right” way to do it. Don’t let anyone make you feel “less than” because your journey looks different. Financial stability supports creativity, not the other way around. Protect your mental health, prioritize sustainability, and create on your terms.

– Rebecca Volynsky

Conclusion

So, here’s the real question: Are you ready to weigh the rewards of pursuing your passion full-time against the potential risks of leaving behind the stability of a regular paycheck? Or can you find a way to strike a balance, nurturing your creative dreams while staying grounded in financial reality?

Only you can decide what’s right for you. But remember, every path has its pros and cons, and one size does not fit all. When faced with this dilemma, ask yourself: What’s the next best step I can take for my goals without compromising my present reality? Then, take that step, one calculated stride at a time.

I am an investment banking lawyer currently working in a global bank in Mumbai, India. Photography and blogging has been my passion and side hustle for more than a decade by now. You can reach out to me for more insights and personal anecdotes at vivekvermavisuals@gmail.com and on Instagram and Threads as @vivekverma0909 and @creativegenesstreets

Key Takeaways

• There’s no single right path—only the one that works best for you. Embrace your journey with confidence, knowing it’s uniquely yours to define.
• Avoid impulsive decisions; instead, take calculated risks grounded in thoughtful planning and thorough preparation.
• True freedom lies not in escaping a 9-to-5, but in the peace of mind that allows your creativity to thrive without the burden of financial worry.
• Above all, prioritize self-care and balance to protect your creativity and prevent burnout, ensuring your passion continues to thrive with vitality and inspiration.

What’s your key takeaway from this post? Please let me know in the comments!

Perspectives from Threads

“Financial stress can kill creativity. When you’re panicking about making ends meet, it’s nearly impossible to tap into your flow. That pressure strips the joy from creating and turns your passion into survival mode…The narrative of “I’d rather struggle than work a 9-5” is harmful. Struggling isn’t romantic—it’s draining. It’s okay to need or want the reliability of a steady income while working on your art…In fact, it can give you the freedom to experiment and create.” – Rebecca Volynsky (@rvolcreative)

“As someone who works closely with artists, I’ve seen this reality play out so many times. My sister’s one of the most talented artists I know and she keeps her day job not because she lacks skill, but because that stability actually lets her create without pressure. The most successful artists I know? They built their art business step by step, keeping their 9-5 until they had a solid foundation.” – Kasi (@webdesignerforartists)

“When I was graduating from art school in 2009 I was given good advice by an academic advisor. Find a job that pays for your basic needs and is tolerable 5 days out of the week and spend one day a week on your creative projects. If you want to start monetizing those projects, keep going till they start to pay for a day rate, and as that pay grows, cut your work days at your other job back and let the creative job take up more of your time.” – Rish Jewelry (@rishjewelry)

“It is glorified and ephemeral to say “I’m my own business artist” and it is incredible if you truly can achieve this and sustain it. That’s the key…do you have the mental, financial and just dumb luck to keep creating, keep feeding the algorithms, be a salesperson or entertainer? It’s so much stress and work and as a result you might destroy the thing you love – creating. I did make money and my ego got stroked but now I’m burned out.” – Barrett Biggers (@barrettbiggers)