Factors to Consider when Choosing an Artistic Career
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no cost to you. Full affiliate disclosure.
February 3rd 2024
Looking for a creative career but don’t know what factors to consider first?
Here, we’ll review important elements to consider before starting your creative career or education.
Why choosing a career takes more planning than just choosing to do what you love
Working in an environment where you can collaborate with understanding and supportive clients or colleagues is essential when looking for a career. It not only enhances your overall work experience but also contributes positively to productivity and job satisfaction. No matter how much you love the career you want to pursue, it’s important to consider factors like your environment, compensation, and more.
Explore key elements to look for when starting a new creative career
1- Benefits
A primary concern should be the availability of health and retirement benefits when looking into a creative career. Many passionate individuals invest substantial time and effort into developing their skills, only to discover that certain artistic professions offer limited benefits for entry-level workers.
Take, for instance, cosmetology – a highly creative and alluring career that, unfortunately, often lacks health coverage for those starting out. Health benefits may only become available at the management level, which can be challenging to attain, with education often playing a minimal role in the selection process.
Understanding the financial landscape of your chosen career is equally vital. Researching the typical base salary for your intended job and factoring in taxes is essential. Consider the cost of commuting, whether your job compensates for this time and expense, and how the salary aligns with the cost of living and potential inflation in your area.
Networking with individuals in your chosen creative field can provide valuable insights. Ask professionals about their job satisfaction but be mindful that they may be guarded while on the clock. Additionally, inquire about opportunities for personal and artistic growth within the position. Does the job fulfill your life's purpose, and where might it lead you in the next five to ten years?
2- Physical Demands
Take a moment to consider the on-the-job physical demands that might escape initial attention. Standing for extended periods or working with sharp objects, often integral to creative professions, can significantly impact your physical well-being. For instance, the continuous standing and bending over the sink in hairstyling can lead to back issues. Additionally, dress codes, both during training and employment, may limit choices for comfortable footwear, impacting your overall well-being.
Beyond hairstyling, various creative jobs, like culinary arts, present unique challenges, such as prolonged exposure to hot ovens. Researching where, when, and how you'll be working is important. Consider the potential for overtime, late-night shifts, and the length of breaks, all of which contribute to the physical demands of the job. Will the workplace be noisy, and how does that impact your well-being?
In the pursuit of a creative career, it's tempting to envision a seamless journey where inspiration flows effortlessly. However, the reality demands meticulous planning to establish a healthy and physically safe path to earning a living. Acknowledging and understanding the physical demands associated with creative work empowers individuals to make informed decisions, paving the way for a fulfilling and sustainable career in any creative field.
3- Mental Health
Be aware of the many factors within your desired career that can potentially influence your mental health. Workloads and job demands can play a pivotal role; excessive workloads, tight deadlines, or unrealistic expectations can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Any lack of autonomy or control over one's work, coupled with micromanagement or rigid structures, may foster a sense of powerlessness, eroding self-esteem and contributing to stress-related issues. Additionally, job insecurity, such as the fear of layoffs or unstable employment prospects, can trigger significant anxiety and diminish overall mental well-being.
Workplace culture and relationships can profoundly impact mental health. Toxic work environments characterized by bullying, harassment, or a lack of support from colleagues or superiors can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression. Similarly, inadequate communication, unclear expectations, or a lack of recognition for contributions can foster dissatisfaction and negatively impact an individual's mental health within their career.
Balancing these factors and cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and communicative work environment is crucial in promoting positive mental health among employees. Here is a link to a list of companies who have received recognition for valuing mental health in the workplace: https://mhanational.org/bell-seal/recipients/platinum
4- Privacy
Before committing to a workplace or career, it's crucial to assess and consider various privacy factors that might influence your professional life. One essential aspect is the company's approach to handling sensitive personal information. Understanding how the organization manages employee data, including details like payroll information, performance reviews, or medical records, is critical.
A transparent privacy policy outlining data collection, storage, and usage practices can indicate the level of respect for employee privacy. Additionally, evaluating the company's history of data breaches or mishandling of confidential information can offer insight into its commitment to safeguarding privacy.
It’s a good idea to evaluate unfamiliar work cultures. Explore whether the company prioritizes respecting employees' personal boundaries, particularly in terms of remote work expectations, monitoring technologies, or policies dictating the use of personal devices for work purposes.
A workplace that values and safeguards employee privacy, respects boundaries, and provides clear guidelines on privacy-related matters, tends to foster a more supportive and respectful environment for individuals seeking to maintain their personal privacy while pursuing a career.
Another crucial factor to consider is an organization's stance on workplace surveillance and monitoring. Investigate the extent of surveillance technologies employed within the workplace, such as employee monitoring software, cameras, or tracking tools. Assess whether these tools are used for productivity enhancement or if they potentially infringe upon personal privacy. Understanding the boundaries and limitations of monitoring practices is vital to ensure a balance between workplace security and individual privacy rights.
Inquire about policies regarding employee consent, notification, and the rights employees have concerning their privacy within the workplace. Aligning your values and privacy preferences with a prospective employer's approach to privacy can significantly impact your professional satisfaction and peace of mind in your chosen career path. Here is link where you can learn more about employee privacy rights: Employee Privacy – What are Your Rights at Work? - LegalShield
5- Dress Code
Entering a new job requires more than just mastering your role; it also involves adhering to the company's dress code. The significance of understanding and following this code extends beyond mere appearance, it can impact both your physical health and financial well-being.
Surprisingly, a company's dress code can have implications for physical health. Some dress codes, especially those mandating formal or restrictive attire, may lead to discomfort, restricted movement, or even health issues. Tight-fitting shoes, constricting clothing, or uncomfortable accessories can contribute to conditions like musculoskeletal problems, poor circulation, or increased stress levels.
Understanding a company's dress code is also crucial for managing your finances effectively. Dressing in accordance with workplace standards often requires an initial investment in professional attire. Failure to adhere to the dress code may result in the need for frequent purchases or updates to maintain a polished appearance. By knowing the expectations upfront, employees can make informed decisions about budgeting for work-related clothing, ensuring financial stability and preventing unnecessary strain on their wallets.
6- Weather
Comprehending the weather conditions in your area is a fundamental aspect of preparing for any job, and its importance goes beyond the simple act of dressing appropriately. It directly influences various aspects of your daily routine and can significantly impact your overall job performance and well-being.
One of the most obvious reasons to understand the local weather is to dress appropriately for the conditions. In regions with diverse climates, the weather can vary significantly from season to season, and sometimes even within a single day. Knowing whether to expect scorching summers, chilly winters, or unpredictable rain is crucial for selecting suitable attire.
Weather conditions can have a profound effect on commuting. Rain, snow, or extreme heat can result in transportation delays, road closures, or difficulties in navigating public transit. Understanding the weather allows you to plan your commute more effectively, reducing the stress and unpredictability associated with adverse conditions.
Extreme weather events, such as storms or heatwaves, may necessitate emergency preparedness. Being informed about potential weather-related challenges enables individuals and organizations to have contingency plans in place. This preparedness is vital for ensuring the safety of employees and minimizing disruptions to work operations during unexpected weather incidents.
More factors that should be carefully considered
Company Culture
A company's culture shapes your work environment, values, and interactions. Investigate the company's culture through research, employee reviews, and networking.
Considerations:
Is it a collaborative or competitive culture?
How does the company prioritize work-life balance?
Does the culture align with your personal values and work style?
Job Responsibilities
Clearly understanding your role and responsibilities is fundamental to job satisfaction. Ensure your job aligns with your skills, interests, and career aspirations.
Considerations:
Are the expectations and tasks clearly outlined in the job description?
Will the role provide opportunities for growth and skill development?
Do the responsibilities align with your long-term career goals?
Compensation and Benefits
Beyond the salary, consider the entire compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and perks.
Considerations:
Is the salary competitive within the industry and location?
What benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, are offered?
Are there performance-based bonuses or additional incentives?
Will the company pay for the software tools and equipment that is needed to perform your job?
Is there paid training? If so, do healthcare benefits kick in before or after training?
Work-Life Balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Considerations:
What are the standard working hours, and is overtime expected?
Does the company support flexible work arrangements or remote work?
How does the company handle employee burnout and stress management?
Career Advancement Opportunities
Overview: Assessing potential growth within the company is essential for long-term career planning.
Considerations:
Are there clear paths for career progression and professional development?
Does the company invest in employee training and education?
What is the average tenure and upward mobility of employees within the organization?
Company Reputation
Overview: A company's reputation can impact your job satisfaction and future career prospects.
Considerations:
What do current and former employees say about the company on platforms like Glassdoor?
Has the company faced any recent controversies or ethical issues?
How is the company perceived within the industry?
Thank you for visiting today!
