Think As Inc

The Challenge of Parallel Careers

Many of us have parallel careers – the “money job” we do from 9 to 5; and the dream we harbor on the sidelines.  Even those of us who make the leap to turn dream into dream career may not earn a sufficient or stable income solely from this dream  – hence the prototype of the waiter/ actor.  Thus, we have parallel careers:  the one that fulfills our life; and the other that makes our livelihood.  Here are some tips to meet the challenge of parallel careers:

Clarify your motivations for each career.  What is your ultimate goal for your dream?  Do you want your dream to be your source of income, or do you want to keep both careers?  How much money do you need to make from your money job?  How much scheduling flexibility do you need?  Depending on your requirements, your money job may mean temping, a traditional career track job, or an entrepreneurial venture.

Follow the business protocol for each career.  Take the example of an actor who supplements with temp work.  Acting resumes differ from corporate resumes.  Audition clothes differ from interview clothes.  Interviews vary at a casting office versus a corporate office.  You need to understand the required marketing materials, dress code, and work environments of each career.

Maintain perspective about the benefits of both careers.  The benefits of pursuing your dream as a career include doing what you love every day.  However, resist the trap of begrudging your money job.  Your money job is an investment in your dream.  It sustains your dream and gives it a chance to succeed.  Both careers contribute to your ultimate life goals.