I got my first job when I 15, for about $7.00 an hour I helped a librarian sort books and
process returns.
Later after university I lived in a city and worked at an independent bookstore for $11.50
per hour.
I struggled to find a job that made me enough money so that I could live independently.
So I worked multiple jobs and freelanced my editing and writing skills, and sold art to
sell at craft fairs.
After a couple years, I was doing ok - but felt burned out and like no matter how much
I tried I couldn’t find a way to get my head above water.
Then, some horrible events happened in my life that are are still too hard to talk about.
But despite the pain they brought, I learned how important it was to not only be emotionally
but financially prepared for unexpected life circumstances.
I also realized that while I enjoyed my current job and loved my coworkers, with my personal
situation and goals, I wouldn’t be able move ahead to a more stable future if I stayed
where I was.
So, feeling completely defeated at adult life and dealing with horrible anxiety, I called
up my lifeline.
And I talked my mami.
I cried, and I asked for help.
I had applied and been accepted in a position of a preschool teacher in their town.
I wanted to come home, I missed her and my papi.
I needed help with transportation and covering basic costs until I began my new job.
I felt disappointed in myself.
I’ve had friends tell me it is embarrassing to get help and support from family, and that
it’s more impressive to do things on ones own.
I even get comments like these online - that getting family support is failing at adulthood
and shameful.
It is ironic since so many young people have had no choice but to rely on others to make
ends meet in our current world.
And while it is a privilege to have people in your life that can help you in times of
need, there is absolutely no shame in accepting support when you need it.
In my case, it made all the difference in changing my life for the better.
Asking for help was one of the hardest things I ever did.
Using my savings to help me relocate, my father covered my health insurance and helped me
transition into my new job.
As a developing rural area, my town was in great need of construction workers, plumbers,
and thankfully, teachers.
My salary as a childcare worker was still not very much, and while I was able to finally
cover my monthly costs more easily, I still feared unforeseen expenses, such as my car
breaking down.
So, I decided to try turning my art into a side business.
Farmers markets are not considered a lucrative endeavor in most places, but I was lucky because
my town experiences a lot of tourism, and many of the crafters and farmers that sell
there are able to make it a part time job.
I saw this and thought it would be a great way to supplement my income and feel more
independent.
And it worked, I got wonderful feedback on my art and it encouraged me to consider opening
up a shop online.
Things started so slowly with my online business - I didn’t know how to get my work noticed
- so I set myself a challenge of one year, to deal with the hectic life of running a
business, working at farmers markets, and at the preschool.
It was a lot, but little by little things were looking up.
I was getting sales and working overtime at the school.
I was so excited for the future.
But then last March happened, and my country shut down.
I found myself temporarily out of a job.
I was terrified that my school would close for good, and that I would have to move back
to the city.
Trying to ignore my fear, I started looking for ways to get creative with my time off.
It was wildflower season after all, and I decided I would find a way to to share some
of beauty of this valley with those who couldn’t visit, hoping to bring some peaceful moments
to others who felt
like me.
So I
pulled out my iPhone and bought a very cheap tripod that I almost immediately had to replace.
Making videos was a slow and thoughtful process that made me feel like just maybe, tomorrow
would be better and brighter.
It was tricky to learn how to be both a camera man and in the shots, but over time, I improved.
By the end of the year, I had gotten a wonderful response and been able to connect with so
many lovely people.
My school partially reopened and I started my work as a teacher again, and this time
was able to supplement my income through my job online.
I was and am forever grateful for that.
And now, one year after my future suddenly became so uncertain, I’m taking another
great leap.
After much deliberation, I realized that while I did want to keep teaching, I specifically
want to be an art teacher to young children as I’m passionate about inspiring creativity
in little ones.
So recently I transitioned out of my preschool and started making new plans for the future.
There are a lot of unknowns, but I am learning to embrace it, as that is were sparks of innovation
are born.
I would love to hear your thoughts and insights