Balancing a job with a desire to create, whether through art, writing, or other means? Navigating work environments that may not fully accommodate your needs?

Need to balance working life and creative life?

I’m starting this publication because, at my core, I’m an artist. Writing fiction, drawing, and painting are not just hobbies—they’re essential to my identity and well-being. As someone who is neurodivergent, I often use simple doodles, cartoons, and flow diagrams to process information and emotions. Drawing allows me to externalise my thoughts, helping me make sense of the world around me. Fiction and painting give me the space to express myself and create meaningful work that feels aligned with my purpose. These creative outlets are vital for my mental health and sense of direction in life.

However, as much as art is a passion, there’s also the practical side of life—paying the bills and keeping the wheels of your life going. For many, this means finding stable employment. Unfortunately, the reality of work can be challenging, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered positions that negatively impacted my mental health, making it clear that I needed to develop strong job-hunting skills to secure better opportunities. I’ve learned to reflect on what I didn’t like about past jobs and use that knowledge to find positions supporting my financial needs and creative aspirations.

Job hunting is a crucial skill, but it also requires empathy. It’s important to approach it to secure the right fit—not just for me, but also for the employer. While some organisations offer excellent support for employees with diverse needs, the system often feels one-sided. Many individuals face barriers, whether due to health conditions, neurodivergence, language differences, or other challenges. I’m interested in exploring these dynamics, not just to understand my own experiences, but to better navigate and improve the broader work environment.

In addition to my creative pursuits, I spend time studying therapeutic coaching and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I’ve also written and published short stories, and I’m now working on learning to write novels while continuing to draw and paint. My academic background, including research into clinical studies, has fueled my interest in work justice and neurodivergent experiences. I’m passionate about the intersection of work, art, and well-being, and I want to create a space to discuss these themes.

This publication is for anyone balancing a job with a desire to create, whether through art, writing, or other means. It’s for people navigating work environments that may not fully accommodate their needs, and for those who want to explore how work-justice, neurodivergence (although you don’t have to be neurodivergent), and societal structures intersect. It’s also a place to share strategies for job hunting and stability, finding balance, and celebrating both the challenges and successes of living a creative, purpose-driven life.

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