I have been surprised lately by the high number of artistic people I know who present themselves as self-supporting working artists who made it through hard work, sacrifice and determination. The surprise comes when I learn that they built a successful career while having their expenses covered by their parents, inheritances and trust funds.
I’m always a bit disappointed when I learn this.
It’s easy to “not give up on your dreams”, “stick it to the man”, and be a free spirit, bohemian pursuing your artistic dream when your rent is paid by dad, you inherited your condo or you get a monthly subsidy to help with living expenses.
Lack of financial pressure allows you to take risks.
Some of these creatives are people whose work I highly admire. They are funny comedians, witty writers, accomplished journalists and talented artists.
Many of them know that even if they aren’t able to make it financially successfully, there’s a pot of gold waiting for them in the form of an inheritance when their parents die. So, even if today they can’t afford everything they want, down the road they’ll have plenty of money for expenses, investments and luxuries.
It’s somewhat irritating to hear them complain about their small apartments, budget travel and cheap drinks, as if they scrimped and saved to make it.
Some of these people are famous – you might recognize their names. Others are people I know personally, whom you would never know.
I’ll admit, I’m a bit envious. I wish that I had parents who subsidized my life. I wish even more that I was born into a wealthy family. And if I had these advantages, I would have accepted them gladly.
And perhaps, just like them, I’d give myself all the credit for “working” my way to the top.