A spiral of envy

It’s easy to be envious in this business. As creatives, our work is so visible, our clients are status symbols, and our lifestyles are showcased to prove we’re legit. What have you done? Who are you working for? Where have you been traveling? These are the common questions among photographers, videographers, and artists these days. 

Whenever I find myself in a spiral of envy, I try to remind myself of one thing. The reason people have what I don’t is because they’ve been willing to do things I haven’t. Those things I haven’t been willing to do may include brown-nosing, late nights, no visits home, nightmare clients, no hobbies, no balance, or taking on a higher level of risk. 

This is not to say that some people don’t have certain advantages. Many people definitely do, myself included. But a quick antidote to my envy has been to remember that I’ve only done what I thought was best. The sacrifices other people have made haven’t been ones I’ve been willing to make. I’m the only one who has to be at peace with my day as I lay my head on the pillow at night.