Any young creative type (all you skateboard-designer-mashup-twitter-novelist-scarf-aficionados out there) usually has to make this decision: pay or play. Can I afford to take off time from the “real world” and work on creating a fantasy one of my own design? Do I take the stability of a 9-5 or live off my gigs until one of them becomes “My Gig.”

Today I was offered what might be a real, full-time entry level position. I’m currently employed (I teach improv and perform at a theater) but my days are free to freelance. I’ve all the time in the world to complete my novel, draw my comic book or compose my one act musical based on the life of David Sedaris. Or… sit around thinking about doing all of those things.

There’s no denying, I need the money. I’m not financially independent. I don’t use my time the way I should, and this would focus me. And lest we forget: projects cost money. Manuscripts need to be shipped. Props for short films need to be bought. If I’m smart with my new found wealth I could start making some of these idle scribblings idle realities.

But when? Work from 9 till 6. Improv from 6 till 10. I’d need to budget, cut down on the dinner and drinks and preserve the most precious and forgettable resource: time.

Most of the young people I know are not doing what they want to do. They work retail, food service, data entry. They all dream of, talk about and yes, blog about their true calling. Our problems are nothing new. Some make it out, some continue on and think about what would have been. All of them seem a little dissatisfied.

I guess my fear lies in the idea that I’m not sure which group I fit with. Do I fight the urge to stabilize and continue to eat pauper-butter and jelly sandwiches? Do I sign over my soul for no-rent-worries?

What happens now?