now what you want out of your creative business. Make your career as fun as a hobby. Better yet, turn your hobby into a career. People do it all the time. I spoke to someone recently about opening an Etsy shop (Oh how I love etsy. Buying and selling! Here's a shameless plug for my shop). They were only interested to know what was selling and then that's what they would make and sell. If they go that route, they would have no passion or enjoy what they are doing. My response was for them to find what they like to do/make and then sell that because it's not going to work the other way.

Do you have a purpose for doing what you do. It can't all be about the money. I thoroughly enjoy my job because I know what I'm working towards and why I'm working. I'm staying home with my daughter, I can visit my 91 year old grandmother whenever I want, I can take mini vacations during the week and not be constricted to weekends and I don't have to ask permission. I'm a tough boss for myself to have, but I'm good to myself for jobs well done.

on't whine on your blog about not getting work. Don't go on a rant about a particular client or project you are working on. And vent lightly about career woes. I know it's hard and sometimes I just want to tell the world to get it off my chest but it's not in my career's best interest.

I've run across some blogs lately that have done a really good job of venting their career woes in a positive way, others have invited their readers to their personal pity parties. First off, what you are saying is public meaning that potential clients could read it. New clients find me all the time through my blog. Secondly it makes you look unprofessional and not serious about your career. What you talk about you bring about and if you are negative about not getting work or your career, it's going to stay that way. Use your critique group to vent your frustrations and woes. That way you are doing it in a private and safe place. Name names, quote emails, rip a client to shreads (I've done it!) but keep it private. Keep your public attitude positive even if you're about to blow inside.

Some people have a personal blog and then a "business" blog. You may choose to vocalize your career woes on your personal blog, but remember that prospective clients find you through numerous ways and google is one of them. They may be looking for you and the first page they find might be the personal blog where you are negative all the time. If you must vent, re-read what you've written and see if the whole thing shines a negative light on you. Just something to think about!