Artists: How did you transition from corporate worker to artistic entrepreneur?

Question:

Artists: How did you transition from corporate worker to artistic entrepreneur?

I am a writer/singer/crafter and I work full-time as an HR Generalist. The money is okay, but it takes up way too much of my time from my artistic endevors. I've grown unhappy, so I've decided to let this job go, but I still need an regular income source. Is there anyone whose transition from full-time corporate to full-time artist proceeded as they hoped? Were there money troubles for a while? How did you overcome these issues and continued to make your art a priority? I'd appreciate any and all anecdotes. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I took a DEEP breath...

Then I just stopped working at my 9-5. I just quit. I told them I was available for part-time projects in the areas of my expertise (copywriting, market research, editing). They still give me projects from time-to-time.

Then I took my kids out of private school and began homeschooling them - saved $1000/month there.

Then I fired my housekeeper - another $1000.

Then I just started DOING my art. I talked myself up everywhere I went. I dance, costume and perform on stage. I also write and edit. I am an accomplished public speaker and I deliver workshops on business administration, too.

The first step, though, is just starting to do your art, and making your art pay the bills. Need money? Make the art production pay for it. This, by the way, is how you handle the money. I actually bring home three times more money as a professional artist than I did as a high-powered business executive. And I get to spend alot of time with my kids, too!

Love to you, and good luck!