Why Every Broke Creative Should Learn a Tech Trade.

I've had just about every job you can think of from messing up haircuts as a barber (sorry about those early clients) to annoying folks as a telemarketer, and even chatting with Warren Buffett during my stint as an insurance salesman at Geico. But none of these gigs clicked. Not because I couldn't do them (well, except maybe the barber thing), but because they didn't spark any passion in me. Bills and responsibilities piled up, but I just couldn't force myself into a path that didn't feel right.

Like many creatives, I used to believe I was destined to be broke until my passion (music) made me rich. So, I spent a decade waiting for a magical opportunity to drop into my lap. Spoiler alert: it didn't happen the way I imagined. My "aha" moment came when I realized that my treasure was hidden in my troubles. Tech became my unexpected ally, and here are 12 reasons why diving into a tech trade can be a game-changer for creatives like us.

The truth is, all creative endeavors require some level of tech. Whether you're mixing tracks in Pro Tools or designing visuals in Photoshop, these applications share similarities with coding environments or even basic tools like Excel. These skills are more transferable than you'd think. And believe it or not, tech demands a ton of creativity—contrary to the stereotype of programmers being screen-stuck robots. This path might not be for everyone, but if you're a broke creative feeling stuck, here's why you should give it a shot.

1. A Tech Trade Can Free Up Your Time to Work on Your Passion.

Example: A graphic designer automates repetitive tasks using simple coding scripts, reducing their workload and freeing up time to paint.

Summary: Tech skills can streamline your work, giving you more free time to focus on what you truly love.

2.A Tech Trade Can Save You from Hard Labor.

Example:Instead of working long hours in a physically demanding job, a musician transitions into a comfortable remote tech support role.

Summary: Tech careers often offer better working conditions and can spare you from physically exhausting jobs.

3.A Tech Trade Will Help You Become More Organized.

Example: Learning project management software helps a filmmaker organize shoots and meet production deadlines.

Summary: Tech tools can enhance your organizational skills, boosting productivity in your creative pursuits.

4. A Tech Trade Can Help You Fund Your Passion Projects.

Example: A writer takes up freelance web development to finance the self-publishing of their novel.

Summary: A well-paying tech job can provide the financial resources needed for your creative endeavors.

5.A Tech Trade Can Help You Work Faster and Cut the Learning Curve on New Applications.

Example: Understanding one programming language makes it easier for an artist to pick up new digital illustration software.

Summary: Tech proficiency accelerates your ability to learn and adapt to new tools.

6.A Tech Trade Can Save You Energy to Work on Creative Projects.

Example: Working from home in a tech role leaves a photographer less drained than a traditional 9-to-5, providing more energy for evening shoots.

Summary: Flexible tech jobs can conserve your energy, leaving more for your creative passions.

7.A Tech Trade Can Be Passed Down to Future Generations.

Example: An animator teaches their children basic coding, opening up new educational opportunities for them.

Summary: Tech skills are valuable assets that you can share, impacting others' futures.

8.A Tech Trade Can Allow You to Be Independent.

Example: A songwriter uses tech skills to freelance in app development, becoming their own boss and setting their own schedule.

Summary: Tech skills can offer career independence, aligning with the freelance lifestyle many creatives desire.

9.A Tech Trade Will Make You Smarter

Example: Learning to code enhances a poet's problem-solving abilities, which they apply to crafting intricate verse structures.

Summary: Engaging with tech boosts critical thinking and cognitive skills beneficial in all areas of life.

10.A Tech Trade Is an Excellent Entry to Entrepreneurship.

Example:An illustrator develops a design app that connects artists with clients, turning it into a profitable business.

Summary: Tech knowledge equips you with tools to start and grow your own ventures.

11.A Tech Trade Can Help You with Everyday Problem Solving.

Example: Debugging code teaches a dancer patience and analytical skills, which help in choreographing complex routines.

Summary: The problem-solving mindset from tech translates to effective solutions in daily challenges.

12.A Tech Job Can Move You Out of Your Hometown or Grant You the Freedom to Work from Home.

Example: A playwright's software development role allows them to relocate to a city with a vibrant theater scene.

Summary: Tech careers offer geographical flexibility, enriching your life experiences and inspirations.

I believe the key to finding the tech trade that fits you best is to closely examine your creative passion. For example, my love for recording, producing, and mixing led me to learn DAW systems like Logic Pro X and Pro Tools. The shortcut keys and workflows made me more proficient with computers than the average person. This curiosity led me to explore the terminal, Vim, and PowerShell, marking the beginning of leaving those hard labor jobs behind.

Embracing tech doesn't mean abandoning your creativity; it means enhancing it. I hope this helps make your creative path a bit smoother. Check this insprational video on how to get a 6 figure tech job below.