Last night my fiancé and I were sitting on the couch watching a movie. Without any warning he turns to me and says, “So... your career, you don’t want to do it anymore do you?” I was shocked by this sudden insight. He continued, “If you want to quit and spend your time running your business and making babies, I just want you to know it’s OK.”

By business he means my very tiny basement operation in which I make little to no money making art. It’s definitely more of a hobby, but it’s my passion.

I thought I was doing a great job of not letting on how much my job is draining me. I was so embarrassed that I had failed. That I spent so much money, my fiancé’s money, and time, just to find out I hate the industry I’m in. I thought if anyone knew they’d see me as a loser. My stomach was in constant knots. I felt so much shame.

My fiancé went on to remind me that we don’t need two incomes. We can live happily and comfortably off of his. This is a luxury that most people can’t afford, I am extremely grateful for how fortunate we are. My family is not supportive, I’m an intelligent person, but unlike them I had no desire to become a doctor or a lawyer. I’ve always wanted to be an artist. They would constantly push me by saying things such as “nobody will ever love a poor artist” and “you’ll be less than if you don’t go to grad school”.

My fiancé told me that he wants to support my dreams, and if my dreams make us a bunch of money that’s great. But if they don’t that’s OK too, as long as we are happy and healthy. I have never felt so loved and supported by another human being. I know what real love is now. This poor artist found it. So there.