KIM RUSSELL-
WRITER-
Ask any artist if they chose their career or if their path was predetermined for them; and I’d wager a bet – their answer leans toward them following their destiny. In my journey, I have faced numerous career choices and all too often I chose wrong. I’ve been a recruiter, a real estate developer, an exporter, and a tax preparer. I have a BA in theater and a Master in Business Administration. In each profession I reached a moderate level of success, UNTIL, I hit a brick wall during the journey. A familiar brick wall – one laced with boredom, resistance, a sense of nowhere else to go, sometimes failure and sometimes panic. The brick wall that signaled a time for change!
So here I am – in my 50’s – turning to the arts for a career. At a time when I should be rounding out my retirement nest egg, I’m beefing up my performance and writing portfolio. At a time when I should be thinking just 15 years to go before hitting the retirement road in an RV – I’m planning the next five years around booking conferences, auditions, and playwriting competitions.
So why do I do this at this stage in my life? I have no other choice. The doors keep opening and the path seems solid, unfettered, and promising. It is a risk. But for the first time in my life I believe it is a well-calculated risk. The arts are a-calling me – and I’m packed and ready.
Have you answered the call?