Lived a very creative life, so has my partner. We prioritised this above all else, happily, and are now middle aged. We have not had kids and that's fine, and we chose to rent and are still renting.
I like this, to a point. I was never focused on the ordinary way of doing things, and have enjoyed my life so far; we are a bit 'boho' and i have no interest in living a prescription lifestyle. But as i get older, and after a few alterations to my circumstances, i am beginning to wonder...
I earn from my self employed work, wfh, and choose my jobs. It is easy money, 50% passive, and comes naturally to me, and often the work brings in great rewards both financially and emotionally. Sometimes my earnings are veeeeery low and this creates fear and stress. I would love to be able to earn another way and do my creative work for pleasure instead of stress.
But last year i inherited £30k. Prior to this i had just bobbed along and never thought much of changing anything. But money changes you, no matter how much you insist it won't.
I am now looking at an uncertain future, no idea if my income will rise, fall or disappear entirely in the years to come. It is often a matter of luck, even though i work very hard and have a lot of passion for what i do. I am very happy to continue renting, i like the options and freedom of this, but I do need to ensure that i can cover it indefinitely.
I do not like the idea of having to claim benefits, even though i support the system, respect those who use it, and am grateful for it being there. It just fills me with terror.
So i had this idea about investing in a new career. I am truly fed up with the uncertainty of my current work. I want to learn to drive, to feel secure and broaden my horizons. My DP is fine with this, although we don't share finances (our choice) so no issues there. I don't wish to change that, but i am bothered about my own life, as an individual. I want more choices and options, to use my money wisely. I may only have this one shot!
So i have this inheritance, and i am drawn to going into a career that i would have to train and pay for (around £9). This could supplement my existing income, if i can commit to it, and would enable me to live a very decent life into the far future and put back into the savings pot (which my current work would not). But I have been in my own little world for so many decades that I am frightened of doing it. But if i don't do it, invest in my future, I may end up screwed down the line. I keep telling myself i cant do it, etc.
Would you invest some of this money to train up for a good occupation that you would love and earn well from, or stay put with a precarious creative income? Whilst i am very satisfied with my work, i just want more, and some security for my future, so that i dont just dribble my inheritance away on rent, bills, when times get tough.
Is it worth the initial outlay to pay for the skills to further my job prospects?