Keeping or quitting your day job

I am curious, regarding the idea of Keeping or Quitting your day job how, EM members refer to their work and define themselves. Some people refer to themselves as, artists. While others may call themselves a craftsperson, Maker, jeweler, dabbler, etc. Some may even prefer no definition.
For some of us a 'day job' is necessary to keep a studio space outside of our homes, maintain supplies, food in our stomaches, etc., etc. Some people that have work (day/night jobs) aside from their creative pursuits often hope or dream of a time when these creative pursuits will be able to take centre stage.

Etsy Metal members share their stories of the work they love, sacrifices made (or not made) in being artists, metalsmiths, makers, etc. This series is about achieving a fundamental sense of fulfillment and purpose, of finding your place in a community of your peers. It's about sharing the truth of what it is to be an artist in the 21st century, in all of its forms. We all walk different paths in the expression of our work, yet we came together through Etsy.
• • • •Lisa Dienst-Thomas also known as, Lisa's Pieces or LPJewelry on Etsy.

I am a Wife, Mother and Metalsmith full-time. I am a Community Programs Coordinator at an Assisted Living Residence part-time. Sometimes my life is so busy I feel dizzy. I love my part-time job but wish I didn't need it. I must work so that I can BUY health insurance at a group rate. My husband is self-employed and the cost of decent family health insurance outside of a job is prohibitive.

I wish I could be in my studio 80 hours a week. I feel calmer and more grounded when I am creating. I have been creating "things" since childhood. In my twenties I took a jewelry class and even though that first night there were too many people and not enough tools I was hooked. I found my calling. Jewelry making is my passion.


As much as I love making jewelry I love teaching jewelry making to others. My students inspire me both with their work but also by forcing me to examine basic skills and come up with new work of my own.

I hope to be able to retire from my part-time job someday but will hopefully make jewelry the rest of my life. I know there are careers where I could make much more money but my heart sings when I create jewelry and I wouldn't trade that for anything.



Make sure to visit Lisa's Etsy shop!