It seems safe to say that we’re living in interesting (if challenging) times.

Opinions vary wildly on what will happen next – but one thing is for certain: things have been shaken up. And even as things recover, its folly to assume they’ll go back to the way they were.

Speaking as a creative professional – both as an individual and as part of a company – the state of “having work” is a premium resource to be treasured and protected. For most of us – when we were fresh out of training – we had to work really hard for our jobs – to prove ourselves, and keep proving ourselves. The situation right now isn’t terribly different.

And yes – the temptation is there to feel low about how things have slipped.

Most of us that still have jobs are dealing with tighter time lines, smaller budgets, and increased stress – and many of us are doing so for the same or less compensation than we were making a few years ago when things were brighter.

But I’m coming to see the whole situation like this: no matter how frustrating it is – if you’re on a boat, and that boat is taking on water – there comes a point where you need to stop whatever you were doing and help bail. Most of us are struggling – we’re all in the same boat – and the energy that could go into complaining about your wet shoes could also go into trying to keep that boat from sinking further.

So – what can you do in your world to help bail? To contribute to the conversations that will make things better? To help look for solutions that will keep the boats in your world afloat long enough that repairs can be made?

It may not be in your job description – but seriously – look at the alternatives.

Hope is the first step. It can be a very *good* first step.

But what you do with the next one is even more important.