Everyone in Hollywood has a side job.

Entering an area of uncertainty?

Growing up, I had the incredible privilege of never having to experience the joy (insert sarcasm) of a 9-to-5 job. My parents basically worked around the clock so my siblings and I could focus on school and, well, just exist. Living the immigrant dream. It wasn’t until later that I realized how lucky I was to dodge those awkward "first job" moments, like knowing to much personal family or dating information that you never asked for. Instead, I was living my best intern life—hopping from magazine offices to a jewelry company, to even a pretty famous fashion photography studio. I was basically a professional sponge, soaking up all the secrets, trying to figure out where I’d land when I finally entered the "real world." But the universe, in true dramatic fashion (pun intended, had other plans and whisked me away on the wildest, most exhilarating rollercoaster ride ever. Seatbelt? Optional.

Just as I was leaving work I took this photo. I was really in my devil wears Prada phase. Sept 26, 2009...

Boy did love this view, this was when Condé Nast was in Times Square and what I remember most was the energy and power magazines had… I miss it sometimes

Being a model and actress has some serious perks. I mean, getting pampered and sometimes making more in a month than your average 9-to-5-er? Yes, please! This was especially mind-blowing for me, considering I grew up watching my parents hustle for those weekly checks, just to make ends meet. I honestly felt like I’d won the career lottery—like I found the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's factory. But, plot twist: while there were plenty of high moments, the lows were waiting around the corner, like

“Surprise! Bish! Bet you didn’t see this coming.”

These are the parts nobody warns you about. Turns out, the glamorous life comes with a sprinkle of chaos, a dash of self-doubt, and the occasional full-on existential crisis. Fun times, right? It's a roller coaster that you don't know where it's going to turn or if it will end…

A in the moment photo of being at my side job, my friend asked me if I was still working so I sent her this…

I sometimes find myself questioning—more often than I’d like to admit—whether this is really the right move for me. I mean, I love what I do, truly. I get to be wildly creative, step into worlds most people only dream about, and be my own boss while playing different characters. Pretty cool, right? Plus, at this age, I know my worth, what I bring to the table, and I’m not afraid to use that power. It’s like I unlocked the "boss level" of adulting.

But of course, even the most confident of us have those what-am-I-doing-with-my-life moments. Every creative person does. Sometimes you have no clue if you’ll land that role or get that job, and the waiting can drag on for months—or even years. That's when the real darkness shows up, like, "Hey girl, remember me?" So what do you do? Quit? Downsize? Get a second job flipping burgers? Or, better yet, slide into a giant pit of existential dread where no one can tell what’s going on?

Lucky for you, I’ve been there, done that, and wore the T-shirt. But if you’re hoping I’ll give you the magic solution, well, you’re living in a dimension I wish I had access to! Honestly, even today, I don’t have all the answers. What I do know is that every one of these situations is real, messy, and 100% valid. So, welcome to the club!

I’m here to tell you—go after that wild career move! Quit that job that makes you miserable (if you can), because yes, it might get messy. You might have to hit the reset button and start from scratch, but trust me, it’s worth it in the end. As for me, and to tie it back to the title of this post, I did end up needing a side job. And while it’s a pretty cool gig, so I’m not complaining, I’ve gained serious respect for people who work 9-to-5 jobs and deal with bosses. Let’s just say, I’ve been humbled in ways I didn’t see coming! But I know this is all part of my journey—just another pit stop on the road to chasing my dreams.

I believe so much in the universe. It’s like that friend who’s always watching your back, and I’m 100% certain it’s got your back too, even if it’s throwing a few plot twists your way.

So, let me leave you with a little nugget of wisdom from a close friend. I was once in the middle of a major life crisis (debating whether to dump a guy, naturally), and he hit me with this:

"Imagine your life as a movie, and you're in the audience, totally invested. You've been through the character’s highs and lows, and suddenly, right when they’re facing a huge decision, the screen goes black. What do you want to see happen next? What are you rooting for?"

xx J.