One of the podcasts I listen to likes to discuss non-creative jobs as “muggle work.” While I dislike many aspects of the Potter-verse (no judgment on those who love it: we’re all allowed to enjoy the fiction we enjoy), that particular term has struck a chord with me.
“Muggle” is the Potter way of saying “Mundane” or, more importantly, “Non-magical.” I love the idea of creative work being a form of magic, because it does feel that way sometimes. I’m creating worlds, people, and universes while I sit here at my table tapping on my little computer. It is a form of magic.
Which isn’t to say muggle work isn’t important. At no point are the muggles “less than” by anyone in the Potter-verse that aren’t racist, despicable people, even if some of the muggles themselves are awful people (Harry’s adoptive parents, for example). A lot of muggle work is very important. But it’s not magic, and that’s significant.
I still have my muggle job for now. I can feel it tugging at the edges of my consciousness, though. The thought that I should stop pouring so much time and energy into the regular, and really focus more on practicing my own unique form of magic.
Some day.
Hope everyone out there is staying safe and healthy!