I'm not sure what you mean by 'inner work', that would need defining to answer the question. When I think of 'inner work', it means something (nearly) completel

I'm not sure what you mean by 'inner work', that would need defining to answer the question. When I think of 'inner work', it means something (nearly) completely devoid of anything happening in 'the world outside of me'. Whatever I am doing for a profession or for hobbies is (nearly) completely divorced from what is my 'inner work', which is work done for the purpose of increasing consciousness. My particular flavor of inner work (there are many) is done in order to transmit the work to others, for the benefit of those who seek to do the work. I have been at this for many years and I can say that doing the work requires effort and the expenditure of energy. The benefits to personal creativity have begun to become immense in recent years, as creativity comes naturally as a result of being less attached to ones' personality and being able to more freely allow energy to 'flow through your being' (that's the best I can describe it). These benefits are side effects, though, and not really the purpose of the work. If this is why you seek to do the work, it is misguided and you are probably setting yourself up to simply fuck yourself up. Seek a guide for this kind of work (I am not a guide), and be wary of those who charge money. My guide has been with me for > 10 years, has never charged a cent, and has been instrumental in my efforts. If you do the work with genuine integrity, you will find a guide.