There were points when I've thought about getting into landscape gardening or getting back to illustrating, but mostly with a bit of a chip on my shoulder.

In this quote, Paul Kaye, an actor and comedian, reflects on moments in his life when he considered pursuing alternative career paths, specifically landscape gardening or illustrating. His mention of these interests suggests that, despite his success in acting, he has always had other passions or potential avenues he might have explored. However, he adds that these thoughts often came with a "chip on his shoulder," implying that they were not motivated by a pure desire to return to these fields, but possibly by frustration or a sense of unfulfillment in his current situation.

The idea of pursuing landscape gardening or illustrating indicates Kaye’s artistic inclinations beyond his acting career, suggesting that he has a broad range of creative interests. These professions, while different from acting, still involve creativity and craftsmanship, and it reflects a desire for work that offers a sense of satisfaction and personal connection. The chip on his shoulder indicates that these thoughts were often accompanied by feelings of frustration or a need for something different, perhaps driven by dissatisfaction with his current position or role.

Kaye’s admission also speaks to the conflict many individuals experience when considering career paths—whether to continue in a field they’ve succeeded in or to pursue a new direction. The phrase “chip on my shoulder” suggests that the thoughts of changing careers weren’t entirely positive; rather, they may have been driven by the pressures or difficulties of his acting career, making them more of a reaction to something missing in his life rather than a true desire to switch professions.

Ultimately, the quote reveals a personal moment of reflection, where Kaye considers alternative paths that align with his interests and creative urges, yet acknowledges that these considerations were influenced by frustration or external pressures. It highlights the complex emotions behind career decisions and the balance between personal passions and the realities of life choices.