I read a post the other day where a published author (I forget who) discussed how they chose to keep working part-time in addition to writing. They gave a list of reasons as to why they chose this (feel free to give the link if you saw it too), and it got me thinking. I think the fantasy of chucking everything to be a "full time writer" is pretty common.
I'll admit that as a mom to two young kiddos who also works part-time, carving out time to write can be a challenge. But knowing I only have an hour or two to write after the kids go down makes me that much more focused. Also, the people I interact with as a psychologist in my private practice remind me that truth will always be stranger than fiction--I seriously couldn't make up some of the bizarre things I come across each week. My creativity stays in high gear due to the variety of situations I encounter, and as much as the idea of writing alone in a cabin sounds a little like heaven (okay, a lot, depending on the day), I like to think that my chaotic daily life enriches my writing.
What about you? Do you have a day job, or are you a full-time writer? What do you see as the advantages/disadvantages? Do you dream of writing full-time one day?
I currently do have a full-time day job. I wouldn't chuck it completely when I publish. I want to work part-time. I love what I do.
ReplyDeleteI have a day job, my own business, but I do look forward to writing full time. My job is home-based, sitting at the computer all day long. Writing at night and on weekends means I'm at the computer 12-14 hours a day. When I can write full time, I'll actually have more time to live life and have those experiences and interactions we need.
ReplyDelete@E.Arroyo--loving what you do makes a huge difference. Most days, I love what I do too which is why I'd be hesitant to stop completely.
ReplyDelete@Kristie--that's a good point. If your day job doesn't involve much outside interaction and tons of computer time, being a writer would free up time to be elsewhere too.
I work full time and I write the equivlent of 6 novels a year with that day job (all in the form of reports - not nearly as fun!). It is exhausting, but I can not imagine being a position of leaving that job. Even with 2 books out and making the jump into fiction (i write NF as well)I can't imagine it as a fiscal reality.
ReplyDeleteNow,to be honest, I would drop back to part-time if I could. In a heart beat actually. Having 2 kids, a husband, a demanding job AND writing - it's all exhausting! But, the day job gives me something that helps with the writing - access to TONS of kids. every day. So yea, no complaints.
We are both teachers and moms to two each. Erica teaches full-time and Christy teaches part-time.
ReplyDeleteChristine--next to you, I feel like a slacker. Seriously, you're like a writing wonder woman...good for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm a full-time mom/wife. My youngest starts preschool this September, but the hours aren't quite enough for me to go out and get a job, though I would like to. I agree, being out enriches creativity. I've decided to do volunteer work at a Historic farm owned by the city once my tiny human starts school. Unless I get get in part-time at the zoo, or a bookstore! That would be awesome. Lol!
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I'm a full-time writer (in addition to homemaker) and I really have no beef with that.
Oh, I just took the kids to a historic farm last week and they loved it...what a cool place to volunteer!
ReplyDeleteAlso, my little one still has another year of pre-school and you're right, it doesn't leave much time for work outside the home...I volunteer at school and work one day at my office. The full-time mom job is the hardest of all IMO!! :)
I don't write (currently) but I follow a decent amount of writers. I know that UF writer Jocelynn Drake works at least part-time, if not full time, as a stock analyst or something.
ReplyDeleteI suck at time management when there's a PC involved so I don't think I'd make a decent full-time writer, unless of course writing was paying me super well. :) Monetary motivation is the key.
@Jess--yeah, money is always a good thing. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm nearing the day when I will be able to be a full time author. Only because that has always been my goal and we're nearly financially there. It is also due in part to the fact that I have one of the worst jobs in the world and can't wait to quit. However, I think I'll always work outside of home and writing in some fashion just to maintain some level of outside world interaction.
ReplyDeleteFull-time day job. I think it would be grand to be a full-time writing, but that comes when it will. I imagine it being really hard to have time for writing once kids come--hopefully by that time I'll be able to stay home with them and my husband will be the bread winner. ;)
ReplyDeleteI met Seth Margolis whose book Raising Isaiah was optioned for a movie. He said he made enough money from the movie to give up his day job but then found he had nothing to write about and so went back to work.
ReplyDeleteHeather--I guess having a bad job would be a good motivator, so I'm glad you're near your goal.
ReplyDeleteCN--I actually never wrote (aside from professional writing) before I had kids. They've been a great source of material-lol.
Cozy--I love that story! I think that's how I would feel too, so thanks for sharing. :)
I'm a full time writer (for now), and I really enjoy it. However, I really DO need those times that force me to get out into the real world and live in it a bit! Great for ideas on plot, character, etc.
ReplyDeleteCarol--that's great! I'm a natural introvert, but my kids have me out and about all the time which keeps the creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to quit my full time sales job (miss the money no the job) exactly one year ago to pursue my writing and improve my health. I think writing full time takes real discipline because you aren't saddled with an external schedule. Too easy to say, I'll take care of that tomorrow. However, I still look for ways to be out in the world through volunteering, writing groups, and playing with my five grandchildren.
ReplyDeletePam--I agree that it takes a lot of discipline to make your own schedule and stick to it. Good for you for doing what's best for you (and your health). :)
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