Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Do You Have a Day Job?

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? 

18 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. I 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.

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  3. @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.

    @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.

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  4. 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.
    Now,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.

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  5. We are both teachers and moms to two each. Erica teaches full-time and Christy teaches part-time.

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  6. Christine--next to you, I feel like a slacker. Seriously, you're like a writing wonder woman...good for you!

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  7. I'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!

    Otherwise, I'm a full-time writer (in addition to homemaker) and I really have no beef with that.

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  8. Oh, I just took the kids to a historic farm last week and they loved it...what a cool place to volunteer!

    Also, 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!! :)

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  9. 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.

    I 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.

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  10. @Jess--yeah, money is always a good thing. :)

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  11. I'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.

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  12. Full-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. ;)

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  13. I 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.

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  14. Heather--I guess having a bad job would be a good motivator, so I'm glad you're near your goal.

    CN--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. :)

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  15. 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.

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  16. Carol--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.

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  17. I 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.

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  18. Pam--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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