5 Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Day Job

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2
In the early days of writing, I envied full-time authors. If I didn’t have to divide my time between my day job and writing, think how much more I’d accomplish. And how wonderful to have the freedom to write for days when the muse struck. No more getting up early, staying up late, and writing a hundred words at a time during my lunch hour. I could put in an eight-hour writing day and reserve my evenings for friends and family.Now that I’ve entered my tenth year of writing while working part time as a dental hygienist (and full time as a pastor’s wife), I seldom envy my full-time writer colleagues. Instead, I embrace my divided work life. 
During a recent prayer time, I listed five reasons I’m thankful for my day job.
1. My day job provides a steady source of real-life material.Although I always change the names and details before I insert one of my dental patients into my latest WIP, I never have to hunt for material. It comes to me every 45 minutes. As I listen to my patients’ joys, sorrows, and challenges, I witness a 4-D panorama of the world today. I can write with authenticity because my patients’ personalities and humor weave themselves into the fabric of my WIP.
2. My day job keeps me culturally relevant.In our practice, we care for patients from age 3 to 103. I get up close and personal with people in all stages, cultures, and lifestyles. As we talk, I learn current vernacular and trends, observe the latest fashions, and collect invaluable details about life. I know how lawyers dress and act. I watch young moms deal with reluctant children. I have a legitimate reason to ask college students about their routines and lifestyles. When I write dialogue, all I have to do is reflect on a workplace conversation, and I nail it every time.
3. My day job limits my writing time.Whaaat? Why would I feel thankful my day job cuts into my writing time? Because I know I can’t write on Wednesdays and Thursdays, I write more diligently on Mondays and Tuesdays. My limited writing time prompts me to guard my time like the precious gift it is. Working outside the home two days a week makes me less likely to say, “Sure, I can go thrift shopping with you tomorrow,” and more likely to say, “Could we go Saturday instead? Tomorrow’s my writing day.” I choose carefully how best to spend my limited hours. 
4. My day job provides an open door for ministry and book sales.As I interact with my patients, I learn about their lives, and they learn about mine. Our conversation often includes matters of faith. Because they know I’m an author, they’ll ask me for updates on my latest book project. When a book finally launches, they feel as excited as I do. My kind boss’ permission to display and sell my books in the office gives me yet another opportunity to share my faith with my patients. Some have become my greatest fans, sharing my work with their friends and family and leaving 5-star reviews on Amazon. 
5. My day job provides a steady income.Having a consistent outside source of income means I can be strategic about accepting the writing opportunities that come my way. Rather than doing everything because I need the income, I can select the projects that will best position me for success. When I’m on deadline with a book, I can focus on that. When I’m in between projects, I can say yes to freelance writing and editing projects that appeal to me and fit around my work schedule.
A 2018 Statista study revealed that while more than 45.8 thousand writers and authors work in the United States, only 21 percent of full-time published authors made one hundred percent of their income from books. This gives me great comfort. It tells me I’m not alone in my bi-polar employment life. Even those who write full time diversify. 
Time, experience, and two (soon to be three) traditionally published books have proven to me that authors can be successful because of their day jobs, not despite them. And if you’re one of the few who can write full time but don’t feel like you’re accomplishing enough, perhaps you need to get a part-time job (smile).
Now it’s your turn. Do you have a day job, or do you write full time? What benefits have you discovered from your job that positively impact your writing life? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
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Lori Hatcher loves God even more than she loves chocolate—and that’s a lot. Since He rescued her at age 18, she’s been on a relentless journey to know and love Him more. Her deepest desire is for her reader friends to join her on the journey. As an author, blogger, and women’s ministry speaker, she writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. She’s written three devotional books, including Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, and Hungry for God…Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter(@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God).