On Writing With A Day Job (Expectations Vs. Reality)

There have been a lot of great articles (here and here) recently about what it takes to ‘make it’ as a full time writer. ��As someone considering making the transition into full time writing, I’ve really appreciated a very real view into what it takes to make this happen.�� I’m under no illusions that I’m going to somehow magically start making a profit or enough to even remotely cover my current salary.�� However, maybe I don’t have to give up my day job completely.�� Maybe it’s okay to do both.�� Maybe that’s the reality of the modern author.

Here are some of my favorite takeaways from the article:

“For a while, I was in a bit of a funk, wrestling with the thought, I’m a writer. If I’m not making this my living, I’m a failure.��I cannot tell you how relieved I was to know that I wasn’t the only one who worked full time in spite of being able to find writing work on a regular basis.��It is okay if you keep a day job while you continue writing.”��

This is a real thing and I didn’t realize how much I needed to read it.�� Not that I could work full time as a writer, but yup, I get in the same funk.�� What’s the point of putting all this effort into something that doesn’t or potentially won’t ever support me?�� Keep reading.

“If you are working, and working at your craft, you are not a failure. The only people who are failures are the ones who give up.”

And while this statement could apply to anything creative, I do keep working and don’t see any signs of giving up anytime soon.

 

Do you have similar struggles?�� What do you do to stay positive?