All of this makes sense to me. But I would encourage people to try to consider day jobs that don't drain them completely. I had a day job that was sucking the life out of me, and I didn't even realize it. Once I changed jobs to a role and company that prioritized work/life balance, my writing life also changed. You don't have to quit you…
All of this makes sense to me. But I would encourage people to try to consider day jobs that don't drain them completely. I had a day job that was sucking the life out of me, and I didn't even realize it. Once I changed jobs to a role and company that prioritized work/life balance, my writing life also changed. You don't have to quit your job (I don't plan to), but maybe you can find a job that provides stability (and money and insurance!) without draining the well.
I'm not a writer etc but in my last job I was an early morning cleaner at a big lifestyle store,the sort of job we are all taught to dread,loathe the idea of and fear - and I loved it. It was like discovering a secret world. (I'm in UK). Who knew some geniuses,certainly high IQ people hung out in lifestyle stores mopping,dusting and cleaning. It was like an alternative society no one knew about! And finishing by 10am gave you the whole day TO LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE. So it was anti-social hours at low wage,but if you're not motivated by money (who isnt ha ha) that doesnt matter. Just saying that if you are creative then one of these sort of jobs can be good as your work duties are set out,you follow the established routine and you get enough money if you're good at managing it and your freedom.
I knew a musician who was a postal carrier. His job was low stress and gave him a salary and pension. He got to make music nights and weekends and it worked for him. This I think may be easier for men or childless women. Having a day job, raising a family and writing can be draining. One needs a lot of support to do it.
All of this makes sense to me. But I would encourage people to try to consider day jobs that don't drain them completely. I had a day job that was sucking the life out of me, and I didn't even realize it. Once I changed jobs to a role and company that prioritized work/life balance, my writing life also changed. You don't have to quit your job (I don't plan to), but maybe you can find a job that provides stability (and money and insurance!) without draining the well.
I'm not a writer etc but in my last job I was an early morning cleaner at a big lifestyle store,the sort of job we are all taught to dread,loathe the idea of and fear - and I loved it. It was like discovering a secret world. (I'm in UK). Who knew some geniuses,certainly high IQ people hung out in lifestyle stores mopping,dusting and cleaning. It was like an alternative society no one knew about! And finishing by 10am gave you the whole day TO LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE. So it was anti-social hours at low wage,but if you're not motivated by money (who isnt ha ha) that doesnt matter. Just saying that if you are creative then one of these sort of jobs can be good as your work duties are set out,you follow the established routine and you get enough money if you're good at managing it and your freedom.
I knew a musician who was a postal carrier. His job was low stress and gave him a salary and pension. He got to make music nights and weekends and it worked for him. This I think may be easier for men or childless women. Having a day job, raising a family and writing can be draining. One needs a lot of support to do it.
THIS! I started a job I adore last year. 2023 was the most prolific writing year I've had since I graduated college. That's no coincidence.