Seed: The Exchange for Writer Sustainability
No matter how it appears from the outside looking in, pursuing writing is an exchange. We may give up our evenings or mornings, time watching our favorite show, or another more lucrative career. Writers often forfeit confidence and a clear career path. Is it worth it? For many, the reward doesn't come in a form of a paycheck. So what have you gained for the trade?
When I quit my career to pursue writing, I gave up a decent, steady paycheck and all the delightful consumer benefits that came with it. I walked away from fantastic, smart coworkers who made me laugh and kept my work day fun. I let go of a sense of competency that came with my education and experience. If people held me in a higher esteem because of my position or work, I shrugged that off too when I chose this precarious path.
When I quit my career to pursue writing, I gave up a decent, steady paycheck and all the delightful consumer benefits that came with it. I walked away from fantastic, smart coworkers who made me laugh and kept my work day fun. I let go of a sense of competency that came with my education and experience. If people held me in a higher esteem because of my position or work, I shrugged that off too when I chose this precarious path.
But if life's decisions are on a scale, and sometimes it feels that way, I gained as well. I can wear sweats every day if I want. I am much less stressed. My time and decisions are my own. I get to play with words, push them around, see if I can make them obey my creative desires. I set my own goals, agendas and tactics for success, which means new insecurities but also a healthy dose of adventure. I gained a supportive tribe of fellow writers. But perhaps the greatest advantage was finally gifting myself permission to pursue my dreams, with all the risk, fear, thrills, and rewards it involves.
Pull out a journal or share your thoughts in the comments. When you examine your writing journey,(especially those of you offering a month to the writing gods for NaNoWriMo!) how would you describe your trade?
Keep writing (it's worth the exchange),
Julie
Keep writing (it's worth the exchange),
Julie
Julie, I love your way with words. You write beautifully. I love our phrase: "I get to play with words, push them around, see if I can make them obey my creative desires." Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie-- I'm sure with your little ones, there is a constant trade in time to find the moments to write! (I had to read your post twice, even after your second comment, to even find the missing "y"). :)
DeleteOops! I missed a letter. I love YOUR phrase :)
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing braver then putting everything on the line for your dreams! And you're right, it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteHi J.A. thanks for stopping by. I'm quite sure others have made exchanges; it's part of our life. And the reward isn't the typical paycheck.
DeleteAt times my trade comes full of guilt...loss of quality time spent with family. I do what I can to adapt to it and try to share in both worlds.
ReplyDeleteThere was also a major reduction in pay...semi-retired, I eke out enough to live comfortably, but not what I was used to. I'd like for this venture to be as lucrative, if not better!
I traded some prestige, so to speak, in the eyes of some folks who think it's a longshot and waste of time. Ha! I've kept my integrity by pursuing a dream! (And the prestige will come).
I'm one who is sacrificing to the NaNo gods this coming month. That will be a trip, but I have a little feeling something good is about to happen!
Great post!
M.L. I feel that same way about what's happening for you. You have the Eye of the Tiger! I know from reading your blog, you especially have a precarious balance of exchanges in your life. Fortunately your new portable office you spoke about (yay laptop!) helps you navigate that potential conflict a bit more easily.
DeleteMine's still a non-paying endeavor. I won't call it a hobby, because it's more than that. But I'm not published, so it remains to be seen what will come of it.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could quit my day (night) job, but it's not possible at this point - maybe never. Even so, I'll probably continue to write regardless. It's my therapy, my escape. I love it and I've met some wonderful friends along the way. :)
Melissa-- such good points. Yes, the therapy and escape and camaraderie make it all so worthwhile. And look at how much you give to others through your blog!
DeleteWriting is something I can do while I'm at home caring for my four children. Admittedly, some days I wish I could work outside the home (if only to feel as though I accomplished something...there's always more laundry and dishes), but it works with my schedule. When they're grown and gone, I'll have more time.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're pursuing your dream! Life's too short. You're doing the right thing. :)
Life's choices definitely revolve around the chapter in life we are in. Having small kiddos is the priority during that stage of life. I pursued the degrees and career and family early on. It was the right choice, for me, for that time in my life. Good luck to you. Love your blog.
DeleteWhen I think about it, I've sacrificed time for my writing. I don't read as much, not do I watch as much television. I also spend less time with my family, but I'm trying to remedy that, especially since my 11 y/o has gotten real good at guilting me into doing what he wants to do.
ReplyDeleteI agree, time is the big exchange. It takes time to write, to stare at the computer, to blog, to dream and plan stories.
DeleteOh how quickly the children learn! Good thing they're so cute and we love them, huh?
I also quit my job to focus on writing. It is a temporary move I think, since I can't see myself every giving up practicing law for good, but for now I think its a great move for me and my family. It's a journey!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it's a journey. From what I can tell with your blog, you've made a great decision! Glad there are others on this road too.
DeleteYou are absolutely right, Julie. I admire the risk you took in order for you to pursue your passion. Having worked in the world of HR, I often see too many people neglect to nurture their true selves for many reasons or other. I keep telling myself, someday I'll get to a point where I can write all day every day and perhaps even make a living off of it. Regardless, what little time I do have to write, I still find the fulfillment that remind me that I'll always be a writer.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
~Anna
You do so well Anna and are so creative. I love how you've started incorporating video with your blogs. The drawback, at least for me, with a full-time pursuit, is putting all my esteem eggs in this basket sometimes. They are fragile! Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
DeleteWhat a great post, Julie. It takes courage and strength to pursue our dreams. Pursuing a career as a writer requires sacrifice and at times our egos takes a beating. But for me, it's definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteI was having one of those beating days today as a matter of fact. Yes hoping the outcome is worth the investment! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI admire your courage for taking the bold step to become a fulltime writer. I wish I could do it. Unfortunately, I need my day job. Even so, we writers do make a lot of trade-offs to pursue our dreams. It takes substantial blocks of time to write and there's no way around it. Writers must give up other things in their lives to find the time to write. It must be a passion and for you it clearly is. Best of luck in your writing endeavors.
I guess that is really the exact point I was getting at. For me, I chose to give up my job (but I was ready to do that anyway-- just at that point in my life)and we could, with some adjustment. But, yes, EVERY writer trades something-- their evening time with family, chunks of time that could be used for something else, maybe a sense of security-- something-- in exchange to write. But we do it because it pulls us. Thanks for your comment and stopping by.
DeleteI admire you for making this leap too, it's my goal to get there at some point. Right now it's not feasible but I'm working on it. I think the trade will be more than worth it for me.
ReplyDeleteIt is most definitely about the feasibility, Julie. Although it meant lifestyle changes, we didn't risk our home or food or meeting our kids' needs. That wouldn't have been an option, but it IS an adjustment to seriously consider-- especially when it comes to family vacations or when something major breaks down (like a car, our current situation). I hear you, Julie. I hope the time works out for you at some point if that's your heart's desire.
DeleteWhen you have a dream, sometimes it's worth the sacrifice. I've only ever had part-time jobs, so I've always had the chance to write - I realise how lucky I am. I'm sure I would have given up a long time ago if I was juggling full-time work with kids and writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure even at part-time there is still some juggling. I've worked part-time too and it's amazing, especially with little ones, how much time is zapped from the week.
DeleteI worry about this all the time Julie. For me, the time I put into writing will be worth it IF I ever get a book published. The ultimate goal is different for everyone...this happens to be mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to miss hanging out in sweats all day when my maternity leave is over. ;)
Oh you're so spot-on. That "if" is the thing, isn't it? I think about that too.
DeleteCongratulations on the baby-- enjoy the rest of your leave. In addition to my comfy sweats, I just purchased my first-ever pair of "mom jeans" (much to my teenage daughter's chagrin). They stretch, they're ugly and they're comfy. I'm over 45. I'm allowed. ;)
Awesome post! Love it! I’ve never thought to associate the word “exchange” with what we do as writers, but it’s the perfect word for it. You nailed it beautifully, Julie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving me a new way of describing the guts and glory of my writing life. And like you, the greatest advantage and gift I gave myself was permission to follow my passion—on my own terms, on my own schedule.
I was literally burnt out on the 9 to 5 corporate life. I just couldn’t breathe in that environment anymore. It was a slow, daily suffocation. So I had to do some major midlife changes. The best exchange I got for pursuing my passion was my ability to breathe again.
Oh I feel a sisterhood. I know EXACTLY that feeling you describe. And yes, despite the financial struggles, and sense of insecurity sometimes, you hit it right on, I can breathe. Yay for the fresh air of following your passion!
Deletewow, i always admire when people can make such a drastic change. is it worth it? only in the eye of the beholder! if you love it, live it the best way you can! great post...
ReplyDeleteIt was a drastic change, both in how I spent my time and in how I perceived myself. But I think all writers, to some extent, make an exchange. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteAs they say in the House of Commons, "Hear! Hear!"
Very well said and I think it's awesome you took the plunge and are following your dreams.
May you never "wake up" and have to go back to the office :)
That made me laugh, Mark. I'm hoping to see some kind of lucrative payoff at some point. May THAT dream see fruition! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI took an early retirement from teaching to do the same...pursuing a writing dream, so I gave up a bigger pension. But I don't regret it and I am having fun! My job got to be very stressful. Good luck! Visit me at www.mycreativepalette.com. It is still in the beginning stages but you may be able to relate to the site.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca, thanks for stopping by. I love making new writer friends and will most definitely pop over to your blog and get acquainted. I'm always glad to meet another dream-leaper. :)
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