Why am I an Insecure Writer this month?
Because I've been thrust into the position of becoming a full-time writer much sooner than I expected.
A few months ago, I mentioned that my company was downsizing. Yesterday, I was one of several thousand employees who were released in the process.
Considering the job market in my area, I have serious doubts that I'll find anything that matches my skill set in the near future. I've applied for some local teaching and tutoring positions, but I have no idea how viable those options will be in the long run. Fortunately, we've built up enough savings over the years that we should be okay financially, though we'll definitely have to curtail our spending.
Despite the financial burden this situation places on my family, however, I have to admit there's a part of me that is intrigued, a part of me that has always wanted to know if I could hack it as a full-time writer. Based on my part-time writing productivity so far, that goal seems rather daunting, but I'm ready to give it a go. In writing terms, I've just stepped through the one-way door that is the first plot point of my story, and I'm ready to move forward.
I only wish I could skip forward in the book and see how it turns out in the end.
Wish me luck!
This month’s IWSG question is: Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have?
To be honest, I spend almost all of my creative energy these days working on writing, so the answer is none. Sad, I know. Now that I have more time, I suspect I'll pick up a few new creative outlets, but what they'll be I have no idea yet.
Thanks for listening!
Wow! I'm sorry you were let go. That sucks. Scary to tackle full time writing, but if teaching or tutoring brought in money and wasn't full time, you could make a go of it. (And my cousin makes a really good living tutoring, so it is possible.)
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope that's true up here in Michigan, too.
DeleteI'm so sorry. I hope all options pan out. I wouldn't recommend being a publisher full time though. LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat? You mean all writing related activities don't bring in a lot of money? Oh oh....
DeleteAh, I well remember that feeling of being adrift and embracing my writing like a life preserver. Can't say it pays much, but I do enjoy being a full-time writer. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. I do hope things work out, and that you fully enjoy the full-time writer gig. I love it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you were let go. I wish you all the best. Hopefully you can get a part-time teaching or tutoring job (maybe even as a substitute teacher). The money and security you'll get from that will help you to be more free with your writing without placing all demands on making it as a full-time writer.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's not good news on the money front, but glad you had the foresight to set aside some emergency funds. Fingers crossed that you'll find something soon. In the meantime, write up a storm.
ReplyDeleteYouch! That sucks about the involuntary career move. But yay for turning it toward more words!
ReplyDeleteI've found time has a tendency to get sucked up into other tasks. I hope to see more chapters from you soon. I'm just glad that you and your family won't be hurting due to the cut.
Well, we'll definitely be hurting, but we won't be thrown out of the house or anything.
DeleteSometimes life offers its own inciting incident. Where will it lead? I don't know, but if the door closed, then it's time to check your windows. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I do wish you best of luck. I faced that a handful of years ago and found enough online home-based work to pay the bills. Not without a huge investment in time and attention but at least, my current employer (me) can't downsize me!
ReplyDeleteThat sucks, but (dare I say?) part of me is jealous. And who knows? Maybe this will be a blessing in disguise for your writing. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you on your layoff because I was also laid off about eight months after my husband died. Like you, I have a lot of savings and that helped. I'm finding having a part-time job and cutting back on expenses is working. Now I'm hoping to only work 4 days a week and have more time to write. Good luck sorting this all out.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that but, like you say, it could be one of the best things to happen for your writing. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your job! Hopefully things get sorted out soon.
ReplyDeleteWow - scary, exhilarating, liberating. Wishing you all the best on this unexpected detour. You certainly have the right attitude to weather the storm.
ReplyDeleteI wish you so much luck, Ken! All the luck! I'm so sorry this has happened, but you seem in good spirits, and I'm happy about that.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the job, Ken! Best wishes in your job hunt. In the meantime, good luck with setting up your new writing routine! If you're like me, everytime my schedule changes some way it means I have to start experimenting with a new writing routine.
ReplyDeleteKen, we've just been through the same thing in our household. Seems you hit a certain age and positions are 'eliminated.' My SigO snapped back quickly. LinkedIn relationships are the best job hunting resource. I admire your bold decision to go full time on the writing. For us, unfortunately, group health benefits are a must. I'm six years younger than my spouse so I've been job hunting for something that I can rely on in that area for when he willingly retires. What I have now is not so great. Good luck! I'm rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with all the changes. I think you'll do fine on your new path. Teaching on a part time basis is one of my goals too. Go for it, and write, write, write!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best in your new full time venture. I hope it's even better than you've imagined!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the job hunt as well
Sorry to hear about your situation, but I hope your hero's journey is a fruitful one.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your job. I know that is tough. Wishing you all the best on your writing journey. Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteWow. So sorry to hear about your job loss. I wish I knew what to say other than my Hubs has been there, 3x. Devastating to him and the family. But we all survived and, in the end, flourished. Hang in there. Good luck with the writing.
ReplyDeleteSorry about you losing your job. :( Spending more time on writing, even if just until you can get another job, should be a good thing, though. You can get so much more writing done and really sink your teeth into your story.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a plot twist! Good luck with making writing a full-time gig. It's lots of work, late hours, not a lot of pay (yeah, we won't work this hard for anyone else), but very rewarding :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for Feb's IWSG Day Being an Insecure Writer -- And Happy About It
Sorry about the job. That is tough but I'm glad you have some time to figure it out and test the waters as a full time writer.
ReplyDelete