You know how they always say, “Don’t quit your day job”? Well, I did. In my defence I had to do it for non-writing related reasons and I know without a doubt it was the right thing to do, but still, I agonized over the pro’s and con’s. It’s scary. I’m waving goodbye to a regular paycheque.
One of the pro’s? I can work at writing full-time. At least for a while. DH agreed that I could take until late spring to pursues writing as a career move—and then, if nothing has changed, I go back into the work force.
I’m excited! And I’m scared. I really, really want this to happen for me, to be an income earning writer. And yet I know there are no promises.
But still, I’m trying.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” Sure, she was probably referring to soldiers traveling overseas to face the battlefield, but don’t we all face a battlefield of some sort? Sometimes it’s opposition from family members or friends, sometimes (most times) it’s in our own minds.
Another pro? Since I have to give back the computer I’m currently working on I got to buy my very own laptop! (I had to give up getting a bike to do it, but hey, no one said there wouldn’t be sacrifices—and thanks Walmart for that terrific sale!). I’ve never owned a computer that wasn’t owned by someone else first – no previous owner residue! The user name is actually mine!
Isn’t it pretty?
I know you’re waiting for the con’s but, honestly, I can’t think of any right now. I’m in new era honeymoon bliss. Ahhhh.
Have you done anything scary lately?
Hi...you should contact me. I have something that might interest you.
ReplyDelete:)
You won the B&N gift card.
Thank you so much for stopping my blog and saying hi.
Ebyss - Really? That is so funny--after my post yesterday on how I never win anything!
ReplyDeleteGood luck. It seems to me that you're doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteAt least, being Canadian, you don't have to give up your health insurance (which would be a big obstacle for me.)
Laura -- So, true...I never thought about that. I'm grateful.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!!!
ReplyDeleteLife is all about risk. I quit teaching without an agent (so you're one step ahead of where I was last year).
Here's to a fantastic experience.
So now you get to experience full-time writing, hurray!
ReplyDeletePerhaps the only con is now there's no excuse for not devoting yourself to your craft, although, trust me, it's easy enough to get distracted regardless. It's a different kind of pressure and will challenge your discipline as a writer.
Hope it works out so you can continue as long as you'd like.
Caroline -Actually, I thought of you when I was in the throes of decisions making. :) You're courage is contagious!
ReplyDeleteKathryn - Thanks! I'm nervous and happy.
Scary to not have a regular paycheck, but Go for it, see what you can do!
ReplyDeleteas for my scary- well I submitted writing to publishers, that's pretty scary.
Summer - Yes, I agree, that is scary! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Elle!! You'll do great :)
ReplyDeleteI think what you're doing is both scary and admirable, and wish you best of luck. You can do it!
ReplyDeletewow! you're so brave! good luck! i'm rooting for you! (and the laptop is a beauty :) )
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, both on the job release and the new computer! It IS scary. I promised myself that if in five years I wasn't anywhere with writing, I would go back to work too. Guess what? That five year mark is coming up this fall. Ah! What to do?
ReplyDeleteI admire your bravery and feel your pain! You'll get there, Elle, I can feel it. :o)
Congratulations! I salute your bravery. I read a Helen Keller quote today: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
ReplyDeleteYou're making it a daring adventure. Good for you.
And isn't getting your own computer absolutely unreal? of course I actually got back one that was supposed to be mine to begin with that the husband and kid had taken over but it's still MINE! And I'm not chained in the corner anymore, which is nice...
Best of luck on your new adventure.
~bru
I haven't done anything scary lately, but congratulations on taking a chance on yourself. I took that plunge a few years ago. It is scary. So far, I haven't hit the big time. Yet. But if we keep writing, keep learning, keep doing the best we can do ... it will come.
ReplyDeleteNothing ventured...nothing gained. You won't know until you put yourself out there!! I'm rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes...it is a purdee laptop. Does it do tricks? :)
DL - So far it rolls over, jumps and spins. Not allowed to play dead!
ReplyDelete