When I left the traditional workplace five years ago, after ten years working part-time as a fundraising writer for Nebraska public television and radio, I never expected I would want to return to a “regular job.” But here’s something I’ve learned in five years of full-time writing: flexibility and an open mind are key to having a fulfilling, productive, sustainable creative life. If something’s not working, you have to be willing to admit it’s not working and have the courage to try something new.
As a Triple Type A planner, it’s been hard for me to live in the gray space of not knowing when my next project will turn up. Off and on over the last five years I’ve often been anxious about whether I would get enough freelance writing and editing assignments and whether I would land another book contract in order to be able to contribute financially to our household. I missed the stability of a steady, reliable paycheck (to say nothing of human interaction – turns out, the Beagle-Corgi and the Philodendron don’t quite cut it).
Five years ago, I also didn’t realize that a writer typically doesn’t get a book contract every year or so…nor should they (I know of a very small minority of writers who manage to do it, but the fact is, writing a book every year is nearly impossible). That said, I realized I had begun to rely on book advances as a part of my income, and the pressure to produce book after book was becoming increasingly burdensome.
Here’s the real deal, friends (at least the way I see it): unless you have a very large platform or have established yourself as a multi-book best-selling author, you are likely not going to be able to earn even a part-time living as an author of books without supplementing your income in a variety of creative ways — and even then, you might struggle. The truth is, even with three published books under my belt, several freelance book editing projects a year, a paid monthly column in my local newspaper, and a handful of paid articles every year, I was still barely eking out a very modest part-time income.
Please know, I don’t say this to deter you from pursuing your creative dream, whether it’s to be a writer or a musician or an artist or a crafter. We need to pursue our passions. I believe from the top of my head to the tips of my toes that creativity is imperative to the health of our souls.
All I’m saying is that you should pursue your passion alongside a healthy serving of reality. If you are looking to earn a living as an author, you better also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and be willing to get creative with making the most of your skills in new and unique ways.
Honestly, I don’t have much of an entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of launching a series of web classes or an online membership community for writers or an I-don’t-even-know-what (see? not creative in that way) makes me want to shave my head, don a drapey orange robe and eat Godiva chocolate bunnies while chanting in Sanskrit. In other words, retreat as fast as I can into a monastic existence that also provides copious amounts of quality chocolate.
Alas, all this to say, I am thrilled to have accepted a part-time job as a writer for The Salvation Army Western Division! And despite the fact that I just dedicated the preceding seven paragraphs to talking about money, money isn’t the only reason I am delighted with this new opportunity. I’ve been freelancing for The Salvation Army for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment of it.
Plus, ever since I wrote a chapter in 50 Women about Catherine Booth, co-founder with her husband William of The Salvation Army, I have had a tremendous respect for the work The Salvation Army does with the people who are most in need in our communities. It’s an honor and a privilege to work for an organization that for more than 150 years has been serving those society has deemed unworthy of support, respect, and love.
Add to that the fact that as I was perusing an old journal this week, I saw I had written a prayer a couple of years ago asking that I would find non-profit human services organization that would be a good fit for my skills. I’d forgotten all about that prayer, but God hadn’t. As God has fanned into flame my desires to serve others with my specific gifts, he has been moving me toward this point in my spiritual and vocational journey all along. God is the best!
So that’s my big news. And just so we’re clear, I’ll still be writing here once a week or so, and I hope to continue to write books, God willing. Truth be told, I’m a little anxious about adding 20 hours of work to what already feels like a pretty full schedule, but as my agent Rachelle reminded me, I tend to be a person whose efficiency increases with my workload (thank you Triple Type A personality), so we’ll see. Something will inevitably have to give; time will tell what that something is.
Am I disappointed that I couldn’t make a viable part-time living as a full-time writer? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. But I’m also absolutely comfortable with and genuinely excited about this new phase of the journey.
The moral of the story? Pursue your passion with gusto, don’t be afraid to make mistakes (that’s the only way we really learn, right?), and know that there’s an infinite number of ways to make it all work. God’s in it, and he always, always has our best interests at heart.
Michelle, congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I’m soooo excited for you. What a wonderful use of your extraordinary writing gift that God has had in mind for you. Honestly? I think it is the best of both worlds!! You’ll be writing for a longstanding, honorable Christian nonprofit with a rich history, as you point out, in ministering to the marginal and forsaken of society. You will also be pursuing additional Christian writing to a different “audience” with books, essays, blog, articles, etc. As I said, the best of both worlds. And, hopefully, having a regular salary will help your family and enhance your other writing work. As a lover of the nonprofit, I cut my writing teeth in promotional literature which I wrote for the USO when I served as executive director there. I had no idea I was an author, but people seemed moved by the human interest stories I penned about our wonderful military and their families who visited our “home away from home,” as they transited our airport heading to various military bases around the world, . . .or . . . to war! While I gradually came to realize that serving America’s military was not my ultimate calling, I loved it there and believed passionately in what we were doing. And I also loved the camaraderie of a full-time job, and miss it to this day. What I take from your words here today, is that God directs both our prayers and our calling, and our job is to show up. He’s going to use you in a very powerful and special way. I keep saying this to you, but I’m standing on tiptoe to see what all that is! May the Lord bless and prosper your words as you reach out to those who need Him through this new mission. He’s fulfilling His plan for you and for them!
Much love,
Lynn
So excited for you! I greatly appreciate this post. Especially the reminder that the creative life can still be work.
Congratulations! The Salvation Army is such a wonderful organization. It’s so great to hear how God is directing your steps–prayers for much joy in all of your endeavors.
Uh, wait a sec. Did I not read that this part-time job is as a WRITER?? So, these good people are paying you TO WRITE?? How is this not a dream fulfilled? And for a highly respected non-profit, one that has always welcomed women in leadership? Girl, you hit THE DANG JACKPOT!! Congrats, best wishes, YOU ROCK!!
Yeah, I second what Diana said.
What a gift, Michelle. I think you will find that there is great joy and freedom in writing for someone else. Even with the changes I’ve made in my work life, I don’t want to let go of that piece. Blessings!
My friend just sent me your post. I’m in the process of looking for a part-time job. Although I refinanced my house, cut cable and other expenses, and had a good amount in the savings, quarterly taxes are taking too much from my income. I’ve been freelancing (mostly for businesses and universities) for 1 1/2 years full time. I had built clientele on the side of my FT job for three years before quitting. It’s tough, and I knew it would be. I’m not giving up, but at least for now, I’m looking for something to help me support my family more consistently. Thanks for your words and for sharing your experience!
Awesome! I love it when a freelance client or volunteer position transforms into a paid gig! Celebrate this one! Paid to write? Yes! Yes! Congrats! ( I know too many exclamation points, but they are an expression of my feelings of celebration for you!)
Congratulations on this important shift in your life. I am several decades into a life of doing and consulting in politics, leadership and management, so younger people come to me for career advice. I always tell them “Choose to have a life. If a career fits into you life great, but don’t make the mistake of choosing a career over having a life.” Congratulations on choosing to have a life.
Hye Michelle,
I third what Diana said, if that is a thing, lol. You may have to shift topics and work on something unfamiliar but what the heck, you are going into the perfect position. Congrats!!!
I too, am an A-type personality. About 20+ years ago I had that crisis that caused me to hit the wall, a huge wall or maybe it was a mountain. I wasn’t able to do anything for a long time, well, I went back to school, upgraded math and English, went to university and got English and History degrees, seems I set myself back. Finally, a doctor sat down with me and we made out a schedule I could live with, very tiny. It took me a long time to get to where I was allowed to go thru my days without using a timer to track my tasks, went from 2 min to 5 min, and eventually I’m up to 15 min per task. I also had to rest for twice as long as I worked. I don’t think you’ll have this problem, but it can happen to anyone. I have completed the “I’m From” poem, that was very telling, the questions it asked made me see my past in a whole different way. I am only trying to say to try to unwrap from the triple A-type living, if it ever comes back to bite you, you will lose.
You are a blessing to so many of us, please take care of yourself, I look forward to reading more from you as your life changes. God Bless
The truth is that writing – singing – sculpting – and other creative pursuits should be disassociated from the expectation that they should provide financial basis for living. This is for our own sanity.
If, by some great blessing and talent and luck, you can earn a living with one’s gifts, then by all means go for it. But to saddle our gift with the added burden of providing a living puts way too much pressure on them.
Creatives should be able to pursue their passion with joy — and that often means working in the dark of night, after the kids are in bed or on the weekends or stealing a few moments here and there. That’s part of the “creative challenge.”
So to work to pay the bills and to create at the same time isn’t a failure, but a natural rhythm of life.
And knowing you, you’ll find a great way to fuse your creative life into the workplace!
David Rupert this is so wise, and something I forget. Thanks for the reminder that our art shouldn’t be saddled with earning money.
Michelle, looks like you struck a good nerve here. Loved what everyone said. I wanted to add that not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur or feels led to be. I don’t like the marketing piece (as many authors don’t), and I thrived in a job where I received a paycheck, and yet was given lots of creative leeway–a win-win. I never went back for other reasons, but I always thrived in that atmosphere.
L.
Michelle – I think this is a great addition to all the work you are doing. I think most of us would be shocked at the amount of time involved (a LOT!) and income earned (very little) that actually make up the writing life. I know I always have at least 4-5 different balls in the air to try to make freelancing work. Your honesty is helpful for others, not to discourage them from the creative life, but to prepare them. It’s a lot of hard work. Period. But especially if you need to make money doing it.
You’re doing great work, Michelle. All of it!
You new “regular” paid job IS writing – so I’d say it’s a win/win.
Many hae to take on totally unrelated work to earn $$.
Way to go, old friend!
This is a fantastic opportunity, Michelle! And as Diane noted above, it’s a writing job of all things, so it does fit your passion and mold. Best of luck to you, my friend; I know you will be a blessing to The Salvation Army!
SO many lovely, kind, encouraging comments — I can’t respond to them all because I have too much work to do – HA! But seriously, thank you, friends – you are the very best readers, and I am so, so grateful for your encouragement and support. Onward!
Thanks so much for this because what you are writing speaks into my life as far as how it’s a good thing to have a part time job that brings in steady income. And what an amazing job you’ve landed as far as working for the Salvation Army. The Lord has set it up so you can use your gifts as a writer and help the poor and hopefully have enough time left over to write. I found my work as a composition teacher, three quarter time, gave me enough structure so that I could write in my free time. I was far more productive when I was teaching than I am now as a retiree.
Also what you say about the whole promoting our work thing and becoming an entrepreneur speaks to me as well. I don’t have that gift. In fact some of the market your work stuff makes me want to climb the walls. This blog is encouraging me to maybe let that stuff go and just get back to writing and trust the Lord for the next step with it.
Thank you so much for your writing and wisdom and openness.
Oh, so good, Michelle, this dose of reality along with responding to our calling. I loved reading the part about how you found an entry in your journal asking God to open the doors to work in a non profit some day. And as you say, God didn’t forget your idea/dream/prayer.
For such a time as this friend, for such time as this.
Michelle, I am so grateful that you let us in on your thought process! This is a great opportunity for all the reasons you and your readers pointed out. I also love that you will be gathering new experiences to write about that you wouldn’t have had. And I have a feeling this isn’t the last change you will make! God’s in control, isn’t he. I’m excited to see where this leads you. Blessings.
Michelle, I remember when you announced that you were going into full-time writing. And this announcement is just as exciting. Congrats! The job seems so fitting!
Yeah, even Pulitzer winners need their day jobs, right?
wow look at all these comments. Great post and fun to read what others wrote. Congrats on the job. When you wrote about your journal and how that came true – I have experienced the same things at least twice. Amazing isn’t it?
Michelle:
Thanks for your dose of reality. I know I want to keep writing and would like to work part-time again. In the meantime – caring for my parents, working one Christmas season at a Toy store, working some of the time with my husband a contractor also supplements my creative side – with time for reflection and introspection. I would like to know all the variety of jobs people have coupled with writing? (I know this also goes for musicians, artists, farming.) With just publishing my first Poetry book “Vignettes on Life – from birth to 102”, I can imagine people asking if they could just pay “what it costs you” price – and they would never pay that price – even if I was paid minimum wage for all the hours I put in. Writing and other expressions benefit us and help promote our vision and values, the way we have taken our experiences to be of benefit to others. I have a poem in my book (just now being printed) and soon available on-line – I have “Reasons to Work”, also one of Paulo Coelho’s experience of a writer, having another claim credit for his words put into song, the words helped reunite him with his Father. You will not make near the money you deserve for your writing, but it enables emotional connections and well-being in others. It is a fallacy that everyone can find jobs they love and fulfill all their needs. I’d like to paraphrase Theo Yu’s quote: “Choose a job which allows you to have the life you want.”
Congratulations,
I commend you on taking your new assignment. I am extremely happy and thankful that God is in it and remains in control. Even when we think nothing is happening, He’s right there, always preparing our next step. Like you stated, we should pursue our visions with gusto and don’t be afraid if it doesn’t look the way we thought it would, or it doesn’t produce what we thought it should. We must remain steadfast and assured that no matter God is our source, and He will meet every need, but more importantly, we should always be willing to step out of our comfort zone by faith, because without faith, it is impossible to please God. So keep moving, faith without works is dead. Continue to be led by the Spirit and stay connected to the vine. God will finish what He has started. I see your new position as an elevation. A shift to something even greater, so be ready for God’s best!