I've been a writer since seventh grade. Lots of published work through journalism and some short stories, but no novels yet. Coincidently, after more than 40 years in the work world, I did something new a few weeks ago: As my boss was once again haranguing me, good grief what a toxic woman, I sat at my desk and typed out my one sentence resignation email and hit send. Then I picked up my purse and walked out. I spent two days terrified and crying as I drove to Colorado for a five-day preplanned much-needed vacation, the first in almost a year. The next week I applied for a perfect job that dropped into my lap, but the company went elsewhere to hire. Add on top of that, in the next three months I have 14 days of pre-arranged and pre-paid vacation plans and knee replacement surgery with at least 6 weeks of recovery. So applying for another job right now doesn't make much sense. I'm 61 with solid retirement savings; a journalism degree and MFA in fiction; a stunning home with a 2% mortgage; adult children who are, for the first time, finally all supporting themselves; and a guaranteed (albeit small) retirement income from a divorce that is enough for me to survive, but maybe not thrive. If I were a best friend telling me this story and then asking for my advice: Should she consider jumping into her life-long passion of full-time writing? I'd say hell yes, woman! But it's different when it's you, isn't it? These stories and these comments are EXACTLY what I need to really think through this decision with eyes wide open. thank you thank you thank you.
I am aspiring but if I ever get published, I don't plan on quitting my corporate day job unless I become the next JK Rowling or Stephen King (which is NEVER going to happen). My corporate job was benefits and tons of flexibility since it's a creative-centered company.
I've career-hopped so much, trying to find a job I find as fulfilling as writing. The job I have now pays very well, but I can't see myself in it long term. I have my debut novel out (self pub) and I'm investing some time/money in learning about paid subscriptions in substack. Hopefully I'll be able to quit the day job soon.
I can't help noticing that the people in the examples (and the comments thread) have high-powered/serious professions. I think that the attitude required to hold down a tough job makes it easier to be disciplined when you do make time to write. I also think it helps to keep your brain alive. I write better in the morning, before I go to my teaching job. I find this more stimulating than trying to write in the evening and also it gives me a sense of personal achievement to carry me through the day. (and hopefully to inspire some young minds too.)
Having said that, I'll give up the day job with a snap of the fingers when a rich relative comes on the scene!
It’s a valid point about working high stress (power is debatable) jobs. It was a crash course in the art of discipline and organization for me. And I find the systems I used transfer over to writing. I’ve also found I have sweet spots for more creativity in the day like 4-6 and it’s insane how much I can get done. Unfortunately it’s not always conducive to kids
I switched from screenwriting to novels because I was tired of being at the mercy of executives. Now I'm tired of doing all the marketing. 😂 But I believe success will come to the writers who put out quality work and hang in there long enough. There's hope.
For me quitting my day job was never under serious consideration. I had a long professional career that paid well and allowed me to save for retirement. Besides, I liked regular paychecks and 401k accounts. I recently retired so now I can enjoy writing with no financial pressure. If one of my books sells, nothing published so far, then great! Like all writers I spent years wishing for the rich relative to support me so I could write and know my bills would all be paid. Now I have that and the rich relative is the guy in the mirror. I love the creative freedom!
I’m the same re I have a corporate job with a decent salary and great benefits plus stock options! I think I’d find it too stressful not to have a regular and expected income so for now I write before work and on long lunches. And maybe one day I’ll be my own rich relative like you. 😉 thanks for sharing 🙏🏻🫶🏻
I appreciated seeing the variety of perspectives. I also aspire to publish multiple books and articles and not rely on a day job for income. What I have done is resign from a full-time teaching position to a part-time one that I feel a lot better about and frees up more time (while still being able to earn money) for me to not only write but do other things I care about. I like the teaching work I do, so the door is open to keep teaching part time as I continue to write or just become a full-time writer when I'm at the place to do so financially.
I am nowhere near writing a book yet, although I plan on writing one in the near future, but your newsletters keep that dream alive for me in a small way. Your encouraging tone and enthusiasm for helping writers get their book published and getting it to be commercially viable reminds that my dream is realistic. Keep up the good work, Kristen.
That’s exactly what I did. Good luck with your article.
I've been a writer since seventh grade. Lots of published work through journalism and some short stories, but no novels yet. Coincidently, after more than 40 years in the work world, I did something new a few weeks ago: As my boss was once again haranguing me, good grief what a toxic woman, I sat at my desk and typed out my one sentence resignation email and hit send. Then I picked up my purse and walked out. I spent two days terrified and crying as I drove to Colorado for a five-day preplanned much-needed vacation, the first in almost a year. The next week I applied for a perfect job that dropped into my lap, but the company went elsewhere to hire. Add on top of that, in the next three months I have 14 days of pre-arranged and pre-paid vacation plans and knee replacement surgery with at least 6 weeks of recovery. So applying for another job right now doesn't make much sense. I'm 61 with solid retirement savings; a journalism degree and MFA in fiction; a stunning home with a 2% mortgage; adult children who are, for the first time, finally all supporting themselves; and a guaranteed (albeit small) retirement income from a divorce that is enough for me to survive, but maybe not thrive. If I were a best friend telling me this story and then asking for my advice: Should she consider jumping into her life-long passion of full-time writing? I'd say hell yes, woman! But it's different when it's you, isn't it? These stories and these comments are EXACTLY what I need to really think through this decision with eyes wide open. thank you thank you thank you.
I’m so happy they helped! And I’m so excited for your next step, whatever it is!!
Haven’t quit my day job yet. Two little kids and a household that depends on my income. But still drafting and querying, we’ll see where it goes!
I hope it goes somewhere amazing!
I am aspiring but if I ever get published, I don't plan on quitting my corporate day job unless I become the next JK Rowling or Stephen King (which is NEVER going to happen). My corporate job was benefits and tons of flexibility since it's a creative-centered company.
I love this article! I know some of the writers, going to check out all the others!
I've career-hopped so much, trying to find a job I find as fulfilling as writing. The job I have now pays very well, but I can't see myself in it long term. I have my debut novel out (self pub) and I'm investing some time/money in learning about paid subscriptions in substack. Hopefully I'll be able to quit the day job soon.
This was very insightful. Thank you so much for sharing these stories.
This is great!
I can't help noticing that the people in the examples (and the comments thread) have high-powered/serious professions. I think that the attitude required to hold down a tough job makes it easier to be disciplined when you do make time to write. I also think it helps to keep your brain alive. I write better in the morning, before I go to my teaching job. I find this more stimulating than trying to write in the evening and also it gives me a sense of personal achievement to carry me through the day. (and hopefully to inspire some young minds too.)
Having said that, I'll give up the day job with a snap of the fingers when a rich relative comes on the scene!
It’s a valid point about working high stress (power is debatable) jobs. It was a crash course in the art of discipline and organization for me. And I find the systems I used transfer over to writing. I’ve also found I have sweet spots for more creativity in the day like 4-6 and it’s insane how much I can get done. Unfortunately it’s not always conducive to kids
Thanks for sharing!
I switched from screenwriting to novels because I was tired of being at the mercy of executives. Now I'm tired of doing all the marketing. 😂 But I believe success will come to the writers who put out quality work and hang in there long enough. There's hope.
Lol! The grass is always greener!
Fab! Wish I'd read this before I quit the day job!
Thank you for the opportunity to be in such an incredible cast of authors here!
Thanks so much, Kristen. This is a great post and I enjoyed reading about the other authors.
Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Sheryl Crow! So glad she inspired you to change your life!
For me quitting my day job was never under serious consideration. I had a long professional career that paid well and allowed me to save for retirement. Besides, I liked regular paychecks and 401k accounts. I recently retired so now I can enjoy writing with no financial pressure. If one of my books sells, nothing published so far, then great! Like all writers I spent years wishing for the rich relative to support me so I could write and know my bills would all be paid. Now I have that and the rich relative is the guy in the mirror. I love the creative freedom!
“and the rich relative is the guy in the mirror” - love this!
No one else in my family has stepped up and volunteered!
I’m the same re I have a corporate job with a decent salary and great benefits plus stock options! I think I’d find it too stressful not to have a regular and expected income so for now I write before work and on long lunches. And maybe one day I’ll be my own rich relative like you. 😉 thanks for sharing 🙏🏻🫶🏻
I appreciated seeing the variety of perspectives. I also aspire to publish multiple books and articles and not rely on a day job for income. What I have done is resign from a full-time teaching position to a part-time one that I feel a lot better about and frees up more time (while still being able to earn money) for me to not only write but do other things I care about. I like the teaching work I do, so the door is open to keep teaching part time as I continue to write or just become a full-time writer when I'm at the place to do so financially.
Sounds like you’ve set up the best of two worlds!
I am nowhere near writing a book yet, although I plan on writing one in the near future, but your newsletters keep that dream alive for me in a small way. Your encouraging tone and enthusiasm for helping writers get their book published and getting it to be commercially viable reminds that my dream is realistic. Keep up the good work, Kristen.
This makes my day! Thanks so much for the kind words. I can’t wait to see what you do, whenever you start!