I'm a writer with another job on the side


This week I had an inspiring conversation with my brother. He went on and on about how proud of me he was that I was pursuing my dream as a writer. I spent time complaining about my day job. Then he said something that stunned me. He said "Remember, you're a writer with a side job as a nurse. Don't let your side job ruin your day." I never looked at it that way. I always thought I was a nurse that wrote on the side.

Don't get me wrong. I don't hate being a nurse, but I'm not passionate about it. I love writing, but I don't give it half the time or effort I give my nursing career. Nursing helps pay the bills, but it doesn't make me happy. Adding words to the page, helping my h/h reach their HEA, that makes me happy. So why do I treat it like it's not as important as my day job?

Ever since that conversation, I've been writing like a mad woman. I've hit a few snags here and there. In one scene, a serial killer made an appearance. Weird, huh? It'll probably get cut, but for right now, it works. But I'm allowed to be a little strange. After all, I'm a writer.

Comments

  1. Wow. He really flipped my perspective. I think I need to adopt this new view. Thanks for posting this. I needed it.

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  2. I love this way of looking at it--I'm going to have to try it myself. I grumble A LOT about my day job, because it's demanding and it's not where my heart is anymore. Maybe it will help to think of it as the very time-consuming side job that allows me to be a writer. Nice post!

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  3. Agreed, it's a fabulous perspective to adopt. I've been filling my time with non-writing activities, not even including my job. Time to say "I'm a writer, I don't have time for your club problems." And stick to it.
    THANKS so much

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  4. Thanks for stopping by, ladies. This way of thinking has gotten me through some tough times at the day job. And it sure has helped me keep my butt in the chair. It works!

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  5. Kudos to your brother! I wish more people would see their passion like this. I tell that to people all the time. If a thing is your passion, pursue it like you're dying because that is what will ultimately make you happy. :-) I say this as I watch the dust accumulate in my house, etc lol Yeah, writing is my passion too :-)

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  6. LOL, Sandra. Sometimes I have to ignore the pile of laundry in the hamper. At least until I run out of underwear!

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  7. It's hard to balance writing with 'other' work - especially when the 'other' pays more bills. Kudos to your brother for helping you see another side!

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  8. What a wonderful pespective! I need to adopt this. Thanks for sharing
    Maureen

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  9. Yay! That is a great way to view your job. I feel the same way. They get me for 8 or 9 hours a day, but my real job is to write. It is like having two full time jobs, but it worth it!

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  10. Your brother is a genius!

    I am a writer with a side job of retail management.

    Follow the passion.

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  11. It's a good way to look at it. I was so lucky that I loved my day job, but I remember saying that it was what I DID, while writing was what I WAS, just like being mom and wife and Nana is what I am. Maybe that was just another way of saying it's my passion.

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  12. Your brother has a great perspective. I've cut down on my day job as a lawyer so that I can write more. It also increases the need to work towards being published.

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  13. Your brother is a wise man! I am in a very similar career situation myself and this post came along just when I needed it, so thanks:)

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  14. Thanks everyone. Glad my brother is so smart:)

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  15. I love this. The describes me to a T - my day job is my side job - and now I can stop feeling guilty for declining after work 'functions' to concentrate on my real work, which is writing. We all obviously need something that pays our bills, but that doesn't mean it has to define who we are. Thanks for posting and showing me a different way of looking at life.

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