Navigating the Challenges of Full-Time Writing
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Chapter 1: My Journey into Full-Time Writing
Since January, I embarked on a significant experiment: writing full-time. With a decent severance package in hand, I took the plunge into this new venture. However, in about a month, my financial cushion will be gone.
Throughout this journey, I’ve found immense joy in writing online and have gained valuable insights quicker than I anticipated. Yet, this path is not without its challenges.
Making Enough Money
The primary concern is straightforward: generating sufficient income. To sustain a living as a solopreneur, I need to increase my earnings significantly. In my best month, I managed to earn around $1,000, which was exhilarating. However, to make this a full-time career, I'd need to multiply that income fivefold.
I’ve dabbled in ghostwriting and am contemplating technical writing to help bolster my earnings, given my background in technology.
Balancing Writing with Learning
Striking a balance between writing and learning has been particularly difficult. As someone who thrives on curiosity, I relish reading and acquiring new knowledge. Yet, dedicating most of my time to writing has left me with little energy or time for learning.
Previously, I easily absorbed information without applying it. Now, my focus is primarily on creating rather than consuming content, though I wish I could dedicate more time to learning. If my income were to rise, I would love to invest that time back into education to share more insights.
Fostering Creativity for Regular Output
I initially feared that I would exhaust my creative ideas by now. In the last four months, I’ve published nearly 300 pieces, writing three to four stories daily and scheduling two for publication. It’s a demanding routine that often leads to self-doubt.
Despite the pressures, my commitment to writing has profoundly enhanced my clarity of thought and self-expression, allowing me to process my experiences more effectively. Writing is a passion of mine, yet the pressure of turning it into a full-time career adds a unique weight.
Dealing with Income Fluctuations
Income variability is a common topic among freelancers. Some months, I earn a reasonable amount, while other months yield significantly less. Witnessing such fluctuations can be daunting, especially when much of it feels beyond my control.
While there are strategies to optimize earnings, many factors remain unpredictable. If I could magically eliminate my living expenses, that would be a dream come true. I just need to find the right opportunities.
Charting My Path Forward
I find myself at a crucial crossroads. Although I’m proud of what I’ve built, I’m uncertain about the pace of progress, especially with my financial support ending soon. I see several potential paths ahead:
- Secure a part-time tech job that allows me to continue writing.
- Find a full-time position that covers my expenses while enabling me to write, albeit at a slower pace.
- Return to school to pivot careers while still writing.
- Seek a full-time job and abandon writing altogether.
The last option is something I wish to avoid at all costs, as I believe there is potential in my writing journey. I’m leaning towards the first option, but finding a part-time job that pays adequately while allowing me to write is no easy task.
Ultimately, I’ve gained a profound understanding of what it means to pursue writing full-time. It’s rewarding yet mentally taxing, and I strive to make this self-employment sustainable. I cherish this lifestyle, despite its inherent challenges.
I hope my candid reflections have been beneficial to you.
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