This is the point where I swallow my pride and admit that I was absolutely wrong. If you’ve been following my blog posts, first I would like to say a big thank you! Second, you might recall that I wrote a blog post not too long ago regarding writing for a living. Now, I stand by what I said then, it can be done. But I’ve been given a whole new perspective on the topic.
Let me take you back to the beginning of September where I finally realized I was stuck in the same spot in my marketing strategy. My books weren’t moving forward and that’s not for lack of trying either. I was at that stage where I needed to step up my game. But to do that, a small amount of money is required and I didn’t have that. So, I caved into what everyone was telling me and I actually got a part-time job! Since then, I’ve been working at a chocolate factory…and before you ask…no…I’m not an Oompa Loompa 😉
With my paycheck coming in weekly, I’ve been able to start budgeting. Half of my check goes to what I call, “adulting”, and the other half goes into a separate bank account for me, “book fund”.
Progressively, I’ve accumulated enough money where I am now able to start seeking out new and more expensive opportunities to reach other people. Sadly, I can’t do everything I’d like…at least not all at once. This experience has taught me to not only budget, but decide on what’s worth the money and what I can get away with doing on my own.
I enjoy the work I do at the factory. Some days are harder than others, believe me. But, I couldn’t ask for a better job. Why? Because my co-workers and managers absolutely respect that I’m trying to make a living off my books. They even try to help me so I can make time for work and writing. Now, I don’t know about you, but not many part-time jobs are that flexible. Now, I can’t say it’s all fun. Working a part-time job and trying to start my own writing career are extremely taxing, mentally and at times physically. But it’s definitely possible, at least until I can get on my feet with one job—writing. I have friends that are writing for a living and I have some that are nearly there. But do you want to know what they all have in common? Time. I can bet you that it took them years to get to the point where they were financially stable. And that was something I initially had a hard time grasping. As my husband and pretty much anyone else in my life can tell you, I am terrible with patience. But the primary thing I’ve learned throughout this lesson…it’s totally okay to have an honest job on the side.
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