Should You Quit Your Day Job to Write?
I often get asked from readers if it’s feasible for them to quit their day jobs and make writing their full-time career. The answer, of course, is: I have no clue! The reason I don’t know is because everyone’s situation, desires and goals are different. Some folks have a mindset for writing 70 hours a week and trying to sell. Others prefer to have the security of weekly paycheck. And some actually like to sleep from time to time. The best way for me to answer this is to point everyone to …
I often get asked from readers if it's feasible for them to quit their day jobs and make writing their full-time career. The answer, of course, is: I have no clue! The reason I don't know is because everyone's situation, desires and goals are different. Some folks have a mindset for writing 70 hours a week and trying to sell. Others prefer to have the security of weekly paycheck. And some actually like to sleep from time to time.
The best way for me to answer this is to point everyone to this excellent piece by Jeff Yeager called 10 Questions Writers Must Ask Before Quitting Their Day Job. It forces you to answer the key questions and determine, for yourself, if you have the wherewithal and determination (not to mention anti-ulcer medicine) to survive as a full-time writer. A few of his questions include:
1. DO I REALLY NEED TO WRITE FULL TIME TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
2. DO I REALLY WANT TO WRITE FULL TIME?
7. WHAT’S MY PLAN FOR HUMAN INTERACTION?
So check out 10 Questions Writers Must Ask Before Quitting Their Day Job. If you're considering this path, you'll be thankful you did.
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Brian A. Klems is the former Senior Online Editor of Writer’s Digest, and author of Oh Boy, You’re Having a Girl (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster). Follow him on Twitter @BrianKlems.
