When I'm asked what I do for a living and answer that I'm a writer, the response is sometimes one of skepticism. A few have even come to the assumption that I'm essentially unemployed. It's true that many of us who are dedicated to writing fiction usually don't earn a steady income without conventional means of employment. Kafka referred to it as a bread job.
It's hard trying to come up with consistent work to expand our craft when there is the constant worry of having enough money to keep a roof overhead, food in our bellies, and all of the other expenditures. This issue has plagued writers for centuries. Back in the day, it was possible to be lucky enough to get backed by a wealthy benefactor who provided a stipend to a writer or artist in order to earn a wage and concentrate on producing work. While this system still exists at a much smaller extent, most of us writers will not have this opportunity of luxury. Instead, we have to work elsewhere while still trying to concentrate on our primary passion.
I've had a variety of jobs that were only meant to pay the bills. Plenty of moments occurred when I was stuck in a rut, hating my job and writing very little. This is a dangerous precident for writers. No matter how difficult and unpleasant our everyday lives can be as a result of dissatisfying jobs, it's important to rise above it and focus on what matters. I have so many experiences from my jobs that I feel like a more well rounded person. Every job opportunity presents life experiences, even the bad ones. Plus, it is important to struggle and work your ass off to get what you want. If everything is just handed over conveniently, where's the challenge? Why bother being a writer? If writing was easy, a lot more people would be doing it instead of playing it safe with a secure career. The point is that a job, no matter what it might be, is important when pursuing a writing career.
Lucky for me, I've found a job where I can use my particular skills to compliment what I'm working on after hours. It's taken many years to get this far, but I feel stronger and wiser from the challenges. I'm increasingly inspired to keep going.
