Writing 9-to-5: A Blessing or a Curse? My Insights as a Full-Time and Side Hustle Writer
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Chapter 1: The Love of Writing
Writing has always held a special place in my heart. Long before I began earning from my craft, I was immersed in crafting stories, novels, and eBooks.
In 2017, I landed my first full-time role as a professional writer, a position I've maintained since. The following year marked my sporadic journey into blogging, during which I launched and subsequently closed three different blog sites. Additionally, I've freelanced for various clients, both corporate and individual. It’s safe to say that writing is a significant part of my life.
Here are some lessons I’ve picked up along the way—insights that many may not share and experiences I never anticipated.
Section 1.1: Degrees and Writing
You don't necessarily need a degree to thrive as a professional writer. Despite my lifelong aspiration to write, I chose to major in business due to fears of not succeeding in writing, believing it was better suited as a hobby.
From the ages of 12 to 21, I wrote stories without any expectation of profit; I simply enjoyed it. After completing my Bachelor’s in Business Management in 2017 and moving to a new country, I found myself in a surprising role as a Content Writer, which was a complete turn of events.
Section 1.2: The Burden of Full-Time Writing
Working full-time as a writer can transform your passion into a chore. Initially, I was ecstatic about being paid to write—wasn’t this the dream? However, writing for eight hours daily can be exhausting. By the time I returned home, I struggled to write even a single word, burdened by the tasks awaiting me the next day.
As Neil Gaiman said, "Being a writer is a very peculiar sort of a job: it's always you versus a blank sheet of paper (or a blank screen) and quite often the blank piece of paper wins."
While the financial aspect of writing was rewarding, the stress and learning curve associated with content writing felt overwhelming compared to my previous experiences in fiction writing. Often, I preferred to zone out in front of Netflix rather than write.
Chapter 2: Growth Through Challenges
The first video, "A Second Chance at a Blessing - Bishop T.D. Jakes," discusses the transformative power of second chances, which resonates with my own journey in writing.
Writing 9-to-5 can enhance your skills in various areas. Octavia E. Butler wisely noted, "You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it."
Through my role as a Content Writer, I was pushed to create content in areas I never would have explored on my own—blogs, websites, social media posts, and more. Over six years, I faced countless learning opportunities, often requiring extensive research, courses, and feedback from peers.
But through the challenges came growth. Much like having a personal trainer at the gym, I realized that the pressure of deadlines and expectations revealed my true capabilities.
Section 2.2: The Value of Rewriting
Receiving feedback can be a powerful tool for growth. As Richard Bach stated, "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit."
I’ve learned to appreciate the necessity of rewriting. Each request for a rewrite provides a chance to explore new angles and approaches, enhancing my skills.
While it may sting initially to hear that your work needs improvement, each revision strengthens your writing abilities.
Final Thoughts
As I continue my journey of self-discovery, I’ve come to understand that writing as a full-time job and a side hustle offers invaluable experiences.
In answer to whether writing 9-to-5 is a curse or a blessing, I believe it’s a blessing in disguise. Although the beginning can be challenging, the rewards and lessons learned along the way are profound.
With perseverance and time, we can only improve. Trust the process. 😊