Almost four years ago, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and write full-time. It wasn’t easy, in fact it was a bit scary. There’s something reassuring about receiving that paycheck every two weeks without fail. I also lost several important benefits like employer paid health insurance and (generous) employer contributions to my retirement plan.
Even so, I don’t regret making the move. Writing full-time was a dream of mine for many years. Still, it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. For every positive, there’s a negative. Here’s a short list:
Pro: Somewhat flexible hours (I do try to keep a schedule but it’s not cast in stone).
Con: People are convinced I don’t have a “real job” and fail to understand why I’m not available whenever they happen to need something. Yes, this includes my husband. Sigh....
Pro: No boss telling you what to do and constantly peering over your shoulder.
Con: No one keeping you on track, it’s easy to procrastinate or become distracted.
Pro: No annoying coworkers to deal with.
Con: Cabin fever — gets lonely sometimes with only the dog and cat for company.
Pro: Save money on gas and an office wardrobe.
Con: Shopping for yoga pants and t-shirts with funny sayings isn’t nearly as much fun as shopping the sales at Dillards for smart looking, trendy outfits and cool shoes.
Pro: I love, love, love what I do. I wake up every morning excited about my current project, whatever that is.
Con: Wait, there is no con for this one. I’m a very lucky person, I have the best job in the world. Nothing beats that.
So, no, I wouldn’t trade writing from home for a return to the corporate world even though the dog and cat are bored with my constant one-sided conversations and my Tuesday Zumba class can be the most social interaction I have all week. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a good looking cowboy who needs my attention at the moment. Seems he and this pretty but stubborn gal he’s fallen in love with can’t seem to work out their problems.
Even so, I don’t regret making the move. Writing full-time was a dream of mine for many years. Still, it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. For every positive, there’s a negative. Here’s a short list:
Pro: Somewhat flexible hours (I do try to keep a schedule but it’s not cast in stone).
Con: People are convinced I don’t have a “real job” and fail to understand why I’m not available whenever they happen to need something. Yes, this includes my husband. Sigh....
Pro: No boss telling you what to do and constantly peering over your shoulder.
Con: No one keeping you on track, it’s easy to procrastinate or become distracted.
Pro: No annoying coworkers to deal with.
Con: Cabin fever — gets lonely sometimes with only the dog and cat for company.
Pro: Save money on gas and an office wardrobe.
Con: Shopping for yoga pants and t-shirts with funny sayings isn’t nearly as much fun as shopping the sales at Dillards for smart looking, trendy outfits and cool shoes.
Pro: I love, love, love what I do. I wake up every morning excited about my current project, whatever that is.
Con: Wait, there is no con for this one. I’m a very lucky person, I have the best job in the world. Nothing beats that.
So, no, I wouldn’t trade writing from home for a return to the corporate world even though the dog and cat are bored with my constant one-sided conversations and my Tuesday Zumba class can be the most social interaction I have all week. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a good looking cowboy who needs my attention at the moment. Seems he and this pretty but stubborn gal he’s fallen in love with can’t seem to work out their problems.
Cathy, you named the pros and cons really well. I still sometimes miss the camaraderie of working in an office. Also, you overhear a lot of good ideas for future stories. Um...providing the change the names to protect the guilty.
ReplyDeleteI do miss getting out of the house and interacting with people daily. Chatting with the telemarketer isn't the same :)
DeleteI have to agree on all counts. Well, maybe I didn't like writing for a couple of hours day before yesterday, but once I coaxed those characters into talking to me again, it regained its title as best job in the world.
ReplyDeleteYeah, not every day is great. I hear ya, Beth.
DeleteLove the images, Cathy. Especially the last one. That would make a create HW cover! I like to get my fix of working outside the home. I feel wanted and like I belong. But after a few days of that, I'm desperate to get back to storymaking. Never satisfied, I guess!
ReplyDeleteFunny you say that about the last pic, it is a book cover for someone's book. I saw it in the bookstore once. I got the image from Deposit Photos for 68 cents. Maybe the publisher of that book did, too - hee, hee.
DeleteI love working at home and am glad to have the opportunity to do it. That being said, I still love writing in hotel dining rooms, coffee shops, and library study rooms--I can't help loving a change of venue. Like Moira, I loved your images!
ReplyDeleteWhen I become a real writer, I'll avoid using the same word or derivative (love) four times in a single paragraph...
DeleteI envy you going places to write, Liz. I've done that but not often. Ask me again next year when my husband retires. I may be calling you for a place to write!
DeleteLol. You'll be welcome!
DeleteCathy, I loved the photos of your new furry co-workers. Seriously, these ARE the pros and cons. I'm happy for you all the way around. I'd add that I have more time to water my grass.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you that get to work from home. I've done so my whole adult life, save a couple of years in my 20s. I got used to people thinking that since I worked at home, I really didn't work at all! And writing? Is that work? But still, isn't it a lot like hitting the jackpot?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cathy! You nailed it about people's perceptions of the writing life! I'm constantly amazed at how friends, and even family, think I have all this extra time to have lunch, shop, babysit, help them move, paint, whatever...? I feel like I have less time than most people, Lol. But, of course, flexibility is the best.
ReplyDeleteI loved the post (and was envious, wishing I’d been brave enough years ago) and the pics, especially the Teeshirt. It sounds like you’re happy with your decision! :)
ReplyDeleteI really am. But I still wonder where the time goes?
DeleteThis is awesome! Sadly, hubby won't let me leave my day job. Some nonsense about being too close to being able to retire with a full pension and how I'll need that pension so we can travel to do research for my books...blah, blah, blah. So I have a few more years of burning the candle at both ends.
ReplyDeleteI get it, LeAnne. I didn't retire until I could swing it financially with my retirement :)
DeleteAwesome post! Just have to say that your little doggo in the hoodie is cutest co-worker ever! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am his therapy human :)
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