Monday, August 6, 2012

Writing with a full time Job

I always say that having a full time job is what makes it possible for me to write.  Not having to worry about my bills or where my rent is coming gives me the ability to focus on writing.  But sometimes, the day job pokes its nose into my writing life, and that's not always so great.

For instance...today we launched a totally new system at my job.  Since I run the IT department, I've essentially been living and breathing programming and data migration for the last week.  I've also got a second draft of a book I'm working on, pass pages for FML that need attention, a short story I need to edit, and a hundred other things that I need to do.

Most of the time, I prioritize my writing. If it comes down to it, I make time for writing even if that means I miss my favorite shows or don't get to go out.  But times like this, I have to make my writing career take a back seat to my day job.  I can't be everywhere at once, and sometimes I have to make sacrifices.  I hate not being able to write every day like I usually do, but like I said: my day job is what allows me the freedom to write.  So occasionally having to give up my writing time for it is a sacrifice I have to make.

Plus, I like what I do, so that helps. If I hated my job, I'd probably dislike giving up writing time, but I like computers and databases and all that crap.  So it makes it easier.

Getting the balance isn't always easy. Days like today I work 10-12 hours easily and don't have the energy to write.

So, let's hear from you all:  How do you balance your writing and your day job (or family or other activities)?

8 comments:

  1. That's the million dollar question. I'm currently doing a very poor job of making time for writing.

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    1. Well, I think the important thing is to not beat yourself up over it and just to try to find that time. When I figure out how to do that, I'll let you know!

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  2. I write in the evenings, usually, and sometimes I use my lunch break to leave the building and go write in a coffee shop nearby.

    I do think I enjoy writing more because it is an "escape" from my real job. We'll see what happens if that ever changes.

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    1. I absolutely agree with you that writing is an escape from my real job. I think that if I had a creative job, I'd probably be able to write less, but since my job is so not creative, getting to write is a wonderful escape.

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  3. When it comes to extraneous activities, I take a moment to decide if they are planting seeds toward my creative goals and overall wellness.

    Setting calendar dates for social activities and day trips makes allowance for regular rewards to look forward to down the road. These rewards often encourage new perspectives too!

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    1. That's a great way to look at it! I'm woefully unorganized, but you're right about planning rewards so that we all have things to look forward to.

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  4. I wish I could write full-time, though fortunately, I do like my day job and I rarely have a late night. I get up early before work to write for an hour, and then I sneak in some writing on my morning commute. Some people get up early to workout; I write, and have the lovehandles to show for it :) I'll try to do some writing at night if I'm not busy, and I'll write a long stretch for one day on my wknd. I'm getting used to writing in spurts, being forced to end mid-chapter. As long as I can get in some writing each day, I'm satisfied.

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    1. I'm right with you on the lovehandles! I'm most productive in the mornings, and I wish that I could manage to fit in all the things that I need to do, but I end up prioritizing writing over exercise.

      I lived in Rhode Island for a couple of years and spend a few months commuting to Boston for work. I really miss that commute time where there was nothing for me to do but read or write. I have a 30 minute commute each way right now, but I have to drive and I feel like I'm losing that hour every day.

      I actually think that ending mid-chapter, even mid-sentence, is a great way to get back into the writing the next day. Ending at an actual ending point means that when you sit down the next day, you have to first figure out where to start. But your way, you can always pick up right where you left off.

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