I've been writing and teaching writing on the side for the last 20 years. Both passions have been relegated to hobbies or side gigs for most of that time due to the need to survive. Even though writing and instructing full time is my dream, I've never pursued it as my main income source.
Why was I afraid?
Despite a divorce that was, at times, nasty-- And despite living in poverty to the point Ramen noodles seemed expensive--
Well, I've turned things around. The catalyst? I was fired. Supposedly with warning, but a judge sided with me saying it was without warning and I was owed unemployment. The process was taxing, and I had to scramble for another job while fighting for pennies to prevent me from losing my house. Still, I only considered jobs that would use the skills I've invested in building over the last two decades.
No more leasing. No more real estate. No more shifts as a barista.
I now have three jobs that together provide me just enough $$ to get by while allowing me to continue to grow my skillset into one that will land me a salaried position. Curious?
Job 1: 10-20 hours a week paid hourly as a social media manager, writer, editor and project manager
Job 2: Instructing Writing through Trauma to Truth, Writing the Wave, Generative Writing and working with private students at the Center for Creative Writing. (creativewritingcenter.com)
Job 3: Writing 8 articles a month for blogs on topics of addiction recovery.
If I need more money, I can ask for more work from jobs 1 & 3, but instead, I've been prioritizing applications for fellowships, grants, and publication for my private writing. When I do land a publication, it pays as much or more than Job 3!
I'm proud of myself. It's amazing to have gone right back to what I already know works and find a new way to pursue it. Of course, it's a lot to keep track of, but I'm doing well at staying organized because what I'm doing is what I love doing.