Sometimes when people find out my novel is being published, they ask “So are you writing full time?” At least for now, my answer is a big ol’ no. And for a lot of writers, especially those who haven’t really established themselves yet, alternate jobs are a necessity.
The same goes for many Olympic athletes. I’d wager that most of the time, the people we see competing aren’t supporting themselves by their sport. At least some employers can be understanding of athlete’s alternate careers, as in triathlete Gwen Jorgensen’s case:
“After the Olympics, Jorgensen, 26, tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune she plans to return to her job as an accountant at Ernst & Young in Milwaukee. Though she worked full-time at the start of her career as a triathlete, E&Y allowed her to scale back her office time as she became more proficient, she says. Her co-workers decorated her desk with Olympic paraphernalia, says the Tribune, when she qualified for the London games.”
First of all, she can do triathlons at this level and understand accounting? That’s like ten times my maximum productivity level. (See also, Stephanie.) Second, it’s wonderful that her office is so supportive of her athletic career. I’m fortunate to have coworkers who know all about the book and ask how the writing is going.
I think most writers and athletes would like to pursue their chosen field full-time, but that’s not always feasible. At the very least, it’s good to know that anyone trying to balance writing with another job is not alone.
Also check out this list of famous writers who never gave up their day jobs.
🙂 I love this Annie! And YES, both writers and athletes are probably in the same boat most of the time… not able to financially hack it if they’re just doing their dream jobs (true story: from my running paycheck, I could qualify for food stamps). It’s hard trying to do your best and make ends meet!
We can do it! Go team go!
I totally thought about you when I saw the article about athletes! We keep making it work. 🙂
Great link! But no women on the list. I asked for some (being a real buttinski). I’ll be interested to see more, if more crop up.
There was one woman on the list–Gwen Jorgensen.
Sorry, I missed it. I hope (and believe) there must be a few more out there, though. Oh, I just thought of one–the writer P. D. James, very good mystery writer. She kept up with another career while she wrote, I believe, and even used some things learned in her work in her novels.
I loved the link, very interesting that they didn’t give up their day jobs when so many of us wish we could, to be able to write (or run/swim/jump etc) full time!
Man, if only!
I’ve been wondering for a while now, what do you do for a day job? How do you find time for writing and working? (I’m struggling!)
I’m an admin in Educational Outreach (making materials for teachers/libraries/etc). It’s actually a great day job, so I can’t complain too much. Most of my writing time is scheduled in the evening–it helps when I actually mark it down on my calendar. And sometimes I can sneak in half an hour or so during lunch. Even those little bursts can really help. Good luck!!
my boss laughed when I said I was a writer! but even if it isn’t about money, how can you expect to be a writer if you’ve never been out in the real world and got real world experience?
Seeing as how my day job consists primarily of raising 2 kids, I’m not going to be giving that up even when I’m published and on the NY Times Bestseller’s List 😉