Friday, October 19, 2007

Writing vs job

It's Friday, which means I've finally made some money! W00t! Am just about to make a big batch of spag bol with the ours - we'll have some for our dinner with a nice bottle of wine and final of The Restaurant, and the rest we'll freeze. Anything that keeps me away from restaurant and fast food is a good thing at this stage.

I've been told at work that they want me to stay on, I'm not sure how long they are thinking of but it might be several months. I really want to work up until Christmas because I need the money, but I'd also like to get cracking on my second draft. I'm starting to realise that I will not get far if I work a full day and then write in the evenings. I just find it impossible to do; kudos to everyone who can, I have the utmost respect for you but it is beyond me. I stopped working jobs with overtime several years ago because the long hours took their toll on my physical and mental wellbeing, and it's become apparent to me that writing after work would have the same effect.

I can cope with not tackling my novel until after Christmas, but if they ask me to stay on longer it will be difficult to turn them down. I don't have much experience as a legal secretary so the longer I can stay in one place at first, the better. But on the other hand it seems important that I don't lose sight of why I retrained in the first place - to take regular breaks to write.

12 comments:

Cathy said...

OK, I would look at this from a different angle. A lot of writers recommend putting a piece of work to one side for a while then coming back to it with a fresh eye for editing.

Even if you work until Xmas and do no actual writing at all, then that is all you will be doing. You could always be thinking up ideas for your next masterpiece in the meantime, so at least you will think you are doing something towards the writing.

Cx

Flirty Something said...

just discovered that working and writing is not a runner - tough choice

Yvonne said...

cathy, thank you so much for your comment, it's made me feel so much better. My mind is churning over a few ideas already - and I know I can do a good job if I have a good run at it.

Flirty - it's not really a tough choice I've realised, I've just been nervous about not taking the easy route so I've thought about staying with the job for longer - but another job will always be there. It's the writing that matters.

Angie said...

I can't seem to work full-time and write in the evening either, it is just too emotionally and physically taxing (not to mention your partner starts to wonder when his time comes in ;).
Good luck with your decision. It's a good sign that they want to hang onto you though! It's good to have choices, even if it's tough to make them.

Yvonne said...

Great point Angie, it is definitely better to have choices than none. Thank you.

Beccy said...

I don't think I would be able to concentrate on anything in the evening after putting in a full days work.

Yvonne said...

Me to Beccy, I've never been able to work two jobs or survive on less than eight hours sleep. It's not something that I'm proud of - I wish that I could - but I also can't ignore my limitations. But I can work around them, hence the temping solution.

laurie said...

i'm trying to set aside sundays for writing. it's tough.

Yvonne said...

Laurie, that is tough but I'm glad to hear you're keeping the writing faith! Best of luck, I'm sure you can do it!

Jenny Beattie said...

I don't doubt for a second how hard this would be; frankly I struggle to write even without the full time job! I have enormous respect for you, and wonder at my own desire for writing.

I'm glad though that you like the job. I've enjoyed temping enormously and were I back in the UK would almost certainly do some again (maybe) but being in a job you loathe is horrible.

All the best JJx

Yvonne said...

JJ, that's such a lovely comment, thank you. But as a full time mother AND writer I think you take the writing crown. I only have my fella to take care of, and to be honest the poor man takes care of me more.

Emerging Writer said...

I have the same dilemma. I find I'm thinking about writing when I'm working and thinking about work (sometimes) when I'm at home, tired and trying to write! Weekends are the only extended stints I can get to. And the money I'm getting's not great. a 3 month contract. Wonder if I could live on a 3 day a week contract?