In my dreams, I would be a full-time writer. But in reality, some days I’m glad to leave my writing at home and go to the day job.
Here’s three reasons why…
1. A break from the writing cave
Some days, it’s a relief to go to work and take a break from banging my forehead against the keyboard. Work is a completely neutral environment away from plot and character and whether my crisis is crisis-ey enough. My work gives my creative brain a rest and allows my subconscious to work through some of my problems.
Work also gives me a chance to miss my writing cave and I’m happy to see it again at the end of the day.
2. Pay cheque
Getting paid is helpful but addictive.
The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
But Elizabeth Gilbert takes a different view when it comes to writing.
But to yell at your creativity, saying, “You must earn money for me!” is sort of like yelling at a cat; it has no idea what you’re talking about, and all you’re doing is scaring it away, because you’re making really loud noises and your face looks weird when you do that.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Having a regular salary (unrelated to my writing) gives me the freedom to experiment and not put pressure on myself to create. I can let my writing run free like a four year old without worrying about paying the mortgage. Wheeee…..
3. Fuel for the imagination
Whether it’s the Shakespearian or Games of Throne style office politics, the peculiar smell of a cubicle farm or the accountant with the metal plate in his head, work can be a source of writing inspiration. Not every day, but some days, interesting stuff will appear if you are playing close attention.
So these are my three reasons I’m glad for my day job. For the moment.
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