I wanted to write something inspirational and
motivational today. This is our first day back at school after the Christmas
holidays, and for many people it is also the first day back at work. I know a
few people who are planning career changes in 2020, but for me there is a sense
of, well, nothing, to be honest. I usually start a new year raring to go, with
lots of plans for how to grow my blog, how to increase my subscriber numbers,
and crucially, how to sell my novels. But none of it works. I simply do not
have the time or the resources to make it happen. So then I get cross with
myself and start searching for work from home jobs on my preferred jobs
websites. Then I get frustrated because it takes me away from working on my
freelance business, and the whole cycle turns inwards. This year I am breaking
that pattern. Here are my top 3 professional goals for 2020:
1, Be realistic. I have been trying to earn money from my published novels and freelance
writing for the past eight years, and I still do not earn a regular livable
wage. It simply isn’t happening for me. I need to lower my expectations, accept
that I am just an average human, and keep trying to learn and grown in the best
way that I can. I do not have access to business training courses, and I cannot
pay for a mentor to guide me through the process. I have no money for PR or
advertising, so I cannot build my author brand quickly. I can only take each
day as it comes.
2, Be flexible. I have been applying for “regular jobs” for most of my adult life. Back
when I worked a full-time office job, I was applying for work within the media
industry, desperately looking for that big break so I could move into
broadcasting and TV. But it was not my career, nor was it meant to be. I am a
creative writer. I love words. But now I am struggling to get into the very
closed and unwelcoming literary industry. I’m just a boring white girl from an
average family. I have no special back story that will propel me to literary
fame, and nobody has heard of my self-published novels. So, I will apply for
part-time jobs in my local area and be open to suggestions about how to earn a
decent wage while still caring for my family.
3, Be kind to myself. There is no point in me getting upset and frustrated every time I hit
the proverbial brick wall. It is an old pattern of behaviour, and I am ready to
move on. There is clearly a reason why I am not selected or considered for the
jobs I apply for, whether they are freelance writing jobs, or regular day jobs.
I do not desperately need the money. I want it for a bit of financial independence,
but I am in a strong marriage, and my husband has a good, reliable job. He
works in waste management; he will always find work. The work that I do is
important but largely unrecognised in modern society. I know how valuable I am.
I know my worth. And I will not settle for second best. I would rather be
“unemployed” that make myself ill trying to juggle a job I despise with
childcare and all the other domestic commitments on my time.
What are your plans and professional goals for
2020? Have you instigated a big career change, or are you happy and settled
with your lot? I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous new decade!
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