What's your day job?

[DVGuru]

This is a question for all the unpublished writers like myself. What's your day job? Do you have a menial job just to pay the bills so you can focus on writing, or do you have a career and writing is something you do part-time on the side?

I myself am unemployed at the moment and looking for work. As I was searching through the classifieds the question popped into my head.

[KTC]

I write.

[Avalon]

Freelance text/reference and medical copyediting. Self-employment is difficult, but it lets me organize my hours to get my writing done.

[Anya Smith]

I'm an artist, but I'm trying to phase it out so I can devote all my time to writing.

[cuteshoes]

i animate titles and 2d graphics for commercials, cg movies, and television network packages (like the "coming up next on...." stuff)

[kc361]

I just graduated from med school, and I'm trying to write as much as I can (read: finish my novel) before I start my residency in surgery next month. After I start, I don't think I'll have a regular writing schedule for a looooooong time. :cry:

[rpl]

I have a menial (but well paying) job as a legal secretary in one of those big international law firms. I have been on a part-time schedule since March to allow myself time to write -- and when I say write, I mean mow the lawn, clean the house and sleep.

[MadScientistMatt]

Mechanical engineer, for now.

Unemployed as of July if I don't land another job before then.

[CaroGirl]

Part-time, contract Technical Documentation Specialist (used to be called a technical writer) for high-tech software startup. Although it pays well, it's not so much a career for me as it is a job.

[ChaosTitan]

I am an assistant manager for a Specialty Retail Home Decor Chain (could I get any more vague?). I hate it, but it pays the bills. And it lets me practice my acting skills. :D

Although I have to be thankful for the amount of human observation I can squeeze into any given work day. Some of the best writers (IMHO) are also keen observers of human nature. That and once in a while, a particularly nasty customer ends up as blog fodder.

The lesson: Be nice to retail employees. You never know who lurks behind that awful brown apron.....

[PattiTheWicked]

I do several things, but not all are paying jobs. I write for a local newspaper, I work as a Pampered Chef kitchen consultant, I'm a media relations grinch for a parents' advocacy group, I work part time in my kids' school library, and I'm about to take on a gig as a living history interpreter at a nearby farm.

The first two are the only ones that pay any bills though.

[sharra]

currently working as a team leader in an admin environment. Surprisingly, I (usually) like the work, & the people are great. Would still love to write full-time, though.

[Variant Frequencies]

For money, I'm a nurse. Neonatal intensive care is my specialty. I'm also a mom, and I write, read, edit and blog for a spec fiction podcast.

Life is busy!

[Zolah]

This is a question for all the unpublished writers like myself. What's your day job?

You do realise that about 80% of published authors still have to work at day jobs, yes? I'm a civil servant three days a week, trying to help people untangle themselves from the cunning webs of red-tape my bosses set up.

[alleycat]

I work for a structural engineering firm (fun with skycrapers, stadiums and hospitals).

Here's our website: www.sdg-structure.com (I did the cheesy 3D graphics you see when you first log on).

ac

[Manxom Vroom]

Technical writer in the automotive industry.

[RG570]

Right now I'm a sponge. Milking out the last of my savings so that I can have time to finish this novel I'm working on. I am looking for a job, but not very hard, since I don't really want to work.

[Maryn]

I eat bon-bons and snap at the servants when I'm bored. That and jewelry shopping pretty much uses all my time.

[hlywkar]

This is a question for all the unpublished writers like myself. What's your day job? Do you have a menial job just to pay the bills so you can focus on writing, or do you have a career and writing is something you do part-time on the side?


I work in a packing/config plant for an well know personal electronics company. 12 hr shifts, rotating. It's a lot on the schedule. But it also gives me 3, 4 or sometimes 7 days off a time. I also work at a sports bar as a cook. Both just to pay bills. Still trying to find career. Also trying to find a schedule to get my first book done.

[brendao]

I'm a former journalist and teacher, now a stay-at-home mom. I freelance to bring in extra cash - as little as possible. That's fine for now, because we sold our house in Southern California (my husband's a native) and we moved to my (less expensive) turf, Michigan. My husband is supportive of my efforts to write a novel, until the money runs out. Tick-tock...and I thought my biological clock was loud!

Brenda

[Macari]

Patent attorney.

[janetbellinger]

I have two part time jobs. I am a substitute teacher with the local Board of Education (this one could work out to be every day if I would allow it to,) and I am an ESL tutor two or three evenings a week. These jobs give me money to help pay the bills and they arte paying for the crateful of copies of my POD novel (cough,) which I have no intention of trying to sell.

[Nangleator]

Corporate job as a one-man marketing communications department.

I'm a 3D animator/illustrator, graphic designer, video editor, videographer, web master, print manager, presentation specialist (grrr,) and admin.

[mesh138]

pro poker player

[devdra@sympatico.ca]

technical writer - for 15 years now. For years and years technical writing sucked the creativity right out of me... but, with careful help, I'm getting better!

[JonMoeller]

Computer help desk tech. This means I know a little about many technical subjects, but never quite enough to be useful.

Honestly, I don't know why anyone would want to write full-time. Sure, it might seem all romantic and rosy. But you've got no insurance, no regular pay, and while pounding out your masterpiece in a cramped walk-up efficiency sounds *swell*, sooner or later somebody's gotta pay the rent.

[Jaycinth]

I milk hamsters.

[NeuroFizz]

Perfesser. On a three-hour tour. And Ginger is looking good.

[Button]

Freelance writing. :)

[JAGiunta]

I'm a software developer for a university, specializing in PeopleSoft (financial aid mostly), and I have a two year old daughter that demands I watch cartoons with her (Little Einsteins). I get roughly two hours a day in alone time, which I use to write. Reading is for when I'm at the day job :D

[doeraymee]

Secretary. It allows me to be at a computer all day, and when I'm not busy working for my bosses I can write articles and come on here.
SSHHHHHHHHHHH......http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif

[badducky]

Job? That's a great idea!

I should get a steady, part-time job.

Let's see... I'm freelancing in two completely different fields, doing two completely different things.

I'm also house-sitting. Seriously, you can make money house-sitting. You just gotta know people. Free room, and money enough for rice and cheetos. It's a sweet deal if you can get it.

Now if only I didn't have a massive sinus headache so I could write more.

[cwfgal]

Well, I'm published but not recently so can I still play?

I'm an ER nurse by night and a writer by day. The two go well together. The night job gives me all kinds of fodder for the day one.

Beth

[Silverhand]

Though I would just love to write all day, it doesn't seem to work out that way for me. I am the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for my small firm in Portland, Oregon. Furthermore, I make sure we sell dirt! That is right...we sell dirt! (soil conditioners for baseball fields)

I should say that since I cannot write like I want too, this has been THE best job I have ever had. heh

[jst5150]

Supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; obeying the orders of the officers appointed over me. So help me God.

[Linda Adams]

PowerPoint Goddess and Audio Visual Support.

[kristie911]

I'm a 911 dispatch supervisor...on third shift which gives me plenty of time to write. I've gotten very good at writing with interruptions...

[Nangleator]

PowerPoint Goddess and Audio Visual Support. Ah! Then you know the pain and heartache of the Last Minute Correction and the Computer That Would Not Cooperate!

[rbflynn]

Project Manager for a new 3D technology company (www.3denergy.net (http://www.3denergy.net) if interested), but over the years I have come to hate the corporate work environment. I am in the process of getting my masters and potentially shifting my "professional focus" to teaching when it's complete. We'll see if I can actually take the pay cut that'll come along with such a move heh.

I have become very adept at sticking to a strict writing schedule (very early mornings before all creative energy is sucked out of me by my office :))

[kristin724]

Currently I'm a clerk for our local not profit, and I have my newspaper gig on the side. I put in my dues toiling in the retail humdrum for two years , but I've always found the time to write, especially on receipt paper!

[rich]

I'm retired. My day job is...shaving? But that's only every so often. Showering...sometimes. I find that hygiene is no longer cracked up to what it used to be.

[Linda Adams]

Ah! Then you know the pain and heartache of the Last Minute Correction and the Computer That Would Not Cooperate!

And the presentation I got at 3:15 that was due at 3:30. :)

[PeeDee]

Presently, I slog along with the rest of the grunts, at ShopKo, which is pretty low on the Cool Places To Work list. If anyone has a suggestion for a really, really boring job somewhere, I would be thrilled. I always hear people gripe about how they do nothing at their jobs but sit around. I need that kind of job. I want a graveyard shift job, where I can bring a book (or a notebook!) with me.

Any suggestions? :D

[Maprilynne]

I am a stay-at-home mom with two kids and in the fall I'll be a law school widow.:) I am also a doula and childbirth educator on the side.

Maprilynne

[writingsucks]

I work at a public radio station. Feel free to pledge www.kmuw.org (http://www.kmuw.org).

Kerri
www.writingsucks.com

[writeorwrong]

Stay-at-home landlord.

[Azure Skye]

On Thursday, I'll be unemployed again. :cry:

[rwam]

IT systems analyst/project leader at a brokerage company in the midwest.

[Beyondian]

Checkout operator and highly-stressed tertiary student.
This is why I don't get on here as often as I used to, and why my edit of my first novel is taking so blooming long!

[pickman]

Presently, I slog along with the rest of the grunts, at ShopKo, which is pretty low on the Cool Places To Work list. If anyone has a suggestion for a really, really boring job somewhere, I would be thrilled. I always hear people gripe about how they do nothing at their jobs but sit around. I need that kind of job. I want a graveyard shift job, where I can bring a book (or a notebook!) with me.

Any suggestions? :D

Try taking my job - I'm working part-time as a data-entry clerk for the post office. I know working in a shop can be boring, but it does not compare to sitting at a desk, typing in addresses for hours on end, constantly. I could go full-time, but the repetitiveness would eventually break me.

Really tempted to go self-employed as a copywriter, but I need time to look into that area. I guess I also need the guts to leave my well-paid yet boring job.

[PeeDee]

Try taking my job - I'm working part-time as a data-entry clerk for Royal Mail. I know working in a shop can be boring, but it does not compare to sitting at a desk, typing in addresses for hours on end, constantly. I could go full-time, but the repetitiveness would eventually break me.

Really tempted to go self-employed as a copywriter, but I need time to look into that area. I guess I also need the guts to leave my well-paid yet boring job.

Hell, it sounds tempting...:)

[MidnightMuse]

Nah. Whatcha need is one o'these here Gov'ment jobs, like mine. Two hours of work, followed by six hours of writing-while-looking-busy. :D

[PeeDee]

Nah. Whatcha need is one o'these here Gov'ment jobs, like mine. Two hours of work, followed by six hours of writing-while-looking-busy. :D

Bingo! Where do I get me onnna dem?

[Rachael]

Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins. Unfortunately, it's awfully hard to get any writing done, because you're constantly busy-- if not with customers, then with mopping and cleaning and re-stocking.

[Forbidden Snowflake]

A job here and a job there. To keep me going through my studies and to get my plane to take off to Australia, together with me.

[expatbrat]

I'm both a Swim Coach and a Personal Trainer. I was the Fitness Manager for a chain of fitness clubs but found I can make more cash, and have much more time to do things like writing, by working part time for myself.

Was writing full time 8 months ago but found I wrote about an hour or two a day and spent the rest of the time fooling around. Now I write two or three hours a day in between appointments and training sessions, and spend the rest of the time making $60 bucks an hour.

[moblues]

I eat bon-bons and snap at the servants when I'm bored. That and jewelry shopping pretty much uses all my time.
I really wish that you wouldn't snap at us so much. We can't make the bon-bons any fresher, you know. ;)





Mike

[Cath]

I was a medical librarian, researcher and lecturer - now I'm a stay at home house-wife waiting for a working visa. Guess when my writing was more prolific... :cry:


Cath

[moblues]

I really wish that you wouldn't snap at us so much. We can't make the bon-bons any fresher, you know. ;)

We also want a raise, you cheapskate. :ROFL:



Mike

[lazy_sod]

During the school year I'm just a high school student with too many extracurriculars to even consider a job. During the summer I shout and blow whistles at ten-year-old soccer players for an hour. I also get to wear this snazzy yellow and black striped shirt...

[two40]

I have a menial (but well paying) job as a legal secretary in one of those big international law firms. I have been on a part-time schedule since March to allow myself time to write -- and when I say write, I mean mow the lawn, clean the house and sleep.

:roll:

Finance. I am currently between jobs and loving it. I have not had the pleasure to take a holiday in two years (at all) so I quit my job in pursuit of a more opportunistic role with a larger corporation. But before that I'm enjoying a short break. :)

[Siddow]

I married my money. Not that I planned it that way, but when he knocked me up I couldn't work for a while and then it just...stuck.
So yeah, I'm a SAHM who writes horror. Go figure.

[BrianTubbs]

I'm a pastor now. Previously, I taught high school history at a Christian school. Before that, worked in the DC metro area as a lobbyist, pr guy, project mgr, etc. in the association / non-profit community.

[Bubastes]

Lawyer. I will always want some sort of day job (I love my creature comforts like health insurance), but I need to find one where part-time is really part-time, not 40 hours/week.

That government job option that MidnightMuse mentioned sure looks promising....

[MicheleLee]

I'm a stay-at-home mom. Think I have lots of writing time? I have a 2 year old and an autistic 6 year old, so think again...

[Novelust]

I'm a benefits administrator for the clients of an insurance broker. You'd think it'd be tedious, awful work, but my co-workers are amazing and some of the stuff that comes across my desk is stranger than fiction. It's also a cavalcade of bizarre names (especially with my group of doctors).

[blacbird]

Industrial biostratigraphic palynologist.

(That is not a joke, folks).

caw.

[littlewriter]

i am a stay-at-home-mum to a lovely cute little monster of an 18 month old boy. i don't get alot of writing time at all because my son spins from room to room leaving chaos and destruction in his wake, i spend most of the day trying to catch up with him and stop him killing himself/me/the dog.
i was going to go back to work, but decided against it as i don't trust anyone with him. before that, i was a journalist.

[nicegrrl]

I'm a data analyst for various bio experiments

[Ordinary_Guy]

...palynologist...
:Shrug:
I actually had to google that.

Day job: freelance broadcast engineer (aka: "Flying Button Monkey"). Used to work for local news, now I do network stuff for a couple of shows on a semi-regular basis (and will be dabbling at a certain sports network as football season gets rolling).

[blacbird]

:Shrug:
I actually had to google that.

When you find out, let me know.

caw.

[TrainofThought]

I am a LAN Administrator trying to break away from technical support. It is great for paying bills leaving much for recreational purposes. That is about all I can say for its benefits. I write when I can.

[Becky Writes]

I'm at stay-at-home mom with 4 kids, ages 7,5,4, and 1. The oldest three are girls. All but the oldest are adopted (or soon to be). We're toying with the idea of getting another baby boy for my son's sake. :D

[nicegrrl]

I am an aspiring stay at home mom. All I need is a husband and some kids...

[DragonHeart]

I work at the local CVS/pharmacy as a "sales associate". Basically I work on the sales floor doing anything that needs doing, mostly the daily maintenence since I'm generally night shift. Luckily I've been there long enough to not worry about the registers much anymore.

It's not the best job around but it pays my bills and the hours are good. I couldn't really ask for more at this point in my life heh.

~DragonHeart~

[Anonymisty]

What's your day job? Do you have a menial job just to pay the bills so you can focus on writing, or do you have a career and writing is something you do part-time on the side?

I'm the media assistant in a middle school library. It's a good job with decent money but it's not a career, which means when I walk out the door in the afternoon, I can leave my job where it is and go home to write.

[SeanDSchaffer]

I'm disabled, so I pretty much have to keep myself busy doing the only thing I really love: writing.

If I did not write, my days would be nothing but sitting around and listening to music all day. Fun for a couple days in a row, maybe, but for a lifetime? No.

[willietheshakes]

I work for the largest single-location independent bookstore in Canada. I book and host our author event series, do PR, act as a spokesman, etc.

[victoria.goddard]

I work for the largest single-location independent bookstore in Canada. I book and host our author event series, do PR, act as a spokesman, etc.


I was going to ask if it was Nicholas Hoare, but then I realised that they have multiple locations, so I in fact have no idea what bookstore it is. Is it in Toronto, by any chance? Since I live there at the moment. it'll probably turn out to be in BC somewhere . . .

I'm a PhD student in Medieval Studies, so I don't really have a job. Funding and scholarship more or less pays the bills, though, and I do have a teaching assistantship. So, er, I teach Latin. My other job is as a gardener.

[IrishScribbler]

This is a question for all the unpublished writers like myself. What's your day job?

I'm an Admissions Counselor at a small, liberal arts college in the Midwest (my alma mater). Let me tell you: talking to 18-year olds all day gives great inspiration!

When my fiance and I get married next year, I'm hoping to be able to become a full time writer, but we'll see.

[erinbee]

I'm a full-time freelance writer. Let me tell ya - depending on writing for your bread and butter teaches you a LOT about discipline and time management. And working in your underwear :)

[Sesselja]

What Erinbee said.

[Inkdaub]

I work in a hotel.

[hjwilde]

I'm a Technical Administrator for a company who makes Isolators. Sounds boring but I really enjoy it and the people are great :)

Then I go home and I write.

H

[Serenity]

I'm a supervisor in an after school child care program. Right now we're in the last week of our summer program... WOO HOO!!!! :hooray: :PartySmil

eta: Oh yeah, and I'm about to become a grad student as well. Well, I will as soon as I get the materials turned in....

[UrsulaV]

I'm an artist. My life is long on creative expression and short on ready cash, but it beats flipping burgers.

[janetbellinger]

summer layabout

[willietheshakes]

I was going to ask if it was Nicholas Hoare, but then I realised that they have multiple locations, so I in fact have no idea what bookstore it is. Is it in Toronto, by any chance? Since I live there at the moment. it'll probably turn out to be in BC somewhere . . .


Good guess (on the 'in BC somewhere') - Bolen Books in Victoria. 20,000 square feet, and still packed to the gills...

Though I DO get to Toronto fairly regularly.

[Soccer Mom]

Lawyer and choir director (yeah, I know. Those two go together so well). And Soccer mom of course. Writing gets squished into whatever space is left over.

[Akuma]

I worked so hard to find a job during the summer--does that count?

Though, as a high-school student, I don't think it does. :P

Back to my superhero-by-day-writer-by-night routine, I guess.

[Southern_girl29]

I'm the Lifestyles Editor at a small newspaper in Tennessee. I get to write, but it isn't exactly what I want to write. But, I do enjoy meeting people and writing their stories.

[chartreuse]

Some people might consider what I do to be a "career" but to me, working as a legal secretary/assistant is the most menial of day jobs.

It wasn't so bad at first but I've been here five years and now it takes massive amounts of painkillers to get me through each day (I only discovered that this technique helps when I, for a heartbreakingly short time, actually had access to massive amounts of painkillers). Ah well. Now I just grit my teeth and ***** and moan my way through each day, whilst plotting new ways to waste time while I'm here.

Anyway, my partner is fully supportive of me quitting the day job and writing instead but we have to find a way to make that work financially and right now it looks like that would be a LONG way in the future.

[erinbee]

I'm a recovering ex-legal assistant/paralegal, myself. Leaving the legal profession was the best thing that ever happened to me. Still, it pays well!