I quit my job to be a writer.
I so wish I could say that. Wouldn’t that be the ultimate awesome? The truth is, I was laid off on Friday along with a handful of other people because my (now) former employer went through a ‘workforce reduction’. Trust me, this is much less insulting that being ‘right sized’ or ‘delayered’ and yes I’ve seen both happen at former companies (just never to me). This borders on stressful because I’m the primary income in our house. But for now I’m keeping my head up and…
…figuring out how to make it all relate to my writing. Epic, ne?
First of all there’s the obvious: when I’m not spamming job sites and prospective employers with my resume/going on the thousands (or tens) of job interviews I’m sure will roll in any hour now, I can write. I can read. I can catch up on all that stuff I managed to put off for time reasons. Like the two books I have about writing queries, and the copy of ‘Paranormalcy’ I picked up from the Borders that’s going out of business down the street (epic sad face).
Second of all, though. The less obvious. One of my current projects deals with two characters who have just lost their livelihood. Except, even though I loved my last job (yes, really), it wasn’t my childhood dream come to life and snatched away from me by a greedy corporate software gaming company.
This being laid off thing is new to me. But it makes it a whole hell of a lot easier to me to get inside Scott’s and Zach’s heads. I know, I seem to spend a lot of time in Scott’s head anyway, or visa-versa, but this is different. This gives me a perspective I haven’t had before.
And they’re about to suffer every self-doubt and depression I won’t allow myself to wallow in because it’s counter-productive. It’s time to make my characters suffer. For a good cause, of course.
Do you ever project your negative (or positive) emotions onto characters to help work through them?
And do you know anyone in the Salt Lake area who’s hiring a talented and adorable technical analyst who also writes fiction in her spare time?
Good luck with the job hunt. It’s hard, I know, but don’t let it get you down. I hope at least they gave you a good severance package!
And enjoy the extra writing time while you can. When you start a new job, you’ll have all that settling in etc to do which will probably take your mind away from your writing for a while. Make up for it now…
I’m sorry you lost your job. I hope you find a better one that you absolutely love.
*hugs and offers chocolate*
That really sucks about your job. I know last year, when I was let go after only a couple of months, it was a new low experience for me. I went from leaving jobs due to college and debate, jobs that wanted me to stay and even the seasonal Target job being given the option to stay if I wanted to, down to being “fired” for the first time. And seeing my replacement at my desk already when I went to get my belongings. It sucks. That’s probably the nicest way to put it at least. But you’re right. It’s best not to wallow personally in those moments.
But your characters can. Poor novel characters. *offers your characters pie and pizza* Maybe that will help a little.
I know nothing about the SLC job-scape. I had a hard time ever getting jobs when I lived in Ogden. There I worked at places like Target and Home Depot. So, good luck with the job search.
Hope you find a new job soon, before loss of income disheartens your outlook.
Sorry about the job. It’s happened to a few members of my family. I hope the big writing break finds you so you can make your first statement true.
Sorry you lost your job. I was made redundant at the end of 2009 and spent 6 months unemployed and got loads of writing done in that time. Stay positive and stay away from daytime tv; it only serves to demotivate people!
Glad you can get something positive out of the experience, everything happens for a reason – I ended up getting a job that I absolutely love, and I’m sure you will too. Have fun writing!
@Dawn & Angeline – um…ouch. I am very grateful it was an amicable parting and that i wasn’t cliched out of the position and that no one was taking up my desk while I was being let go.
@Everyone – thank you all for the kind words and support ^_^
I’m sorry about the job! But, new opportunities and all that can end up being way better!! I hope you find something soon! And get some great quality writing done in the meanwhile!
After a (vacation) week spent at home working on my writing career at last, Monday morning was really hard. But being laid off must be worse. I hope you find another job soon… otherwise, start uploading on Smashwords and get some dough! I’d buy your novel! 🙂
Unfortunately I live on the other side of the ocean, so I can’t help you with the job hunt, so best of luck with that…
Barb