Balancing Writing and Day Job

It's not factual that writers can give up their stable paying jobs even after they have finished their books since the average published author doesn't make the big bucks like many seem to believe. Sure some may get lucky with their first book, but in most cases, writers need to release consistently before they can make a full-time salary off their book sales - if they ever do. 

I am a full-time writer more than I am a full-time author. Sure I write books as part of my living, but the majority of my income comes from other writing projects such as the article you are reading now and other writing coaching I do on the side of writing my books. 

If you're struggling to balance your writing with your day job, here are some tips and tricks to help you manage your writing career alongside your "real job," and I say real job since this is what my mother still asks me when I'm going to get one no matter how many books I publish. 

Set Clear Writing Goals 

Your job sets daily expectations on you as an employee so why would it be far-fetched to expect the same of yourself as a writer?

Define your writing goals in whatever way works best for you, this can be time allocated to writing each day or week or even what word count you need to hit in this same time frame. 

Setting goals and sticking to them determines if your boss will keep you around so be just as strict with yourself and stick to these goals. 

Establish A Routine 

You have your regular work routine, I know I always did. The alarm went off at the same time, crawled out of bed, shuffle to the bathroom for a quick shower, and then off to work and grabbing a coffee on the way.

Add into your regular day's routine a writing routine that works best for you. If you have more time before work in the morning or after work at night, or even a break time in the middle of the day, find a consistent time slot to fill with writing and stick to it. Even if you only have the time on two days of the week, never let anything get in between you and that writing time. 

Prioritize and Delegate 

Being a writer while working a full-time job is going to leave the task of delegation to you. If you live by yourself make sure you prioritize your tasks to give you the best chance of completing your writing, if you live with a partner or family delegate some tasks to them to free up some of your time for writing. There's no shame in asking for help even if it's you asking for help with laundry or dishes so that you can dedicate that time to your writing instead. 

Utilize Productive Time

So you have the time to write - well why aren't you writing instead of reading this? Sometimes books are best written as you wait for the doctors, take the elevator up to your job, and wait for the bus, or on your lunch break. 

Downtime can be writing time, fill all of these pockets of time with writing and you'll be surprised how your writing almost magically moves along without you having even sat at a designated writing space. 

Create a Distraction Free Environment 

When it's time to write - it's time to write. No internet scrolling, TV watching, or anything else that will take your focus away from writing You're time is limited and you need to make the most of it. Taking the time to check a quick thing on the internet can lead you down the rabbit hole and before you know it it's time for work, or time for bed, or time to feed yourself or children. 

When it's time to write - It's. Time. To. Write. 

Take Advantage of Technology 

There's no need for you to be at a writing desk with a computer and special software to get your writing done, you already carry one with you - yes, your phone. You can carry around your writing with you where ever you go and maximize your productivity. Use the technology you have available to you, get a Bluetooth keyboard for a few dollars online to make typing easier, or use voice-to-text apps that are free to download. Where there's a will there's a way so why not use what you have to your advantage? 

Practice Self Care

When you take up the mantle of writing you might as well be adding a second full-time job to your shoulders - without the added benefit of pay. Make sure you are meeting this additional demand with a balance of self-care. Take breaks when you need them and don't lose too many hours of sleep or else you won't be able to meet the demands of either of your jobs without burning yourself out. 

Join Writing Communities 

The best thing about today's day and age is that you don't have to travel anywhere to find your people. Join writing communities, either in person or online to find support and connect with others who are in the same situation as you. This can give you a sense of community and give you the motivation you need to power through the down days you may find yourself falling into when the stress becomes too much. 

Celebrate Progress  

Find a reason to celebrate progress whenever you can. Every chapter, word count milestone, and forward progress is an amazing achievement and something you should be proud of and celebrate. Celebrating these small, but monumental victories will give you the power to drive forward to the next one so that you can celebrate again and again. 

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Balancing a full-time job and a writing career is a wonderful aspiration and I am proud of you for taking on this mantle. 

Now get to writing. 

With love, 

B.K. xo

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