Last Wednesday night when I learned my earnings from my books had far surpassed my day job salary, I rocketed into a state of ecstasy and giddiness. Even now, I'm still flying on the news. Sure, the money is important, just ask my partner. But for me, there’s so much more to it than that.
For two years I’ve held two full-time jobs. One – a Fortune 20 corporate position. Two – writer. When I began this journey, I thought, “I’ll get a few books out. Make some money. Quit the day job.” Right? (Sarcastic tone)
Sounded so easy back then, but it’s turned out to be more difficult than I imagined. My weeks became day job / night writing & weekend writing. Then there’s the promo I did for my books, etc. Soon, I had to give up much of my very active social life. For some, that wouldn’t be a big sacrifice. For me, it was. I love parties. My partner often went to dinner with friends alone and continued to send my apologies and to say, “He’s working on a book.” I am not the only one who has sacrificed to get to this moment. So did he. Thank you, Stephen. I love you.
Even with all the time I dedicated to writing it still was hard to deliver the stories swirling in my imagination. Why? I had a split mind. I would shut off the work laptop for the day gig and then flip on the personal laptop for the night gig (writing). Very tough. My thoughts kept drifting back to the day job in the middle of scenes. Not good. Still, I forged ahead. Pushed. Kicked. Screamed. Failed. Quit. Got up. Rededicated. Pushed. Kicked. Screamed. Failed. And on and on. Thankfully, my dream is finally realized.
07-Sep-2009 - my first book, Perfection: Eternally Three, was published.
05-Sep-2011 - giving my two-week notice to the day job I’ve had for twelve years.
16-Sep-2011 - will be my last day with the day job.
17-Sep-2011 - will be my first day as a full-time writer.
I’ve learned in the last two years that the winners aren't always the most talented or lucky. Sometimes, they are the ones who just don’t stop, just don’t give up - no matter what comes.
So please, whatever your dream, keep pushing, kicking, screaming...
You deserve it, babe. And for the second time today, you've inspired me.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Thank you. Thank you. I know that we do not know each other personally, but I had to tell you thanks anyway. I really needed to hear that. It is always motivating to hear about someone's success especially when you are a newbie and a tiny bit fearful of the unknown. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you. Congats Kris!
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! You go Honey! I'm so excited for you I'm doing a happy dance! THIS was always a part of you, no matter whether you worked another job or not. You waited and worked and sweated and paid your dues. You were probably writing fulltime hours before, and now you can proclaim that you ARE a fulltime writer! I'm glad you gave kudos to Sephen too. Our significant others sacrifice much so we can fulfill our dreams and he is to be applauded too. I'm so, so happy for you Kris!
ReplyDeleteI am damn proud of you, Kris. You earned this.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That's awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks all. The day job was a bitch today. Much easier to take knowing I will be leaving soon.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you! I hate to remind you that I said I told you so, but... you know. *wink*
ReplyDelete