Don't quit it...but not for the reasons you think.

I've been reading a lot of very informative and valuable blog posts and other things like them on the Internet lately. So much so, in fact, that it's gotten me to thinking...surely there is some way I can return the favor. The problem is, what I've got to offer isn't really an compact article's worth -- or even a blog post's worth. It's really more just random things that I am occasionally told are useful.

So, with that in mind, here's the first installment of what might be a series. Category of the Moment: Writing and the Day Job.

Never mind the color of your parachute...figure out what you hate, then don't do that.
I knew people in graduate school who waited tables to earn money. I would rather be covered in papercuts and dipped in a vat of vinegar than be a waitress. Or a scientist, or a public relations coordinator, or a real estate lawyer, or a salesperson. 

Some things I do not hate: Sitting in front of a computer screen all day long. Interacting with people on a contained basis. Accepting constructive criticism and using it to make something better. Ergo, that is my day job. Which leads to my next thought...

There is no ideal, perfect, correct day job for writers.
I get really annoyed when I hear writers imply that all other writers should follow some career path or other. And I use the word imply because that's ALWAYS what it is. No one ever comes out and says that if you're not a professor/full time freelancer/fill-in-your-own-stereotype-here, you ain't shit. But have I ever been in a situation where I've felt like I had to apologize for how I make money? Oh yeah, absolutely.

There are plenty of other dumb things that are part of the What You Should Do If You Want To Call Yourself a Writer Canon, but that one is particularly full of crap. If you're productive and happy and you've found a day job that you don't hate? No one should give a rat's ass whether you're the UPS guy, an airline pilot, any of the jobs I named in the last part, a freelancer, or a professor.  I'm not saying that in a blowing sunshine where there usually is none way, either, and here's why:

Having a day job may actually be GOOD for you.
I want to read more stories about human resource representatives where the writer actually seems to know what a human resources representative DOES. Also: I am tired of The Friends Effect, where three people who made practically no money (at least early on, anyway) had a fantabulous apartment. I'm tired of deus ex machinae in the vocational category. Having an actual job not only puts you in the realm of the world at large, it exposes you to others in that realm. It compels you to participate as well as observe -- and I think some of the former is necessary to truly do some of the latter.

Comments

[elizabeth]

Well, this post resonates with me. I definitely agree that a day job is good for exposing a writer to the outside world...it's good for inspiration and motivation. And working somewhere you at least sort of like is a plus, no matter what the job is. Who cares where a writer works if the writer doesn't care? But I would also add that writers need to be challenged in their day jobs...but not too challenged, otherwise there's nothing left for the writing.
I find that when the day job takes up too much of my mental energy, that is when I want to quit most. It's a very fine line.

[Gwenda]

And, of course, the other reason to have a day job is that some of us (most?) don't really create well when constantly worried about money, poverty, etc. I'd much rather drag myself out of bed and into the office five days a week and find time for the writing.

[erin]

I hit "post" knowing full well this topic deserves some more unpacking. Thanks for the thoughts.

As coincidence has it, I just ran across a comment on the subject in a thread over at Ward Six: http://wardsix.blogspot.com/2007/08/your-writing-um-habits.html#comment-2185387054404415003

[R Ellis]

Wallace Stevens sold insurance, Chekhov was a doctor, etc., etc. Day jobs are good: they do keep you attuned to the world. When it's just you and the page, it's hard not to start hitting the bottle or self-destructing in some other way.