Return to work or write a book?

[Holymosquito]

I’m a SAHM and both my DCs have now started full/part time school/childcare. I have been looking forward to spending a few days a week writing a book but now a part time job has come up?

If I take the job then it will be a real hassle with childcare and its a demanding job which means taking work home on a daily basis. However its a great role which is a fantastic chance to get back into work and move into a new area of my field. The pay is negligable to the family finances but would allow me to boost my pension pot.

I’ve been wanting to write this book for 10 years and I now finally have a window to do so. My original plans were to wait until next year to return to work but this is an exciting opportunity.

WWYD?

I would take the job. Pension is important. Also, you may find it possible to write the book AND work as often the more one has to do the greater the productivity. Even if you don't manage to write the book now, you will have a decent pension to write it when you retire.

Give yourself a year and write the book. A deadline can be very scary but really motivating.

eek, still on the fence then!

@holymosquito Think about it, though. If you start work, you'll be expect to continue to work - your CV will look crap if you start and then stop again. It's going to be a hassle as far as the kids are concerned and the difference in money isn't worth it.

This is a time when you can legitimately still call yourself a SAHM (as far as your CV is concerned) but have some time for yourself where you can try to carve out a completely new career.

That's what I did (in slightly different circumstances) and it worked out. Give it a go!

You do know writers get paid sweet fuck all, unless you're the next JK Rowling, don't you? You'll also have to do 99% of all your promotion for your book, the publishers won't bother unless they're fairly certain you'll be a no.1 bestseller.

Depends on the deal, @cherryblossom23. That doesn't apply to me or to any of the published writer friends I have.

Please do it. You could regret not trying and there are the odd PT work from home jobs (Virtual PA etc) you could do if you're feeling the pinch.
I didn't go back after mat leave 5 years ago in order to 'try' writing as a career, and it was the best decision I ever made.
Happy to chat in more detail if you want!

Thank you for the very valid point that if I go back I will need to stay back at work.

I’m not expecting to be able to make money from the book, although if it becomes the next Wolf Hall then I won’t say no! It’s a story that has been going on at me for years demanding to be told and now is (finally) the time.

I fully expect to be going back to the day job this time next year, unless the book turns out to be a success

Do that. Set yourself a deadline of a year and write the bloody book! Don't go setting precedents of working outside the home if you don't have to and don't want to!

The Creative Writing section here really helped me when I was starting off - get yourself on there and make some writer friends!