AIBU to consider taking a lower paid job so that I can finish my novel?

[undeecided]

I've been writing for about ten years around work, and I'm (still) unpublished. My current job leaves me no time for writing at all. I've just been offered a job at a place where I used to work which would leave me time to write (and finish my MA) but the money, although i can manage on it, is less. I am very tempted but I am single with dc so I also feel I should grit my teeth and put aside my unprofitable dreams at this point. Current job is not such a good fit in terms of culture or future prospects, it really is all about the difference in salary and providing a bit extra for the dc as they go into their teens.

Self publishing might make it stressful. And aiming for published puts pressure on. It’s more about the process. Writing just feels good. Creating something out of nothing feels good. But you do need headspace and a bit of energy. I’ve just finished an edit and this is considered an early night! Good luck, OP. I hope it all works out for you.

Hotdog you understand and represent my point of view exactly.

It does sound as if you need to take the novel writing out of the equation other than to consider it as a hobby and therefore part of the work-life balance. It does sound as if you would be happier in the other job.

The novel writing is the whole point. If you don’t do it now, you’ll want to do it later. And you can do it now, so do.

Take the part-time job!

You really obviously want to.

You can still get another full-time job in the future if money becomes an issue.

Follow your dreams now. :)

Sorry to be blunt but surely if you were any good you'd at least have an offer by now.
Don't mug yourself (and your kids) for a daydream

OP is asking if she’s justified in taking a hobby with fewer hours in order to to persue a hobby that makes her happy. How is she mugging off her kids? She’ll see them more, she’ll be a happier person and she can cover the bills. Better than an over-worked, under fulfilled parent!

It's unusual to be able to switch to p-t and have as good - let alone better - prospects for promotion and development than in a f-t role. So I'd say grab this opportunity with both hands, if you can afford to, and indeed it sounds like you can and will.

Sorry to be blunt but surely if you were any good you'd at least have an offer by now.

Do you know how many times Harry Potter was rejected before it was published? Yet millions of children love it. It is not because the OP might not be a good author, it is because publishing is so random that it is better to see it as a hobby. It sounds though as if the current job isn't working on a number of different areas.

As above. 99.99% of writers don’t get published. It’s not the point. It’s a really valuable, often therapeutic creative outlet which, if you love it, improves your life.

I'm not Charles Dickens, that's for sure! I know I could get better ... Thanks for all the support and understanding.

OP if you can still feed, clothe and shelter you and your children with the part-time job I think you are right to make the leap. If, as a parent, you find it difficult to give a healthy amount of weight to your own well-being, think about these points:

1 The simple fact that the part-time job has better long-term prospects makes it worthwhile.

2 Sacrificing material extras in order to achieve happiness, and commitment to a passion are valuable choices for your children to see you making. They will internalise a different lesson if they see you prioritise material extras over personal happiness.

3 It's not always popular to say on here but if all basic needs are met, then your children will be happier if you are happier in yourself.

Speaking personally, I have a family member who is a published author and refers to his craft as 'typing practise'. Watching him get up every morning at 5am to sit at the page has had an immeasurable influence on my own attitude to life and work.

Finally, please do not listen to people like Sally, who is probably just bitter about giving up on their own dreams out of misplaced fear or obligation.

Good luck! Let us know if you become the next JKR!

I honestly expected you all to say knuckle down.
I met with new employers to sort out a few things. Driving over there I felt like a weight had lifted (and I thought of a cracking new plot twist - my writing brain has been dormant for so long it felt like a vindication). Plus my new boss is really really nice. Listens.

All being well I'll give in my notice tomorrow. Not looking forward to that part!
ink stained I shall take inspiration from your relative also.
Thanks for the response to Sally's post. To be fair, 'You're shit, just give up' is I something I tell myself often. Yet still I keep going ....

If I ever do get published you'll be sure I'll be on here bragging updating like mad!

Op one day you will be dead. Do you really want to waste your life slogging your guts in a job you dont love whilst abandoning your passion?

Sorry i sounded like a cow then. I meant lifes too short and the futures not promised so why wait around. Less money us a sacrifice but you can still live comfortably so.

No I really don't Martha! I'm totally with you on that .

I am writing a novel also, but with young children and part time teaching, only find time to write for up to two hours a night.
I’ve given up TV and accept a lower level of household tidiness to find the time!
I hope to finish it, but have no illusions that I’ll ever manage to get it published. It’s very unlikely, even if it’s good. As for making any money out of writing, well, my dream would be to continue part time teaching and supplement my income with £8000 a year as a novelist (I think this is the average earnings).
My DH is supportive and when the kids are at school, we have decided I will have an extra year before I go back full time to finish it on my two days off a week.
Perhaps you could do similar OP. Take this part time job, but give yourself a year. You have a year to finish it. Maybe that will give you the push you need to finally get it done.
(Sorry for garbled post - very late night last night -Elbow at the O2!)

And don’t tell yourself you’re shit. I bet you’re good. All writers doubt themselves.

I am a published novelist and I don't make loads but it's a great hobby and having people email to say they like my work is amazing. I write for one of the big publishing firms in the UK. Took me years. Don't give up!

It’s the ones that think they’re great that are shit.

Nuff I used to teach full time. When I had the dc I worked as TA, then I trained and taught hence my writing time has been quite limited! When the dc were little I used to write every evening (I got rid of the TV too) but teaching meant I was working most evenings/weekends - was literacy lead in my school which was great but big workload. I don't do evening and weekend work in my current role but am permanently exhausted all the same. I am single with no family support, dc have sports commitments which take up 3 evenings week and a big chunk of the weekend; as with most families, there isn't much down time. The period I had most time to write in was when I had the part time job after I left teaching, the one I want to return to. I had one full day to write as well as the snatched hours early morning/late night and the quality of improved dramatically - with two days to write you'll be well set up! And I was happy. Just poor!
Great to hear your positive outcome, MrsCarthorse And hotdog, thanks again. I am really encouraged by the support and understanding.

I used to teach too. It took everything I had. So I quit. And we got by on DHs wage (I also had a baby so it’s not like I would’ve been working for a while.) And I wrote, as much as I could. I’ve sold two books to my favourite publisher and I have four out on submission now. We have no spare money but it’s paid the mortgage for the last few months now and I’m doing my dream job. Good luck, OP!