A Writer's Life for Me
There is a certain amount of guilt though in our culture, that comes from not working a "traditional job". I do not go into an office, I don't punch in or punch out. I regulate myself. And I've learned a lot from it.
Basically being my own boss is nice, but it also can be tricky. For one thing, there is no one to yell at me if I'm goofing around or not working. Which is great, but... it forces me to yell at myself. On the bright side, I make own schedule and have never been one to procrastinate. So when the editors for the publications I write for send me my assignments, they are done the next day, no exceptions. Which means, for me, self-regulation/motivation isn't too rough.
A typical day looks like this: I wake up with Terrence and make him and the animals breakfast. I already have my workout clothes on, so I just hook the dog into his harness and as soon as Terr leaves for work, we are off for a run. After 2.5-3.5 miles we return. I do yoga, then hit the gym. Shower, breakfast, and then housework. Usually vacuuming, laundry, etc.
THEN I start work. Either it's maintaining social media for myself or the companies I work for, writing blogs/articles, and writing/editing my third book. Terrence calls and tells me he is coming home, I make dinner and then depending on the day I teach yoga. That's my life.
As you can imagine, it can be easy to get sidetracked into Facebook and Instagram (especially when part of my JOB is interacting with people on Social Media). Other than that I have to run my own tight ship producing content and pictures for myself and the various publications/companies I work with that is not only created on schedule, but also represents interesting and dynamic work that will enable me to keep readers/my job.
Do I work 8 hours a day? No. But I also, didn't work for the full 8 hours of any job I've ever had. Some of the time was spent just talking to students about life in general, or surfing the web, or walking around my classroom checking in with kids that understood the lesson and didn't want to be bothered.Is that really working? I don't think so.
So, it's been a balance. Having a work-at-home job has amazing perks, but only if you can keep yourself motivated and working. I'm also still working on not feeling guilty if I'm all done with all of my assignments for the day and it's only 2pm. It's okay, we all don't have to have a clock that we work by.
So, what's the point? Well, I've worked a lot of different places, and done a lot of different things. I've learned that it isn't how much or how hard that you work that defines how happy/productive you are in your job. Some of the happiest people in the world do manual labor, and some of the most unhappy sit in a comfortable, climate controlled office with all modern conveniences. I'm happiest writing and reading. Creating. Bringing peace and balance to others through yoga teaching. I'm elated when something I write resonates with someone or gives them a new perspective. It isn't about working at home, it's the fact that I'm able to write to help support my family and leave my mark on the world.
Whatever that is for you, find it. I promise that it's worth it.
What fills you with the most joy?
Search for it! xx
Aristotle - "Where your talents and the needs of the world cross; therein lies your vocation."
PS, have you read my new book yet? The feedback has been SO powerful and positive! Check it out: Shears of Fate on Amazon.com
PS, have you read my new book yet? The feedback has been SO powerful and positive! Check it out: Shears of Fate on Amazon.com