My Past Accomplishment: Getting Paid to Write

Back in 2008, after quitting my full-time job, I began toying with the idea of opening a boutique, as owning my own business had always been one of my aspirations. Plus, I thought I could bring to Omaha something it was lacking. However, I knew I didn’t quite have the funds or the experience to be a store owner, so I began exploring additional ways to make a couple bucks. Freelance writing came to mind, and I came across a job posting on mediabistro.com looking for bloggers for a “saucy new women’s site.” (Actually, one of my friends might have sent it to me. Was it you, Lindsey?)

Having enjoyed writing my little blog for more than a year, I was excited at the opportunity to contribute to a national site. I used to dream of being a writer. When I entered Boston University as an eager freshman, I told my advisor I hoped to move to New York City after graduation and become an editor at a women’s or entertainment magazine. She quickly burst my bubble, informing me that I’d be a poor, struggling writer for a long time before I’d ever become a successful editor. I should mention that when we met, she had no idea who I was or whether I could even write. She was a published author who I suspected didn’t want anyone to reach the level of success that she had acquired. But I digress.

Encouraged by my closest friends, I decided to apply for the blogging position. I submitted a personal writing sample, brimming with my usual sarcasm, and I waited for a response. Eventually I received this email from the editor:

I loved your sample entry, and have been sitting here poring over what I want you to blog about for us: being a newlywed, being a city transplant to Omaha, being a military wife, starting a business, quitting your job… until I realized that all I need to know is that you should blog for us. About your life, if you’d be willing, and each week you could tell some story about any one of those aspects… I’d love it if you did one a week to start and then, if other topics piqued your interest, you could cover them now and then.

I got the gig! I couldn’t believe that I was going to a paid writer. Granted, I wouldn’t be making much, but I didn’t care so much about the money. It was the recognition that, yes, I have something interesting to say and people want to hear it. Still, receiving my first paycheck was such an amazing feeling. I got paid for doing something I loved. I was so proud of my accomplishment that I hung the check on the refrigerator for several weeks – until, of course, I realized I needed the money and deposited it.

Two years later I no longer contribute to the site, but it was still such a defining moment in my professional life.

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My Past Accomplishment: Leaving the Rat Race

After earning my degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Boston University, it took me a couple of years after graduation to find a job I truly enjoyed – doing book publicity at Penguin Grop (USA) and DK Publishing. My enjoyment stemmed from the fact that I wholeheartedly believed in the products I was pushing. I’ve always been an avid reader, and who doesn’t like to know about the latest and greatest book?

When I moved to Omaha almost three years ago, I had difficulty finding a job. Since I couldn’t do exactly what I was doing back in New York City, I applied for publicity positions at advertising agencies. I thought it could be interesting to promote different products on a daily basis rather than all books, all the time. By the time I was hired almost 7 months later by a local agency, I was itching to get back in the game. Unfortunately, promoting health insurance and farm equipment companies proved less exciting than pitching bestselling books, and within a couple of months I became disenchanted with my job.

I understand that work is called work because it’s not necessarily fun, but I’ve always had a hard time sticking with things that don’t provide me any sense of enjoyment or fulfillment. I envy people who can work a grueling 9-5 job because they understand that the benefits – hearty salary or excellent health insurance outweigh the negatives. Unfortunately, I’m not one of those people. I’d rather make less money doing something I love, something into which I can throw all of my energy and passion.

With the support of my soon-to-be husband (emotionally and financially), I gave my two week notice and officially left the rat race for greener pastures shortly before my May 2008 wedding. Of course I was terrified to  leave, to enter the unknown. Did I make the right decision? Check back tomorrow to see what I’ve accomplished since I made my escape.

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