To Be or Not To Be: The Pros and Cons of Being a Writer
The Pros to Being a Writer
Working for yourself and making money doing something you love is very fulfilling. Getting the very first check for selling something you created is exhilarating. Established writers can end up with more free time and if you’re lucky and hardworking you can earn a great living that’s limited only by your own imagination. Getting recognition in your field and reading positive reviews about your work can be great fun as well.
"Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words." (Mark Twain)
Yes, There Are a Few Cons
The reviews aren’t always positive and don’t expect your friends and family to be that supportive in the beginning. Starting out as a writer can be difficult and exhausting. Many people will try to talk you out of it and the lack of support can be a bit overwhelming. No one particularly enjoys getting rejected and by becoming a writer you’re signing up for plenty of rejection. Out of hundreds or even thousands of rejections you could find that one great book deal that will launch your career. Working for yourself also means an unpredictable income, no health insurance and no paid time off.
"The freelance writer is a man who is paid per piece or per word or perhaps." (Robert Benchley)
Flexibility: Both a Pro and a Con
Being a writer often means working for yourself and yet you’re always under a deadline. It’s true that writers have a flexible schedule which is appealing. Serious writers do develop their own schedule and spend a lot of time writing and revising their work. Some people find it difficult to work on their timetable, following their own rules. If you don’t have enough self-discipline then you won’t meet critical deadlines and that can be a career killer.
"I don’t need an alarm clock. My ideas wake me." (Ray Bradbury)
The One Million Dollar Question - Is it Worth It?
So - Are the Pros Worth the Cons When it Comes to Being a Writer? Well, if being a writer is your passion then go for it! Nothing worth doing comes without risk. There is no end to the websites and blogs devoted to helping you get the ball rolling. Try meeting up with some like-minded people and start your own little support group as you climb your way to writing success!
"The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
