Being Bi-Vocational

Although many writers complain about having to work another job to support their writing, I recognize it as a mixed blessing. On the one hand, a person could probably get more writing done by writing full time: Presuming one is well-motivated and self-disciplined enough to use that time wisely, Therefore completed writing worth publishing should increase in proportion to the amount of time gained by not working another job. On the other hand, if a person secludes oneself away from the world hermit-style, where does he or she get ideas and illustrations? True, some of my ideas occur while reading, doing dishes, and watching TV or movies. Also, some ideas are gleaned from listening to others - even at the mall. Still, those of us who are NOT hermit-minded, would likely find ourselves less stimulated to think creatively if our lives were devoid of interaction with other people. Therefore, we would have to creatively seek out opportunities for these thought-stimulating interactions. Which, of course, would cost us some of that "saved" time from not working a "real" job. More importantly, where would I practice my Christian witness if I gave up teaching college classes? When teaching in Seattle's Community College system, nearly 75% of my students are from other countries. What an opportunity to influence young people from around the world for Christ - or at least demonstrate to them that this Christian cares about them by working hard to help them understand course concepts, understanding "life happens," helping them catch up assignments and missed lectures, and grading them fairly with full explanations and open gradebook information. Now, as I teach at Southwest Minnesota State University, I continue to consistently receive excellent student feedback ("works us hard but great teacher and cares about us") - which tells me that my Christian witness is getting through to my students - even after they are no longer in my classes but visit to talk with me. Then, I think of the Apostle Paul who periodically sewed tents to pay his own way in his ministry. If Paul thought there were times when it was appropriate, we can too. However, we can only hope that those times do not last too many years. Imagine the Bible without many of Paul's letters! In my writing: I have moved from 20 years of working full-time and writing only on Saturday mornings most weekends (when I wasn't traveling for this or that holiday or family get-togethers), to Teaching part-time these last 6 years while writing part-time - which I find much more satisfying in reaching writing goals, then Again teaching college full-time. Having had these experiences, I see several things to be true for me: My writing productivity increases when I work part-time but reduces when I work full-time.. When I teach only part-time, my "teaching job" expanded somewhat to fill in part of that writing time (because now I have the time to add some finer points on my teaching). My house "screams at me to be cleaned perfectly" more while I'm at working at home, but less when I first arrive home from my "teaching job." Interesting. My flow of ideas has increased dramatically, with notes for future projects filling many pages - awaiting my writing time and attention. As I let people know I'm available to speak at writer's conferences, opportunities come faster than I can say "yes." So, I now believe, that as fidelity to one's writing progresses from writing during 5% of one's available working time to 100%, the writing projects will at some point take over the available time from other jobs. The question, of course, being: at what point will it pay the bills? Therefore, until that point is reached, I expect there to come a time when -- to fulfill a dream or "calling:" a writer must be willing to "do without" many things and also to work harder at a second job to meet basic financial needs if it becomes necessary. What does this say to you as a fellow writer or speaker? Just this: First, identify and balance your time according to your life priorities. Second, do as much as you can - when necessary and appropriate - to provide for yourself. Third, be willing to admit your writing/speaking isn't paying for itself yet and seek alternatives - in good faith! Look into scholarships, grants, writer-in-residence, and art supporters. You MUST be willing to show these people WHAT you intend to work on; and to show them PROGRESS and completed projects before they are published. These support sources have the right to expect you to work "in good faith," meaning you are not freeloading and loafing. Just as the early church and other patrons of the arts often supported artists and writers, many organizations still consider the possibility - providing you are forthright in your dealings with them (and don't "muddy the waters" for the rest of us). Search your heart for what type of worker you are - self-disciplined and well-motivated? Then, you are a good candidate for full-time writing. Otherwise, knowing you have only a certain number of hours per week for writing may have a beneficial effect for you - by forcing you to focus and really write during those times. Either way, fit writing into your lifestyle and WRITE! ~~~Jeanetta

Being Bi-Vocational My Mission and Vision Statements Professional Memberships Why I Speak Why I Write My Testimony