Whenever I’m filling in an official form, my pen (or cursor) hesitates over one question: “occupation.”
I could put a few things in that space, and they’d all be true. I’m an author. But I’m also a stay-at-home mother, a homeschooler, and an audio typist.
Like the vast majority of authors, writing isn’t the only job I do. My husband works hard to support our family, meaning I don’t have to earn a full-time income for us to make ends meet. But I do need to contribute to the family pot.
Writing is part of what I bring, but while I cultivate my author ministry and business, I also transcribe audio and video files for the entertainment industry.
The phrase “don’t give up the day job” is a way of telling someone to drop their hopes of making progress at something they’re not very good at. But for many talented authors, the “day job” is something they do while growing their writing careers.
And it has additional benefits. My humble little side gig as an audio typist provides some very useful income, but it also gives me a window into worlds, lifestyles, and ideas I might never otherwise have heard of. It provides mental stimulation and fuels my imagination.
I asked some of the InspyRomance authors to share what work they do in addition to writing the books that bless so many.
Here’s what they said.
I used to do freelance editing. I found my editing business grew so much I had to give up one or the other. Writing stayed.
Book sales are my only income. For the first couple of years I did what is basically PA work as well, but it’s been about seven years since I was able to drop that. Thankful for hubby’s job because we couldn’t live on mine!
My full time job is director of communication/public relations for a national nonprofit. 😊 Writing is a passion with blessing benefits.
Mine is technically still writing, but I work as a ghost writer.
I’ve done some paid speaking gigs, including writing skills for high school students.
I write blurbs and do marketing coaching for other authors, but it is very supplemental to writing income.
I am a preschool teacher two days a week, a “tax specialist” three days a week, a mommy, and have taken on a few editing jobs lately too. My husband still brings in more income thankfully, but mine helps pay private school tuition.
I do graphic design, but I’m also a full-time marketing director for a community college.
Before the pandemic, I juggled being a stay-home mom, professional crafter, school volunteer, author, and substitute teacher. Now I’m focusing my time on my family, volunteer work with my church, and writing on the side. I’m so grateful to my husband for sustaining us financially so I can pursue my passions as led by the Lord through different seasons!
What about you? What do you fill in on the “occupation” space? Comment below and let me know.
I write fiction that reflects my Christian faith. I love happy endings, heroes and heroines who discover sometimes hard but always vital truths, and stories that uplift and encourage. My family and I live in the east of England where we enjoy rambling in the countryside, reading good books and making up silly lyrics to our favorite songs.
It’s so interesting hearing how different authors work and all the different roles and experiences – I expect as you say it all helps with your writing!
I currently work part time in health care for the NHS, and look after my 18 month and 3 year old at home the other days, as well as supporting my son who is 7, he has some additional needs so can’t do after-school care at the moment so I’m lucky to be able to fit my shifts round him. I’d love to do some volunteer work as my kids get older if I can balance that with work and home life. So I guess I’d put my job role in the occupation space, but it’s not the thing I do most these days!
Merry Christmas Milla! After a 30 year teaching career, I retired in 2012. That is what goes in the occupation slot. BUT I chuckle that I haven’t retired. LOL In the last decade I have done: elder care (my dad), doggie day care (2 senior dogs, then a new family puppy), Oma Daycare for my 2 granddaughters, Oma Virtual Academy for my 3 grandchildren (10th, 7th and 1st grade – during Covid), and starting fall 2022 I might be retired. Now I take my oldest granddaughter (age 9) to school 4 days a week, plus I volunteer in her classroom every Thursday morning. Once a teacher, always a teacher. LOL
Yes as women we play many rolls, some simultaneously. Merry Christmas.
I taught for 39 years and now I am a substitute teacher.
Aw, sounds like you have a very busy life! And you’re in a season that’s really intense but passes by all too quickly. Our seven-year-old is now our youngest, but I well remember those toddler years!
Sounds like your “retirement” is almost as busy as most people’s day jobs, Renate! Have a lovely Christmas, too.
Sounds like it’s a vocation you were made for, Lori!
I’m an independent insurance agent, a proofreader/editor, plus a co-leader/facilitator for a ladies’ Bible study at church. I used to be a full-time caregiver on top of some of these. I’m still chief cook and bottlewasher, since I’m the only member of my household, so if I want food, I cook, if I want clean clothes, I do laundry! lol!!
Wow, Trudy, many hats indeed! And such varied ones.
After homeschooling for 26 years, I am now a receptionist for Daviess County Attorney’s Office.
Sounds like an interesting job where you get to see lots of different people.
I am now retired so not sure what I would put in that space
“Retired” works! :-) Thanks for your comment.
I have had to think on this at time. I use to do cleaning although was also on unemployment payments. So when I was doing more cleaning I put down cleaning. Now I put unemployed not looking for work. if thats an option. (or just unemployed). With disability so hard to get in Australia its the only option. I do have a few parttime jobs but its only a few hours. (I sometimes put voluteer) I do do volunteering work.
analyst
Ha ha, very succint as usual, bn!
There are so many roles we do that are hard to define, Jenny! Countless good things we love and take for granted would fall apart without the volunteers who keep them going.
Interesting post and I learned something new about you!
I have been disabled for a few years. Thank you for sharing. God bless you. Merry Christmas.
At our age, my friend, we can’t avoid acquiring several layers to our lives, like an onion. :-D
Thanks for your comment, Debra. Have a blessed Christmas, too!
I am a retired economist. I worked for 25 years in EU-funded project management. I will look into finding a part-time work next year again, after moving and arranging the new apartment, because I need to recover the safety nest, given the times we are living and foreseeing…
I know what you mean, Marina. I hope you’ll find something that suits your needs.