How do I balace my job and my passion?

[Anonymous]

I got a 'normal' job to build a foundation so that at some point I would be able to have a wife and children. I am passionate about writing essays and stories, but you can't make a living like that. People say: work and follow your passion outside work. But if other people work more or rest outside work, how can I advance so that I can afford to have a family? Writing and publishing can be mentally strenuous sometimes.

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, that's a tough situation. Balancing work and your passions is never easy. A few thoughts -

First, be proud of yourself for working a steady job to set yourself up. That shows responsibility.

Second, maybe see if there are any ways to incorporate writing into your work life? Like if your job has any content creation aspects or you can suggest creating articles for an company blog. Even just little bits could help satisfy that creative itch.

Third, don't be too hard on yourself if you're too tired to write every single night. Taking breaks to recharge is important too. Maybe block out writing time on weekends or your days off to really focus without stressing.

Lastly, could you try picking up some freelance writing jobs on the side? Maybe start small and see if you can turn it into a side hustle over time that supplements your day job. Taking little steps like that could help you balance things and eventually do the passion work full time if that's the goal.

It'll take time but you seem dedicated. As long as you keep working towards your dream a little each day, I'm sure you'll find a way to make it happen. Don't give up, bro!

[jennifer_bloom]

Just because you are not creative enough to do any job other than the old law job you got fired from, does not mean other people need to become prostitutes to make money. They might have skills you don't have. I know it might be difficult for you to understand, how somebody can make money without defending criminals or working as prostitutes. As well as your claim that people who are full time moms are worthless because being 300 pounds you need money to attract a man and get angry when others don't need to pay men money to get the guy to date them.

[Asker]

Sorry, what?

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

That sounds pretty tough to me if you're very actively trying to be published while working a very demanding job and climbing up the ladder at the same time and raise children all at once.

I work as a programmer and married but my real passion is in visual arts (also have a second major in visual arts). Yet I wouldn't ever try to become an illustrator and programmer at the same time. At best, I might one day try to pursue being a fine artist showcasing my work in a gallery and selling them (maybe after retirement), but definitely not taking commissions. Mostly I just draw and paint in my spare time for fun and without seeking any real income from it.

It might be easier if you just seek to publish your works initially and freely online, for example, without seeking to actually publish a book, and even find editors among your readers. Then if you can gain a following, that might significantly stream the process of getting a book published.