I did the math, you can’t leave writing
Yes, it is that important.
I hate writing!
This is the best way I can describe how I felt about writing for a long time.
I know it sounds weird to hear this from a writer (I felt weird too)
Everyone says:
“Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”
But no one talks about what happens after you make your hobby your job.
This was exactly where I was a few years ago:
“I made my hobby my job, and I hated it”
My friend warned me about this, but I didn’t take it seriously.
A little back story:
My friend loved graphic design so much that he designed and printed out almost anything.
He gave me my first customized card. A little cute card that had my picture in it and some flattery notes.
It was beautiful.
Then he got a job as a graphic designer that put him under pressure.
Having non- designers yell their amateur unrealistic expectations at him
(Jeez!)
Slowly, the art of designing became associated with pressure. He hated it and eventually quit for good.
I knew he was done, the day I saw him outsource a design project I know won’t take him 30 minutes to complete.
My friend, I saw myself on the same path with writing.
Working as a full-time content writer started the draining process.
Sometimes it felt like some editors are just after your life. Please, explain how I write 1 paragraph over 5 times…?
I am glad I didn’t get to the tipping point with writing.
That is because I did the math, and discovered I can’t leave writing.
( I really can’t)
Just give me less than 7 minutes, and I will explain what I mean.
Here’s why you can’t leave writing
Writing + work = Profitable
Writing — work = Hobby
Work — writing = Burnt out
I came to this conclusion after doing the math. This is not just about what I think, I believe this is how it works.
The equation above means different things to different people.
While some people are okay with writing for fun, some aren’t.
Some people want to make money doing what they love — writing!
(say “Hi” in the comments)
These are the profitable writers.
Now, there is a third group of people who are neither in group 1 or 2.
The wannabe group 1
These are the groups of writers who always want to enjoy the joy of writing (the art) without doing the work ( the boring bit)
But, they are frustrated about not making money from writing.
(Silently)
The wannabe group 2
These groups of writers are caught in the web of the work ( all the 23 funnels) and have a little space for writing.
Writing becomes all about work, then they hate it.
Most writers are in these 2 categories. I know it because I have been there.
Here’s the truth
( I am holding your hands while I say this)
Being in any of these categories will leave you tired or frustrated with writing.
Right now, I am on the path to being a profitable writer.
Which means, I enjoy the art of writing while making money too
(win, win)
I know you are already wondering; “ how is she doing it?”
Let’s dig in.
Here are 2 reasons why I can’t leave writing (+my how)
I Googled the benefits of writing
And immediately felt proud.
How does something I do for fun have so much benefit to my mind, brain, and bank account?
( screams in sarcastic surprise)
No one can tell me otherwise, I am favoured.
Knowing all the upsides of writing, I can’t afford to be where I used to be:
Burnt out from writing only as a job, and hated the whole thing.
But, there is “butt”.
If I want to retain the joy of writing , I need to fuel it.
What do I mean?
Reason No.1
Work.
I don’t mean going back to do a full-time onsite 9–5 writing job
(Phew, I am never doing that again)
I mean , doing the boring bit that makes writing profitable. Those little annoying things that bring in money from writing.
Things like:
a. Creating a product
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b. Researching
c. Creating demand
d. Building an email list
e. Creating tiny automations and systems that keep things running
f. Posting videos on those little apps
g. Creating an offer
And the list goes on…
These are the annoying things that make writing profitable.
If you skip them, you end up writing for fun ( against your will)
If you focus so much on them, you become one of those “2022 niche site owners”
(They were all about the numbers)
You will only care about the trendy/viral stuff that can quickly make you money. Do this long enough and watch your writing lose its soul.
( on your way to becoming another AI chat bot)
The goal is to create a balance. Here’s what works:
Honesty.
I try to genuinely write from my experience, and listen.
With all the AI tools creating content in seconds, honesty is what sets you apart.
Honestly sharing my experience without holding back is what makes for true writing.
True writing births helpful writing
(leaving a trail from someone coming behind)
Helpful writing + listening = Great offers
A great offer with the right traffic source/system = profit.
It can be this simple.
If there is anything I learned from marketing/sales, it is listening.
(it is the biggest tiny bit most people miss)
All of these things are “work”. And nobody likes to do the work.
( I don’t too)
But we must endure it for the greater good. The good of writing and the money.
The boring work helps you buy more time to do the cool stuff ( writing).
Writing ( the joyful bit) helps you with the strength to do the boring work that brings in money.
You see!
It is just an endless circle. Profitable writing is writing + the work.
Speaking about profit, how does writing benefit others?
Reason No.2
Benefit.
How am I making my world 1% better?
I can’t afford to be here, and complain about everything without contributing my bit.
The Bible says, “I am the salt of the earth”
I should be able to flavour my world.
Here’s how I do it. Sincerely sharing:
a. Things I have learned
b. Things that have worked for me
c. Mistakes I made
d. Things I am trying
e. unlearning
Etc.
Just to give someone somewhere the answers they may be searching for.
To make someone know it is possible, and they can do it too.
I discovered the little detail we sweep aside, is the last piece someone needs to make a life-changing decision.
Honestly, there is content I wished existed when I had questions as a writer.
I want to create what I wish existed for someone else.
This right here is the reason I can’t leave writing.
I can’t explain the joy I feel when what I put out there helps someone find clarity.
This is an example
That is a confirmation that I have at least made someone’s life better.
And that is way more than money’s worth.
Human beings are precious, and should be treated as such.
Knowing that every piece of writing is a solution or the answer to someone’s question is so worth it.
Think about it for a moment!
You see it is a good reason right?
These are some thoughts that crossed my mind about writing, when I figured out:
I can’t leave writing.
Speaking about not leaving writing, I am currently on my path to becoming a profitable writer.
My goal is to make $100/day writing online independently. I share what I am doing + mindsets shifts here.
However, I share BTS stuff with my online Besties via email.
Would you like to be my Bestie? Join here.
( Clicking on the link above will take you outside of Medium to my private corner of the internet at no cost.
That is where I do a deep dive of everything I am doing.)
BTW, what part of writing do you find a little annoying?
Looking forward to reading your response.
There is writing ( the joy and art), and there is the work:
Those little annoying things that makes writing profitable.
Skip one, and you won’t have the other
q
