A few years ago I decided to make the leap from the corporate world to a career as a freelance writer. It was definitely a leap of faith and I’d be lying if I told you the transition wasn’t rocky. But leap I did and I haven’t looked back more than a few hundred times since. (I say this with my tongue firmly in my cheek, as there have definitely been days I’ve considered chucking in this crazy dream and going back to the safety and dependability of corporate life.)
When I made the decision to follow my heart, there was also an idea in the back of my mind that working from home would fit so much better with my other plans of raising children. I even bought a book called Writer Mama in preparation for my dual role. It turned out be a great resource for a writer, as long as I skipped over the “mama” bits of information.
Fast forward a couple of years and not only do I realize how naïve I was to think I could easily mix babies and books, but it turns out I also spend much of my time writing about not having children. Who knew? But the thing is, my life is pretty good regardless. In fact, most days it’s better than pretty good.
In the past, I’ve written somewhat flippantly about the benefits of not having kids, but the reality is that I have the freedom to be more creative, to experiment in my writing, and try new things, while still having time to do the not-so-creative work that actually pays the bills. And I really value that freedom.
I didn’t get the life I wanted and planned for myself, but I may well be getting the life I needed and I think, when all is said and done, it’s going to turn out be a pretty good life after all.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Hi Paula,
I’ve been lurking around your blog. I love your illustrations. Please let me know where your book The facts of Life is available so I can share it here.
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi Lisa, It’s still a work in progress (been made public because it was shortlisted in a competition). Of course I will let you know, but it might be some time – working on it between freelance paid work, when I can. Thanks for your interest!
Paula
“…when all is said and done, it’s going to turn out to be a pretty good life after all.” I’m going to tattoo this on my husband’s forehead so I can be reminded of it daily 😉
CiCi, I don’t know if you intended to be funny, but you made me laugh down my nose. Thanks for the visual. x
🙂
Yes, thanks, CiCI….I laughed out loud at work. I may be doing the same thing here as well. 🙂
Lovely post. I have no doubt it is going to turn out to be a better-than “pretty good life after all.” I know that if I had kids, I certainly wouldn’t have the opportunity to be as creative as I am being, even if it feels self-indulgent at times (my dream is to be able to earn even a tiny bit of money from creativity).
A few years ago between the testing and the scans and the testing and the scans I closed my business and decided to go back to university – I didnt need to as I already have a teaching diploma but in the back of my mind it was just so I could take my mind off and deal with my (possible) infertility. I still had the hopes that I was going to get married and have a ‘miracle’ baby. I didn’t and still do not take my studies seriously yet despite this my life has taken a major turn. My 11yr relationship is over, I am def not going to have a miracle baby and I def am infertile Buuuut I still am at University….
Your post has really helped me, even if this is plan B, I can still be happy X Thank You x
I love this post. It reminds me of a couple of lines from one of my favorite poems:
We’ll live for life and the best it brings till our twilight shadows fall;
My heart grows brave, and the world, my girl, is a good world after all.
— Henry Lawson
When you don’t plan it, and let live run its course that’s when there is no regrets 😉