that elusive "real" job.
The other day I had my first realization that I don’t want a “real” job. Maybe ever. This both excites and scares me. Ever since I quit my office job to try freelancing for a bit, I always continued to look for “real” full-time jobs that I would love and thrive in. The other day, I saw one and was about to apply when I realized how much I love my life right now and how much I don’t want it to change.
No, I’m not making bank yet, but I am surviving, probably better than I thought was possible as a writer working from home. I don’t want to work a “real” job being told what to do every week, making the same amount of money every week, and having every day be the same. I love working on something different every day, never knowing what’s going to pop up, deciding what I have time and passion for, and seeing what goals I can accomplish. I love never knowing what’s going to happen next!
I get lonely working at home sometimes, but is that loneliness enough to deal with the annoying-ness of co-workers? I do have a weird thing for offices. Feeling like I’m part of a team and communicating with people daily. I know everyone working in an office right now will tell me to shut up. But it’s probably me just thinking the grass is greener (or greener in some spots; dead in others). Some of my freelance jobs really make me feel like a part of a team, while others make me feel like a total outsider.
But maybe someday I’ll have my own office. It just seems like it would be such a waste to put all my projects aside for a “real” job. I’ve come so far, if I turn back now, I’ll never know where I’d be a year from now.
My friends have always yelled at me when I talk about my job versus a “real” job. “Your job is real!” they say. And after 2+ years, I’m starting to realize they’re right.
And yes, my parents still wonder when I’m going to get a “real” job. And I hope someday they’ll realize that I already have. I don’t know too many people who can say they love what they do for work at age 26. But my life just keeps on getting better every day.
June 8th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I love that you make it work. There's no way I could– I'm way too much of a procrastinator!
June 9th, 2009 at 9:39 am
You're SO lucky to be in the position of thriving (or at the very least surviving WELL) in a job you love. I hate my "real" job and I'm only 23.
June 9th, 2009 at 10:01 am
"Real Jobs" are over-rated. I can't wait until I can work for myself and not for someone else.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I'm starting anything that is worth being good at, and then consequently being good at it, IS a real job. It's work any ten ways you look at it.
June 10th, 2009 at 8:11 am
I really want to make the move into freelance writing. For some reason it seems insanely daunting to me.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
my dear, i think you are extremely lucky and i'm all sorts of jealous. i wish i could freelance and make it work. instead i'll be late taking the T and grumbling about how my office smells awkward. =)
June 16th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
It's good that you're happy with what you do. As they say,If you love what you do,then you'll never work for a day in your life….
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
My grandparents still ask my mom when I'm going to get a real job.
It's funny…only about half of the people I know have "real" jobs.
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Is it selling out if you get a “real job” for a while to be able to pay for doing what you really love?