Starting Over

This blog is slightly dated, but I figured I’d post it anyway. I’m happy to report that I have found work.

I’ve been AWOL for a while. Mostly, I haven’t been sure of what to write. Previously I’ve spent a lot of time on my past. Lately, though, I feel like talking about the present.

It turns out following your dreams is not so glamorous when you’re 42. It’s not easy to just up and change careers at this stage in the game. Finding a job is hard enough. Finding a job in a whole new field is something different altogether.

While I have plenty of writing experience, most of it is personal; not professional. Most employers want at least one year of professional experience. I don’t have that, yet, so I must look for other ways to stand out.

When I decided I was going to work remotely, my first impression was: Wow, this is great! There are so many more opportunities out there than if I was just looking for local work. The only problem is now I’m competing with hundreds of other applicants for those opportunities instead of maybe five.

There are plenty of internships on indeed, but most of them are unpaid, and my preference is to be paid for the work I’m doing. Besides, I’m already volunteering.

Then there’s the waiting. I’ve written about half a dozen sample articles for companies who have shown interest in me. I haven’t heard back from them, so far. I know what I’ve written is good. I have to keep reminding myself that hiring managers and human resources departments have many more responsibilities than just reviewing my work.

Also, what is up with all of these indeed assessments? I’ve taken the Written Communication test something like ten times! Okay, I understand their purpose, and they’re probably a great screening tool for employers, but I wish I didn’t have to keep retaking the same exam.

Patience is my greatest challenge in this. I can’t wait to get out there and start proving myself as a writer. More than that, I’m excited to learn and become a better writer.

I could easily get a remote teaching job. Give up on my dream. But I don’t want to. I was a good preschool teacher. But I wouldn’t say I was gifted at it.

Writing is my gift, and to not write is to squander that gift. I felt that everyday for 20 years. And now, to answer my calling is like a giant weight lifted. I’m doing what I love. Not that I didn’t love teaching preschoolers. But I guess you could say writing is my first love.