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How to Solve the Struggle Between Writing and a Social Life

Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM
About three years ago, my best friend was so angry that I was tied to the computer all day and not going off with her to socialize. We had hung out together since we were young children living next to each other. She accused of being addicted to the computer; but I was going to college online, writing, and running a new non-profit organization. She didn't see the fruits of my labor, which really upset me and almost cost me my writing career.

When facing this conflict, a writer may feel overwhemled by the adversity that arises from those who don't understand what you are building. Only you can develop your career, so spend more time looking for ways to continue capitalizing on your freelance writing abilities. Sometimes, family members may feel you are wasting your time or you are addicted to the computer. However, instead you are building a lasting career, which just may top what they are doing in their own career.

If you choose to become a freelance author, then give it 100 percent just as you would a regular job because it is your budding career. Honestly, no one will ever understand what you are doing, unless they are dedicated as you are to your freelance writing career. Also, avoid the subject with someone, who is being negative towards your accomplishments. This way, their negativity will not detour you from seeking the writing career you choose to mold.

Here are some valuable tips that a friend gave me, when I faced this dilemma in my life and almost gave up freelance writing altogether. First, never allow anyone to tell you to stop writing or to cut back in time you spend earning money. Second, stop defending yourself to them, because they will never understand the way that freelance writers and the internet go hand in hand. Third, take a break and spend some time with them, so that they don't feel as if you are shutting them out.

Unfortunately, can't feel the satisfaction you feel, when you see your work published and gaining fans on the internet. However, they can eventually see the progress your making, by looking at how happy you are in your new found career. Forget what others think and embrace what you love, because your success or failure come from your own skills and talents. Always remember, it is your life and you must succeed or fail on your own terms...not theirs!

Now, I have a writing career that my best friend and I both are proud of, plus I overheard her bragging to others about my accomplishments. This was surprising to me, since my initial decision to follow my desires to create a writing career cause so much havoc. If you are facing this dilemma in your new career, keep working hard on building your own dreams. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy the freelance career you have built, instead of fighting with others about your lack of social time.

Published by Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM

Crystal S. Kauffman is a Freelance Copywriter, Published Author, Poet, and Songwriter with 14 years of experience. Her chosen pen name is Imogen Rayne, since she first thought of it in 1995 and adopted the n...  View profile

15 Comments

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  • Marie Lowe11/7/2010

    I have my newspaper job to rob me of what very little social life I had :) I have pictures of the pink fire trucks that promote cancer awareness on my page, take a look if you have never seen them before.

  • Bonnie Doss-Knight11/3/2010

    A friend who puts us in a defensive posture may not serve our best interests.

  • Zona Zirconia11/3/2010

    ♥ thanks for sharing

  • Martha Fry10/30/2010

    Great article - the key is balance, but it's often hard when writing is also your source of income. I sometimes wonder if the demands would be made as strongly if you were at a "regular" job. I know it seems sometimes people think because I'm home I'm not working - I'm probably working harder than if I were at a 9 to 5 gig!

  • Jack Wellman10/28/2010

    I am glad for your sake that your desire of your heart is to write, for you are so gifted at it my friend.

  • Kristie Leong M.D.7/16/2010

    I love online writing, but it can be hard to tune out distractions. Excellent article. :-)

  • Shirley A. Mandel7/12/2010

    Freelance writing on the Internet is a job like anyother job and can be either full time or part time, depending on the priorities of the writer. One would not be expected to take time off from work just to socialize, but like anyother career, time must be balanced between friends, family and work. Thanks so much for this wise advice. I'm going to bookmark this page for times when I am being discouraged by friends who don't understand.

  • Cathy A Montville6/26/2010

    Such a good article for everyone to read! I am trying to rebuild a writing career while running a business full time, taking care of grand kids and some days I just want to quit! Thanks for the encouragement to all writers!

  • Donna Thacker5/25/2010

    Some people think that writing web articles from home is not work. I get phone calls and they'll ask what I am doing. When I say working on an article, they just say Oh and start in chatting! I have to repeatedly say, "I need to get back to my work!"

  • Patricia Sicilia5/25/2010

    When we return from our annual fall vacation, my husband forgets I'm even HOME sometimes, because I'm in the computer room so much banging out my vaca stories!

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