By Wendy Mccance
I was at the office yesterday for a meeting and to follow-up with some clients. I am a real estate agent here in Michigan and love what I do. I am also juggling my other love which is writing. I have two blogs, I am a freelance writer and I am in the midst of writing my book detailing my experiences blogging. Whew, it’s a lot of juggling. I also have my family. Three children, three pets and a very patient and supportive husband.
Yesterday I was at the office and I was talking to another agent about juggling two careers. Being in real estate is like all of those kids you hear about who waitress while waiting for their big break as an actor. Most agents that I know have a second job. Real estate is a flaky business and it’s imperative to have another source of income for those lean months. I know agents who are interior designers, there is a pharmaceutical rep., home stagers, authors, teachers and I even know a masseuse. It’s comforting to know that there are other people who juggle multiple jobs like me.
So I was talking with this agent about the difficulty associated with having more than one job and I mentioned that if I had never started writing, I would have been very content to just be a real estate agent. I truly love the job. The problem is that I enjoy writing more. I have never felt this passionate about anything I have ever done.
I find myself throwing all of my energy into writing. I can’t help it. I’m just so drawn to everything about it. Because of the energy I put into my writing, I am seeing more results as a writer than as a realtor. I have backed off a bit on the real estate end, and only take on the jobs where people come to me. I don’t prospect like I used to.
My friend at work was saying that if she could afford to, her other job would be the one she chose. For her, she has only herself to depend on for an income so she is really torn between the two careers and insanely busy juggling both. She has no idea what a social life is anymore and sadly, she is burning out fast.
Who would have guessed that in my middle 40′s I would finally find what I was meant to do? It has taken me by surprise, but the ride has been extremely fun. I am now at the point where I have to decide what I am going to do about each job.
I have decided to hold onto my real estate license, but really try to make writing my full-time gig. I have gotten too many opportunities to back off of writing and feel it’s time to make the ultimate commitment to my freelance career.
After years of working in another area, who would have guessed I would hit the nail on the head twice? It astounds me that I found two great careers back to back. I never in a million years would have guessed that I would be making a decision on which career to pursue.
What about you? Have you faced this issue? Do you love what you do? Would you be doing something else if the money was substantial?
P.S. If anyone is interested in representing me or publishing my book, please contact me at [email protected] My book details the dark moments in my life that pushed me into blogging. I also reflect on the remarkable experiences I’ve had and what I learned from becoming a blogger.
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Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
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I had been writing on many things, specially on technical and engineering subjects, many years. Being a professional civil engineer, I found it is enthusiastic and enjoibale to write on line, web bloggoing. Your story is encouraging me.
I’m so glad. I hope you have much success.
Hi Wendy. This is a very scary subject for some individuals, whose backs are against the wall. I have counseled many of them, who would like nothing better than to jump ship, and free themselves from their current stagnated jobs. They are the ones who see no other way out. Can’t say that I blame them, as they must survive in order to provide for yet another day.
In my case, I studied music at an early age, became involved in the entertainment industry, but sought higher education, just in case. After 34 years of counseling, I decided to remove myself from the everyday drudgery of that field, and totally immersed myself in my other passion, which is writing.
No regrets thus far. One should follow their gut instict, weight the pros, and cons, and take the plunge. It’s frightening at first, but the emotional rewards are unforgetable. Thank God for supportive writers such as you, Wendy, who are within a key stroke, with an answer to those less “gutsy” ones.
Aw, thanks. Can you imagine what kind of world we would live in if everyone could make enough money off of what they love to do it? The world would be full of creative, content and fulfilled individuals.
Younare so right. I t would be great.
I do editing work but from the looks of your writing you don’t need my help there. Good luck with your book and writing.
Thanks so much. Who knows, it’s good to know someone who does editing work.
I have made the leap to another career several times. All be it scary at times, all have been very successful. I would say good for you and go for it. I would love some advise regarding how to break into making money with my writing. Would you be willing to give a shout-out to talk about it?
I will write a post about it.
If you have specific questions, email me or DM me on Twitter.
Wendy, you are truly blessed. I am in my fifties and still figuring things out. I was an office manager and was laid off last March and I was getting tired of it. Since then I received my Notary commission, went back to college and received my certification in Recycling & Zero Waste. In college we were required to start a blog and I found that I love writing my blogs and I am passionate in trying to clean up the environment. Now if I can make money at both that would a wonderful career! By the way one of my blogs is about the environment and the other is seeking meaningfulness. I love reading your blog you always touch on a subject that everyone can relate to! Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much. Back in 2009 I lost my job working at an auto plant. I thought it was the worst thing ever. Now looking back, I would never have gotten into blogging and found I love writing if I still had that job.
Your welcome.
I am also in my mid 40′s and found my calling…and struggle with the time issues but a calling is just that a calling…until you ignore it and it starts screaming at you! LOL
What a crazy coincidence.
Networking. I have had more people come to me than what I have tried to do on my own. The book Writer’s Market is the best book for writers. Payscales, queries, addresses etc… are all in the book. it’s a lifesaver.