I’ve been racking my head for the past week trying to figure out what I can do to earn an income that will allow me to not only work from home but have the flexibility to take the time off needed for Hannah’s Cerezyme treatments, occupational therapy, developmental therapy, doctor’s appointments, and other procedures. Not only that, but I also have the two other kids to consider, as Big Boy E comes home from school at 3 PM each school day.
I thought about going back to medical transcription, but the hours and difficulty getting work before I got put back on bedrest makes that a very unlikely option to make any decent money. Before I left, I was sitting at my computer for 20 minutes at a time just waiting for a job to pop up so I could grab it before someone else did. It was decent money when there were plenty of jobs, but just like other jobs in this economy, most MT work is being outsourced.
I don’t have a talent for crafts to sell, and I don’t do well with the Pampered Chef or similar programs, as I don’t have that many people I’d invite to a party here.
I thought about teaching online, as I was so close to getting my teaching credential when I found out I was pregnant with Hannah. Truth is, I would love to still pursue teaching (at a local school). But I just don’t see that as a reasonable option, at least not in the short term until we know exactly what we are going to have to be dealing with.
So I thought about writing. Outside of blogging, I don’t have much experience writing. Well, unless you count wedding articles that I used to write, but of course, that was online and I didn’t save any copies of those because that was my “former life.” But I do love to write. I especially love to write about topics that I’m passionate about.
The only experience I have that is published is the book I published 5+ years ago about about our infertility and adoption experience in bringing Big Boy E home (oh, if I knew then what I know now – talk about irony!). The book did decent, but basically it was the online journal (before we had blogs) I kept during the four years of infertility treatments and our adoption experience. Honestly, I don’t know if I am even a decent enough writer to get published.
But I figure it would be worth a shot. Now I just have to figure out how to get started!
if you need help in the publishing arena, my husband started a publishing company! He has published his book and another in just 6 mos. send me a msg on FB if you want his info, or go to http://www.makdanpublishing.com.
I think it is a great idea. Especially with your other blog – talking about writing a book to help other families with children that have rare illnesses.
I like reading your blog, and for me it really sounds great. You have a potential in my opinion to be a good writer. you were a writer before i think you can do it now. You have talent in writin, give it a shot. I hope hanna is doing fine now.
Being a freelance writer can be a rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of work and commitment (it’s very competitive)–you really have to think about it as a job with a designated office space, work time, and all the other aspects of a “real” job.
I’ve been working on a freelance writing career for a couple of years now (www.jenniferlprice.com) and have had some success…but definitely not enough to even consider quitting my day job!
You have a lot of good unique experience, though, so if you find your niche, you could probably do very well. There are tons of books, classes, websites, and newsletters devoted to freelance writing. Good luck with the efforts!
I wish you the best of luck with your writing career.
Hi Carrie,
Of course you can be a freelance writer, there are many, many more less talented writers out there who think they can write and get paid to do it.
I’d encourage you to check out my writing site (No, I don’t make anything out of visits, etc.). I have made money at constant-content, follow their link and get started. I made something ridiculous like an average of $30 for 500 words. If you need editing help, I’ll help you, but I highly doubt that you will. The site is http://www.nohomass.com, don’t ask, doesn’t sound like a writing site, but it started as a local area blog and that was boring so I changed it!
I say, “Go for it!” You already had some success in the area. You’ll never know how far you could go until you try. So if it appeals to you, do it!!!