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Tuesday 28 June 2011

Dear Sceptics...



Writing is a real job. Really. I know this may come as a shock to you - and I'm very sorry if I've somehow shattered your view of the world - but writing is a real job. And I don't just mean journalism and writing articles for Important Publications. I mean writing fiction. That unholy of unholies. Novels. I see you shuddering already.

But it's true. It's a real job. See these Dictionary.com definitions of the word job

1.
a piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price: She gave him the job of mowing the lawn.
2.
a post of employment; full-time or part-time position: She was seeking a job as an editor.
 
No doubt you will have noted the words employment, occupation and price there. As strange as this may sound, being a writer actually fulfills the above criteria. I write books. People will hopefully read those books. It's a job. Honest. 

Perhaps you thought a Real Job meant having a secure, stable and certain job. Now I will admit such a job is tempting (though if you can find me any secure, stable and certain jobs in this warm and cuddly economic climate, I'll eat my boot). I like security, stability and certainty. I watch my husband's bank account in awe, marvelling at how, like clockwork, he gets money once a month. Like magic! One of these clockwork magic jobs would be nice, I'm sure.

But on the other hand, I'm happy with writing. Which is a real job, by the way. And here's why:

1. I get to work in my pyjamas. Or in a cocktail dress. Or naked. Or while lying in bed! Imagine that

2. I get to be six years old again and make up stories - only this time no one dares accuse me of being a dreadful little liar

3. I get to drink wine/liqueur/neat vodka while I'm working and people call it artistic, not irresponsible - and no one's going to sack me for doing it either

4. I get to hang out on Twitter and Facebook and this blog and still claim I'm working

5. Did I mention I get to make up stories?

6. And, because this always comes up, yes, I do actually get paid to make up those stories too. Which means I have a real job. And you have to admit it's kind of a cool one too.

So, you know. I work. Like a - gasp - real person. So please don't ever ask me when I'm going to get a real job again. Because I might have to punch you on the nose. Sorry in advance.

Love,
Sangu

10 comments:

  1. LOL. I totally agree--writing is a job!

    And you can't beat making up stories. :)

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  2. @The Golden Eagle: making up stories is the best, isn't it?!

    Ha, Alex, well there are downsides to not having one of those stable, secure jobs alongside the writing. I suppose I should have mentioned the stress, uncertainty and fingernail-biting anxiety - but the good stuff definitely outweighs the bad!

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  3. Love your pic, Sangu! You're gorgeous! =D

    And writing is the best job EVER!

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  4. Thanks, Christine, I was hoping to make a few writers laugh!

    RaShelle, that's so sweet, thank you. And it IS the best job ever.

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  5. Lol, very much a job. If the definition of a 'real job' is one you don't get to enjoy, I'm not very sure I want one. I'll go starving and happy over full and miserable any day.

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  6. haha! Love it! Oh my gosh, my partner still asks me on occasion if I'm doing real work or whether I'm writing. I work freelance, so his definition of the immediate paid jobs is the 'real work'. Lol I want to punch him in the nose very time! haha

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  7. I'll punch the lady on the bus in the nose! Big GRRRRR!

    I feel your pain.

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  8. So great. And well said, and I, too, will be in awe if I become one of those check receivers. Yay for lying on paper as a profession. (or acting...acting sounds better) :)

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