Writing has become my last job, as well. But I don't have the business savvy to earn steady money from it. Any suggestions?
I should note that I am envious of the millenials and genXers in the Poetry and Fiction market who charge $500 per writing class or readers fee. Alas, I don't feel comfortable doing that. Even a subscription fee or advertising revenue seems beyond reach. But my reputation in those circles has grown. (I am www.baltimoreblackwoman.com.)
Hi Jackie, I'm in the same boat as you in many regards. I started writing three years ago on Substack, and my newsletter is and will be free for the reasons you mentioned. You might want to take a look at Sarah Fay's newsletter, Substack Writers at Work; https://www.writersatwork.net/. She offers lots of free tips, and paid subscribers ($50.00 per year) get even more help in all aspects of writing. I have learned a lot from her.
I retired and my employer asked me to stay on as a 10 hour/month consultant for 6 months and then extended the consultant for another year. I participated in meetings (mostly online, continued to do some projects and write some reports). But I was free to start traveling and although of the meetings were at strange times allowed me to stay involved and ease my way into retirement. I'd thought that I might offer consulting to some of our association members but was happy not to have to do any of that!
Love your writing! I, at least right now, have found a very happy medium between being fully retired and semiretired. I work part time in education in a district that loves me and accommodates my needs to do some things when we are away. Similarly when there are things that require my presence ( besides when we are out of state) I make myself available. It’s a win win…..they get a valuable service ( and know it) and I get to keep doing something I love.
I think too often retirement is the gold ring everyone is hoping to grab but once they do…..we need to encourage retirees to be to think about what they want and can reasonably manage.
"If you can see the problem and the obvious solution, then you must be smarter than 84% of America’s CEOs, who are doing little" Fixed that for you. 😂 Seriously, Don, the pervasive myth of the genius in the corner office doesn't stand close scrutiny, does n it? People can't grasp that, having created a society in which even public services must be driven by profit-seeking for executives, rather than driven by goodwill, practically everything now is run by grifters, to all our detriment.
I'm glad you brought attention to the aspirational "I'll do part-time work until I fully retire". I've seen it fail so often due to magical thinking. Creating part-time, paid jobs is an area smart business owners and charities could consider carefully. But workers need to be much more focused on what, exactly, they are offering and what new ideas they'll bring with them for development. The responsibility can't all be on the employers' side.
Retirement wasn't for me - nor is it now even at 85. Writing has become my last job, but I am my own CEO.
Writing has become my last job, as well. But I don't have the business savvy to earn steady money from it. Any suggestions?
I should note that I am envious of the millenials and genXers in the Poetry and Fiction market who charge $500 per writing class or readers fee. Alas, I don't feel comfortable doing that. Even a subscription fee or advertising revenue seems beyond reach. But my reputation in those circles has grown. (I am www.baltimoreblackwoman.com.)
Hi Jackie, I'm in the same boat as you in many regards. I started writing three years ago on Substack, and my newsletter is and will be free for the reasons you mentioned. You might want to take a look at Sarah Fay's newsletter, Substack Writers at Work; https://www.writersatwork.net/. She offers lots of free tips, and paid subscribers ($50.00 per year) get even more help in all aspects of writing. I have learned a lot from her.
Your reasoning is cogent and compelling, as usual, Don. But I’m not ready to un-retire yet!
And I hope you continue to feel that way!
I retired and my employer asked me to stay on as a 10 hour/month consultant for 6 months and then extended the consultant for another year. I participated in meetings (mostly online, continued to do some projects and write some reports). But I was free to start traveling and although of the meetings were at strange times allowed me to stay involved and ease my way into retirement. I'd thought that I might offer consulting to some of our association members but was happy not to have to do any of that!
Love your writing! I, at least right now, have found a very happy medium between being fully retired and semiretired. I work part time in education in a district that loves me and accommodates my needs to do some things when we are away. Similarly when there are things that require my presence ( besides when we are out of state) I make myself available. It’s a win win…..they get a valuable service ( and know it) and I get to keep doing something I love.
I think too often retirement is the gold ring everyone is hoping to grab but once they do…..we need to encourage retirees to be to think about what they want and can reasonably manage.
Kathy, I think you won the lottery.
"If you can see the problem and the obvious solution, then you must be smarter than 84% of America’s CEOs, who are doing little" Fixed that for you. 😂 Seriously, Don, the pervasive myth of the genius in the corner office doesn't stand close scrutiny, does n it? People can't grasp that, having created a society in which even public services must be driven by profit-seeking for executives, rather than driven by goodwill, practically everything now is run by grifters, to all our detriment.
We live within a system that rewards certain behaviors and personalities. They are not the behaviors and personalities I would have chosen.
Nor I. Nor anyone with a shred of decency, Don. Thanks for the EndGame.
I'm glad you brought attention to the aspirational "I'll do part-time work until I fully retire". I've seen it fail so often due to magical thinking. Creating part-time, paid jobs is an area smart business owners and charities could consider carefully. But workers need to be much more focused on what, exactly, they are offering and what new ideas they'll bring with them for development. The responsibility can't all be on the employers' side.
Unfortunately, writing doesn't seem to be a dependable way to make a living wage. I'm lucky that I don't depend on my writing income to buy groceries.
And one of the smartest CEOs ever!
Good point, Wendl. Creative thinking on both sides increases the likelihood of a fit.