I assumed that people on twitter knew I wasn’t paid to write my blog. I’m not sure how or why I came to that assumption, but I did. Yesterday, I wrote a note on Facebook talking about the fact that because of the economic downturn, my hours had been cut back at the office. I got a lot of well wishes and thoughts, and a few people that I knew personally offered to help me try to find something. But, I got a lot of people that were confused by my note. The most common question I got was “I thought you worked for yourself? Isn’t that what your blog does?” I probably didn’t help things with my post about doing what you love (after re-reading it, it does sound like I work for myself…). I decided that I should probably clarify a bit about this blog. Not only will it explain me a bit better, it might help me to remedy the lost hours situation.
So, who am I, what do I do and what is this blog?
I am Kirsten Wright, a 24 year old, Long Beach State Graduate, Communications Major, passionate writer and graphics addict. I have spent the last 4 years (since I graduated college) trying to figure out what I want to do for a career. I have always loved writing (passionately, honestly, wholeheartedly). It has been the one constant in my life, from carrying around notebooks everywhere I went, to writing stories and many attempted blogs. But, I knew that I needed a concrete job, not just a passion, so I looked for something serious. I crossed off sales, both inside and outside, very quickly. I then was the assistant for a marketing entrepreneur. That job taught me about my passion (and talent) for graphic design. But, life happens and I had to move on. I took a job doing marketing and PR for a plastic surgeon (my current position). I guess I didn’t really read the fine print of the job, and so when the market really took a dive for us (which apparently just happened yesterday?), I had my hours cut down. I didn’t think that could happen, and actually, there is a lot about this job that I was surprised by.
What does any of this have to do with my blog? Pretty much nothing. The blog has no ties to my business or my paycheck. It was my passion for writing, and my need to share and help others with their creativity that drove me to start the site. I didn’t even think about getting traffic until the last few months when people commenting that they liked what I wrote. Even more, I had never thought about making money off of it. I never liked the blogs that ran ads, or were obviously money driven, they just didn’t seem as honest or useful. I have written a few guest posts, all for free, just because I like to write. This blog has been, and will remain, my opportunity to share what I know with people who are looking for creative ideas for writing and business.
This all leads to the question….so what do I want to do/what am I going to do? The unfortunately true answer is: I don’t know. I’m trying to figure it out, and thanks to some great motivational advice from @LaFemCreative, I am turning the cutback on my hours into a good thing and taking a chance. I’ve never tried to go after the job that I really love, partially because I am not sure it exists, but more out of fear of failing (yes, I am scared to fail, and okay with admitting it!). But – what I do know, is if I don’t at least attempt to find the job I really want, I will never find it. So, I am looking for a position with a company, preferably in South Orange County (or one that allows me to work virtually). The job would allow me to manage their blog, write their press releases & web copy (or those of their clients), do some graphic design and work with photoshop (for them or their clients), develop and execute social media strategies and use twitter. If you got this far and are still reading – thank you and I ask that all you do is think about people/companies that you know. Does what I am looking for exist? Do you know a company that is looking for someone like me?
Thanks for sticking with me through this, I hope that it clarifies a bit about me and my blog (and why you’ll never be hit with ads for product when you visit me). Later today I will have day #7 of my 10 days of bold moves for creativity.
