19 Comments
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Hans G. Schantz's avatar

Glad you're finding your path. I spent 17 years as a founder and principal in a tech company, and it becomes all consuming. It is nice to kick back, do some good work, let some one else worry about whether the next payroll will clear, and have free time to pursue fun but risky side projects. All the best to you.

Kristin McTiernan's avatar

I’m amazed you continued to write during all that. Mine has ground to a standstill

Mike Saffron's avatar

Hey, working for daddy government (corporate America) has its perks for sure. Honestly, I feel most inspired to write when I’m bah’ing away in the cube farm like the animals we are. Love to hear your stories. Nuggets of inspiration and wisdom.

Rian Stone's avatar

When I first started I was the same workaholic. It wasn't even so much guilt, but the idea that if you get back the travel commute and no boss, you have to make up for it with unending work days.

I got over it pretty quick, once I realized it was really no one making me guilty, I had worked enough, and most of the stuff I was doing was there to make me feel busy, as opposed to driving revenue.

After year 5, it's amazing how it's a compounding effect: The work I did in the past pays consistently small amounts over time, and once I get enough I don't have to work as many hours to keep momentum going.

Congrats on going back. I don't think I could do it. My tolerance for BS, make work jobs and co worker distrust outweighs my dislike for retards on the internet. I hope you come up with a cure for avian flu while you're there.

Kristin McTiernan's avatar

I am nothing if not resourceful 😆

Vince Mancuso's avatar

Recently got “refocused” at my job. Felt like a demotion, but the past couple of days I’ve realized it’s freed up mental space to write well when I want to.

I hope you’re having a similar experience. For what it’s worth, you do really good work, and I never found a piece boring.

Rhino's avatar

Keep Crushing!!

Richard's avatar
2hEdited

Happy to hear you've found a healthy balance.

Stoked for your MFA curriculum content. Will it be only for paid members?

Kristin McTiernan's avatar

Nope, it’ll be for everyone. I’m sticking to the freemium model

Richard's avatar

Awesome! Out of curiosity, what kind of writing background do you have? Did you major on literature? English?

Kristin McTiernan's avatar

Yes my undergrad was in English literature. Plus a masters in curriculum design

James Pyles's avatar

I'm not trying to be disrespectful but this makes me glad I'm retired.

Kristin McTiernan's avatar

To be comfortably retired is, in fact, the dream

James Pyles's avatar

The trick to "comfortably" is that the economy doesn't tank or you don't outlive your money. Nothing is certain.

Kaylena Radcliff's avatar

Stable day jobs are truly underrated! And this sounds like a best of both worlds scenario. Congrats!

Marcin Pilarczyk's avatar

Loved the "basic bitch orientation".

Nobody wants to comment on my tits, though.

Kristin McTiernan's avatar

I’m sure it will happen eventually 😆

Jim - The Fiction Method's avatar

Best of luck. Finding the right and healthy balance can be the hardest part, so it is good to hear you are making progress towards that goal intentionally.