Dastardly Decisions July 16, 2007
Posted by Jen in : Journal , trackbackNow, though this may come as an awful shock to you, I have a confession:
I am terrible at making decisions. No, seriously, I mean proper terrible. Rubbish. Useless. Impractical, ineffectual and utterly, utterly crap. Sigh.
I’m fed up with my job. I have the school hols looming. I can’t book any time off work. I have an itsy bitsy, teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini bit of money in my bank account for the first time in seven billion years.
So. Do I:-
Carry on toiling in Retail Hell, cursing myself as I’m suckered into more and more responsibility and gruesome work-related misery?
OR
Give a week’s notice, run away and spend the summer in the garden with the boys, getting fit, healthy (I’m thinking figs, nectarines and jogging. What?? Oh, shut up!! I bloomin’ well would!) and really ploughing into the novel and bandying myself about with some short stories? You know, really being a writer. For 6 weeks. After which I would be buggered. Which would clearly be a pain in the arse. (Oh dear. Sorry about that. It’s not my joke!)
Oh, Gawd, I just don’t know. What happens mid-September when I’m jobless and penniless? Oh yeah, I could temp. But, what if nobody wants 
me? Oh, I can’t decide…
(Sorry about the cartoon too. I’m a bit stressed. Can you tell?)
Comments»
Don’t ask me I’m totally irresponsible and useless at good decisions but …. come September when all the students are back at uni surely there will be lots of temp jobs
Well, realistically, what are your temping options? If reasonably good, I say do it - jack in retail hell, and have a go at really writing. Of course, the only down-side to this, or, rather, potential down-side, is that you’d have to be brutally disciplined about the whole thing so no slacking off, lots of writing, possibly in structure blocks, etc.
Did I mention I trained at bootcamp?
Do it…leave job and build memories for your boys. Six weeks..1000 words a day? You can then take any crap job for winter knowing you’ve finished your book and had fun summer.
Disclaimer: I have always been reckless so cannot be held liable for any loss of earnings, partners or mental facilities.
Leave retail hell.
Build great memories for your boys.
Six weeks holiday…1000 words a day? You’ll finish novel in no time and then can take crap job for winter knowing you’ve written a complete book.
Disclaimer: Author of above has always been reckless and can accept no liability for loss of earnings, partners or mental facilities.
Sorry, confused by your clever blog and left message twice. Take it that I am just repeating myself to help you make up your mind
Fiona
Well I am not the person to ask since I am two weeks away from unemployment due to my reckless ditching of a very well paid job in the City. BUT I say, GO FOR IT! Life is too short.
Karen: Yes, I think they all disappear in October which would be rather marvellous!! Good point!!
KW: Are you suggesting that I might adopt some procrastinating ways and not actually any ANY writing? Yes, again, good point. I will really have to be dedicated…
Fiona: Do it x 3 from you then!!
Kate: Aaarrgh, but it’s scary isn’t it? But I think you’re right. Life is WAY too short…
Scary! I’ve never been good at making decisions and when I do it’s usually the wrong one! Think about it carefully before you do anything. I know how tempting it is to leave Retail behind (and if you do I’ll be so jealous!). Best of luck with whatever you choose to do.
I always make the irresposible but fun decisions so if I had the money I’d probably take some time off….enjoy your kids…the summer…get some words writ…..Maybe you could set up a new job before you quit?????
A Writer: I have had many thoughts. I have made myself feel quite sick with the right-decision-making process. I wrote my letter last night and have woken up after the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months. I think I’ve got it right for once!
Rebecca: Irresponsible but fun? Enjoy the kids & summer? Ah, your Ozzie philosophy has reminded me to buy a bbq too.
Sausage, anyone?
Can’t comment on what you should do but it you do pack it all make sure you do carve time out for writing…….I’m having to rise early because once the team are up forget it…….they demand and need my attention.
Good luck with the decision. Thinking of you:-)
I had a similar dilema the other week, but this was whether to take an office job (I’m currently ‘working from home’) or continue on my quest for publication. I decided to continue on with my quest and it is the best decision I’ve made in a while.
You have about 60,000 words to go right? Well if you do ditch the job you could do 10,000 a week (2000 a day - tie yourself to the chairleg) and in the 6 weeks it will be finished! I’ll nag - sorry I mean remind - you every day if you like.
Liz: Writing + children = a bit hopeless really.
Helen: Am going to allow myself a naughty and indulgent 3 months. Write novel, short stories, articles, heck ANYTHING that might get published. Nag away, nag away!! As you’ve said in your post, this is an investment in my dreams and my future. I’m gonna give it my best shot. Eeeeeeek!
x
Good luck, Jen! Does the letter writing mean you’ve decided to quit?
Wow! I admire your courage and determination! Sounds like you’re going to have a fantastic 3 months and I can’t wait to hear all about it here!
Angie: Yep! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!
A Writer: I’m actually REALLY excited at the prospect. Watch this space
Yay!!! I came into the comments box to say something like ‘go on, make the leap’ but you already have. I don’t think you’ll regret it for a second. It’ll give you time to think about other money-earning options as well - I’m self-employed and I love it, I’ve never been happier. Well done for having the courage of your convictions. I recommend CTaylor’s blog for inspiration if you don’t read it already, she’s one of the novel racers and has lots of suggestions about being highly productive and sending off stories. Best of luck and I too look forward to reading about your journey.
Oooooh - didn’t mean to tar you with my own brush, but just wanted to say that sometimes it can be quite difficult doing nothing BUT writing, no matter how much you may like it.
Anyway, congratulations on your decision!
Well done doing it! I’m so jealous! I really wish I could leave my job…
Well done Jen Go For It!
Zinnia: Yes, you’re spot on with opening up the money-earning options. And, besides, I’m a great believer that things always turn out the way they’re supposed to. ‘CTaylor’ is a regular read though I doubt I could ever be as dedicated as she is!
KW: Oooh, wasn’t complaining - I was chortling quietly that you had got the cut of my procrastinating jib all too clear
A Writer: Your turn will come. It really will.
wahahahahaha i’m telling mum & dad! youre gonna be SO grounded…wahahahha! good for you sis, nice one! you can send The Children to me if you like i’ve got nothing to do all summer!
i want a daily word count on this blog or i really am telling..wahahahaha x
Nooooo, don’t tell! Mum will make me eat liver ‘n’ onions and record ‘Jennifer Juniper’ over my KajaGooGoo tape. I will be so dead.
(Actually, I feel a bit scared to confess what I’ve done. I will be told off for sure
)
Thanks for your comments on my story extract…I have to be careful as, according to A N Other, I signed the offical secrets act when I married him and he might have to kill me.
Re what to say. You could be ‘resting, darling’, educating your children at home..so pc, freelancing (well, its true isn’t it?) being a stay at home mother for the good of your children (don’t say that your children are only allowed to disturb your writing if they have knocked each other unconsious).
Get a cat.
You star! You absolute star! Go you.
x
I hope so.