and on a different note…
I just realized today is March 31.
This means that I have been out of the corporate world for 5 years. I got laid off in 2001 from a job I loved a lot. I have been a freelance RPG writer for 5 years. In an interesting bit of coincidence, I also started my freelance magazine writing career a year ago on March 31.
Losing a full time salary to stay home, raise a kid and follow my dream hasn’t been easy. There’s a lot of “I never thought I’d do this” I never thought I would stay at home with kids, and as much as I wanted it, I never thought I’d be a real writer. (Now if only the real writer could make a real living at it…)
I’ve never been a big fan of spring, but I do acknowledge that my life changed 5 years ago, and again last year. So I grudgingly admit a certain bit of ceremonial rebirth going on here.
So happy anniversary to me.
About the Author: I am a writer and podcast producer, writing for magazines and RPGs. I am a wanna-be fiction writer with several short fiction, comic scripts, and one novel sale. Playing For Keeps will be out August, '08.
Don Pedicini, Jr. | Mar 31, 2006 | Reply
Happy Anniversary. I hope you feel better and please don’t wear yourself out!!!!
Scott M. Sandridge | Apr 1, 2006 | Reply
Happy Anniversary. So, how do you plan to celebrate?
Rick | Apr 1, 2006 | Reply
Happy Anniversary Mur!
I just might follow your lead next year. The wife and I talk about it frequently as we prepare to have a kid. She makes more money than I do, always will, until I write that super duper best seller, get movie rights, endorsments, speaking tours…oh, am I awake?
Seriously Mur, the more my wife and I talk about it, I realize what a scary decision it is. So congrats to you and your husband for making it work.
dingosatemybaby | Apr 1, 2006 | Reply
Mur
You cant see me, but I’ve got my party hat on as I type this (the one with the big stars and sparkles).
You go girl!
./D
Steph | Apr 2, 2006 | Reply
I quit my job last year to do the exact same thing. I also never thought I would be one to stay home, and it’s not easy finding time to write when my kids are needing me. How do you do it? I’m hoping I can continue writing and getting sleep as well.
Happy Anniversary!
Kiki | Apr 2, 2006 | Reply
Congratulations!
I hope you’re celebrating in style.
I’ve only been out of the “working world” for 6 months, but it’s an impossible struggle, so kudos to you for sticking it out for so long! I wish I had your stamina.
Party on!
Jose | Apr 2, 2006 | Reply
I’m a bit envious as I’m still encumbered by the necessity of my day job (although I land most of my girlfriends at work so it isn’t all bad).
Congrats Mur, you’re doing great.
Mike Strahan | Apr 2, 2006 | Reply
Moments like this always make me wonder if congratulations are in order. Do you say something like this?:
“Congrats on losing your job 5 years ago!”
Seriously though, my wife and I struggle with the “stay at home” question all the time. I wish I could, I would love to spend everday with my daughters, but the cynic in me says that my writing output would remain the same, paltry level it is today.
Happy anniversary!