Did you know it’s not easy to make money in arts? It’s true!
That’s not to say an artistic career isn’t impossible. For instance, writers can find lucrative roles at creative agencies (though a lot of those cratered in recent years), newspapers (cratered over the last couple of decades), and in the film & TV industries (currently on strike since film executives are trying to turn human storytellers into a crater).
When I was recently brought into a job fair at a local high school, my first advice to aspiring writers & artists was to find an additional trade. That’s how most of us survive. For example, since my pro writing career began, I’ve worked as a barista, courier, editor, grocery clerk, fundraiser, road manager, and soldier.
After Mindy passed away nine years ago, I was able to focus on writing full-time while also grieving and properly parenting our daughter. With time and space to develop my writing career, I built my skills through freelancing at Willamette Week, undergoing therapy, and writing about my life with Mindy. In more recent years, I launched this Substack, developed a writing coach service through Green Guides, and wrote and Kickstarted The Blue Beacon.
My dream is to keep full momentum on all these projects, yet that’s balanced with the need to properly provide and care for myself and Lana. To that end, I’ve spent the last year or so looking for freelancing roles; full and part-time hired positions; at whole other fields of work. And there’s work to be had out there! They just aren’t necessarily jobs which make sense for a solo parent or properly fit my skill set.
Recently, my attention is turned toward driving jobs, since that was my primary trade before I got into writing. Yet while I want to approach everything I do with gratitude and a heart of service, I also feel discouraged! I know I have more to offer than returning to work I did 20 years ago.
So I’m at a crossroads, and this email is me casting out for help. You folks have an idea of my skills and personality. Do you know of any jobs which would suit me? Of any roles aligned with the wide range of talents I have to offer? If so, please reach out! And if a contact or position doesn’t spring to mind, please send up a prayer that I find the right work.
Thanks for even considering this. I appreciate you guys.💚
Hang in there, Jordan. This freelance writing life isn't for the faint of heart. And I'll keep my ears and eyes open for anything.