I'm beginning to like doing a combination of part-time teaching and freelance writing for a living. I get to hone both skills and I'm enjoying the variety. My time's also pretty flexible which is just great. Writing assignments are trickling in, and I'm really taking baby steps in this direction. Still, it has been a good learning experience. I'm looking forward to my first byline!
So far, two articles I wrote were published in a statutory board's newsletter but unfortunately no byline was accorded for those two pieces. Two other articles I wrote were also published in a local newspaper but it was under another person's byline. But nevermind, come May, I will have my own byline in two articles that will published in two different magazines. The magazines are not widely read, but at least I will have something to show for my portfolio.
The only drawback about working freelance is that my income is unstable and I don't know when my next pay cheque will be coming in. The money's not great either but I guess I can get by with less extravagance on my part. Also, I lose out on CPF contributions, medical and company benefits from the employer which I would have been entitled to if I worked full-time with a company.
Presently, my life is still in a state of uncertainty. My teaching stint with the present language school I'm at will only last till June and I will have to scout around for other job opportunities.
Then there is also my dream of wanting to work overseas. Maybe that will be put on the backburner for now. But I'm also thinking - if I don't do it now, then when???
Choices, decisions, options. I guess it all boils down to what one deems is of greater importance. There seems to be always this conflict between monetary concerns and pursuing one's dreams.
But anyway, will see what comes along in the next couple of months.
Posted by DSD at March 18, 2004 11:35 AM | TrackBackI am so proud of you, going out on a limb like this to pursue two new careers. Yes, there's a state of uncertainty, and yes, uncertainty isn't as glamorous as it may at first sound, especially where finances are involved. But on the bright side, you're constantly accruing valuable experience for your CV. More importantly still, you are, as you say, honing your skills in two separate professional fields. You're moving, going places, making progress. As I think we're both learning at the moment, risk is a corollary of self-improvement; the two can't ultimately be separated from each other. That's ultimately a good thing.
Lots of hugs, prayers, and good wishes.
Posted by: Monkey at March 18, 2004 3:20 PMIt is very important to love the work one does. Without that enjoyment it tends to wear one down not just a couple or years but what will seem like eternity.
On that note, it so great to read the passion in what you do. Congratulations! Once you start writing for a major publication, it will be a joy to read and see a signoff which says "by DSD...Dimsumdolly" :)
It looks like a lot of things are changing and moving for you and your friends...Monkey/Joe/You. So much fun and excitment. Even Urbannomad is getting less nomad and more urban! :)
Posted by: Victor at March 18, 2004 5:47 PMthanks for the encouragment guys! i really appreciate it! It's nice to know that i have friends from afar who are so supportive! :)
Posted by: joan at March 19, 2004 10:54 AM