Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Unemployed and Loving It

“We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” - C.S.  Lewis


So I've been technically "unemployed" for almost a month. Not to be confused with "penniless." I still earn an income as a freelance writer, but because I'm no longer an employee who earns a consistent weekly paycheck, that income has significantly decreased. But I have to say, I've been enjoying my time at home. Not having to get out of my jammies all day if I don't want to is totally freeing, even if rather lazy.

As much as I liked my job working in a children's consignment store, it's been nice to regain my focus on what I feel is my true calling in life: to write. My passion is fiction and I've always dreamed of becoming a novelist. And while I've been working towards that dream, and earning some income from writing in the meantime, I've never quite dared to completely give up my outside job...just in case. Just in case the freelance work stopped. Just in case my creativity decided to bail. Just in case the have-to-have outfit I saw on display was a tad over my monthly freelancing income. Just in case.

When I found out the store was closing, nulling and voiding my "just in case," I debated. Should I start looking for something right away or was this an opportunity for me to exercise my faith, start submitting more stuff, write like crazy, and trust that God would take care of it? I decided to give it until the end of January and  reevaluate the situation.



Well, it's only January 12. But I have to say as nervous as I was about the decrease in income, God has proven Himself  faithful once again (why do I always doubt?). In the past four weeks, I've sold two articles (which is totally not typical), and have submitted a few more I'm waiting to hear back on. I've collaborated with four other authors on two separate proposals for two novella collections, submitted three books reviews for pay, and have another potential freelancing job lined up. Besides that, I've been able to meet friends for coffee, completely transform my daughter's old room into an office-slash-craft room, and even see a couple of movies.

Yep...God is faithful.


If things keep up like they're going now, I'm thinking "full time writer" may become my official job title. But if not, that's okay. The best place to be is in the middle of God's will. So that's what I'm aiming for.


God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9)

6 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

So happy to hear it is working out:) We never know what bigger plan God has for us:)

Jen said...

Wow, that is so great! I keep wanting to quit my job and have faith,time and focus to write but I'm still a newbie at it all. That's why this year I am planning on getting my name and writing out there as my main focus...then many next year I can be a full time writer! I'm thrilled that you are having a positive outcome in all of this!

Sally said...

I feel with C.S. Lewis, I want God's best but am fearful what it will take to get there. You have shown courage and motivation. God bless you and keep you as you show him faith and trust.

Susan said...

Yes, Lynda, GOD IS faithful. He never, ever lets us down. Keep plugging. That's what I'm doing and have done, since my job ended quite awhile back! Susan

Dara said...

Thanks for this post. I'm really wanting to become a SAHM come June and do a little freelancing and maybe selling some Mary Kay to bring in a little income. I know it may be challenging living on just my husband's income, but I think it will be better for my child in the long run. Not to mention the cost of daycare is more than what I earn at work so it would be completely pointless.

Anyway, I'm trusting that things will work out and I know God will provide :)

Unknown said...

Lynda, you made the right decision! God has big plans for you and I can't wait to see what's in store for your writing.

Blessings,
Deb