Comparison is inevitable, but we can manage how we compare. There's a fine line between learning from other writers and letting the comparison dictate how and what we write.
The uncertainty of our lives is an unsettling constant, as is the temptation to compare ourselves to others. I’ve experienced the trade-off of working for pay while feeling my creative soul being sucked dry. You’re ahead of the game in realizing it now. You’re a talented writer and storyteller. I have a feeling you’ll find a way to both follow your passion and make a living from it. Meanwhile I’ll keep reading and wishing I had the courage to go some of the personal places you dare to share. Kudos!🥂
If accounting is not your passion or at the very least, a career you'd like to have, it is good that you are getting out now and doing something different. I fell into accounting via being a "computer data entry operation" and 40+ years later here I am. I don't have a college degree, so after several years of working in CPA firms, I really wasn't qualified to do anything else. I was a single mom with a small child so I had to continue in accounting because I was good at what I did and it provided me with a way to make a living and support us. My skills were always in demand so I could go to other CPA firms doing what I do best and make a living and for that I'm grateful. I don't know what my passion was nor what I might have done if I hadn't gone the route I did, but looking back now, I wish I had done many things differently. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I retire in August 2023 and hopefully I'll discover a few passions in my retirement and I can't wait. Do what feels right for you and pivot when necessary like you have already done. :)
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Gayla. I didn't know you're an accountant too! Small world. You've given me lots of think about re: privilege and opportunity, that it might require a follow up post! I am curious though...if you could do it over, what would you have done differently? (If you don't feel like sharing, that's okay, but I always love to hear from people's perspective) :)
I don't mind answering this at all, and if you don't mind, I'll answer this privately by replying to the email itself. It may take me a few days to do this though. :)
I wish I could say that the reflex ti compare one's self/writing to other writers goes away but it doesn't. Or at least it hasn't fir me. But it gets better. You've already figured out how to make it less of a cudgel and more if a tool to help yourself. We learn from each other all the time and it's a beautiful thing. Just reading about your journey here reminds me of how important it is to embrace uncertainty.
I get it. Every Thursday during Writer Office Hours, I'm both inspired and overwhelmed.
Comparison is inevitable, but we can manage how we compare. There's a fine line between learning from other writers and letting the comparison dictate how and what we write.
You're totally right. Comparison is gonna happen. I'm still learning to cut out the noise, so to speak.
The uncertainty of our lives is an unsettling constant, as is the temptation to compare ourselves to others. I’ve experienced the trade-off of working for pay while feeling my creative soul being sucked dry. You’re ahead of the game in realizing it now. You’re a talented writer and storyteller. I have a feeling you’ll find a way to both follow your passion and make a living from it. Meanwhile I’ll keep reading and wishing I had the courage to go some of the personal places you dare to share. Kudos!🥂
Thanks Ruth!
If accounting is not your passion or at the very least, a career you'd like to have, it is good that you are getting out now and doing something different. I fell into accounting via being a "computer data entry operation" and 40+ years later here I am. I don't have a college degree, so after several years of working in CPA firms, I really wasn't qualified to do anything else. I was a single mom with a small child so I had to continue in accounting because I was good at what I did and it provided me with a way to make a living and support us. My skills were always in demand so I could go to other CPA firms doing what I do best and make a living and for that I'm grateful. I don't know what my passion was nor what I might have done if I hadn't gone the route I did, but looking back now, I wish I had done many things differently. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I retire in August 2023 and hopefully I'll discover a few passions in my retirement and I can't wait. Do what feels right for you and pivot when necessary like you have already done. :)
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Gayla. I didn't know you're an accountant too! Small world. You've given me lots of think about re: privilege and opportunity, that it might require a follow up post! I am curious though...if you could do it over, what would you have done differently? (If you don't feel like sharing, that's okay, but I always love to hear from people's perspective) :)
I don't mind answering this at all, and if you don't mind, I'll answer this privately by replying to the email itself. It may take me a few days to do this though. :)
No worries. Feel free to reply any time 😀
I wish I could say that the reflex ti compare one's self/writing to other writers goes away but it doesn't. Or at least it hasn't fir me. But it gets better. You've already figured out how to make it less of a cudgel and more if a tool to help yourself. We learn from each other all the time and it's a beautiful thing. Just reading about your journey here reminds me of how important it is to embrace uncertainty.
Thanks Betsy. This was hard to write, so I'm glad you liked it!