Is It Time to Change Careers? Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

I grew up in a small town in Northern California, but for as long as I can remember, I knew that wasn’t my final destination. My first job wasn’t my last one, either—in fact, I’ve had more than a few careers, and I’ve loved them all … but when I knew it was time to make a change, I jumped in with both feet.

There’s a reason behind that attitude, which I shared with radio host Maureen Anderson on her show, Doing What Works.

I met Maureen when she needed an editor for one of her books, and I soon learned we share a penchant for going all-in. She and her cohost Katie Anderson invited me to chat with them for an episode of their fascinating show, and along with producer Darrell Anderson, we discussed overcoming career-change fear, and what managing a department for an upscale retailer, working as a flight attendant for a major airline, selling real estate, and working with fascinating authors have in common. Continue reading “Is It Time to Change Careers? Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”

I Was Afraid to Be a Writer

Was there something you really, really wanted to do when you were younger, but you walked away from it because you didn’t think you could do it?

I wanted to be a writer. I loved to write. I mean, I LOVED it. I kept diaries; I had literally dozens of pen pals all over the world. I crafted short stories that I believed would someday win awards. Writing was in my blood.

I kept my dream of writing professionally to myself, but when I was in high school and exploring college programs, I floated the idea. “You can’t make a living that way,” advised my guidance counselor. “Why don’t you do that in your spare time?” suggested my parents. “Earn a degree in something that will pay the bills” was the message I received.

So I entered college with the intention of earning a business degree . . . and dropped out after almost two years and before attaining an Associate’s degree because I was tired of going to school. I wanted to get on with living my adult life. But I always regretted that decision, and twenty-five years later Continue reading “I Was Afraid to Be a Writer”

Caring for Your Writer—10 Easy Steps for Friends & Family

I found this funny (and truth-filled) blog at Word Savant this morning, and I just had to share:

Caring for Your Writer—10 Easy Steps for Friends & Family #writerslife #writers Share on X

Congratulations!  You are now the proud owner of a writer!  Your writer will perform amazing tricks for you, such as spending hours and hours by themselves working on something that they may never finish. Or, accumulating a small collection of editors who thank them for their work but it’s just not right for this publication.

You may be wondering how to feed and care for this moody and reclusive creature, who is “writing a novel” but won’t tell you what it’s about.  Writers need specialized care, so here are 10 easy Do’s and Don’ts to take care of this special breed.

(Read the rest at Caring for Your Writer – 10 Easy Steps for Friends & Family.)

 

Happy Writing!

—Candace

 

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