Part of my day is spent reading different blog feeds from other publishing and writing-related sites, and last week mediabistro’s blog, GalleyCat, posted a video that posed the question: What would you be doing with your life if money was not an issue? The video, edited and uploaded by Tragedy and Hope, includes audio from a lecture by Allan Watts (January 6, 1915–November 16, 1973), a British philosopher and writer.
In the short lecture, Watts explains that if you’re forever living your life to attract money, as opposed to doing what makes you happy, you, in fact, will never be happy. You will not actually live.
On Saturday I spoke to a small group of students at my alma mater about being a writer and how to parlay that into a sustainable career and life. People seem to think that a writing career is still synonymous with poverty and misery, and never having a “real” job. In my quick presentation I spoke about how I took this hobby, this passion for words, and turned it into a paycheck that helps keep a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food on my table. It is a real possibility!
But mostly, my co-presenter and I tried to reinforce the message that was given at the assembly before career day: once you’re working at your passion, it’s no longer work. We both graduated from a place known as a “science and math” school and ended up in careers in communications because we followed our passions. For me, it was a long, windy road on the scenic route, but I keep chasing my dream. Many of the kids asked, “How did this school help you in what you do today?” Honestly? The culture at my high school is one of success. One of hard work. One of nurturing talents. I had (have!) a love for science, yes, but my passion for writing was (is!) stronger. My experiences in high school planted that seed. It was my HONOR to speak at career day!
What a pleasant coincidence to have come across the Allen lecture about following one’s passion before speaking to these kids. I love what I do but I’m always nervous that what I feel won’t translate well to a room full of kids in AP Calculus who are being courted by the MITs of the world. Listening to Allen gave me the jolt of confidence I needed to go in there and speak my truth. I believe I am doing and working toward what I was meant to do with this life I’ve been gifted. It isn’t something I can ever turn my back on.
I’m proud to be living this life as a writer. What’s your passion?
xoxo,
Raquel Ivelisse