4 Reactions To My Saying That I'm A Writer | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

4 Reactions You’ll Receive When You Say You’re A Writer

People's reactions to your professions are more telling than what you do.

12
4 Reactions You’ll Receive When You Say You’re A Writer
Pexels.com

"Oh, actually, I'm a writer."

Saying that, depending on who's on the receiving end, can elicit a variety of responses. Concerned adults wonder if my career path is sustainable and if it will make make me enough money, people my age think I'm copping out, and kids are heavily impressed.

Regardless of the response, everyone enjoys weighing in on the decisions of a writer. Either it's words of advice to get the heck out or its creating multiple avenues with which you can possibly grow.

I appreciate the support that I have gotten from my family and friends in my decision to pursue language and writing. However, those responses still get me every time — mostly because they're hilarious. But, also because it seems that people feel the need to contribute more when you're career path is different from others.

1. “Do you think you’ll actually make money with that?”

Giphy

Now, I'm not going to approach my career in a naïve way and say that I picked the most lucrative, six-figure-salary-right-out-of-college position. However, I highly doubt that, except for the most self-assured of us, most writers choose the life for monetary reasons.

However, it's untrue that one cannot make money in all aspects of writing. One can be a writer in marketing, can create content for Fortune 500 companies, and can make a lot of money tutoring. There isn't a black and white consequence of taking on a career like this.

2. “Isn’t it really hard to find jobs doing that?”

Giphy

I'm also not going to lie to myself and say that I want to do something that is the most stable. Like I said before, it has the potential to be, but even then work isn't always the easiest to find as a writer. But, at the end of the day, you have to be willing to push just a little harder, put in more hours, and generate regular writing to be recognized further.

That merit-based system actually plays in favor anyways. Writing requires daily practice and the best part is that it is completely within my control if I will be making something. I have the privilege to know that I can dedicate a couple hours a day even while working towards my writing, and that itself helps me build a portfolio without the need of a gig.

3. “Do you really think you’ll make it in Hollywood?”

Giphy

Well, thank you for the faith. Maybe? But, that isn't necessarily my immediate goal.

When I said that I wanted to write for a living, that meant that I'm going to be writing for publications, online media, or even coming up with content for a company's website. It could mean writing copy or tutoring in essay writing.

Although I would eventually like to be writing for an industry like the entertainment industry, that's not why I got into this. It's for the writing, itself.

4. “What is writing?”

Giphy

You'd think, but this is the response I get the most. The genuine confusion of the state of my career. There are those who cannot actually fathom writing as a career at all. Most of them have heard of authors writing alongside their "real" jobs or people working in marketing, but not the position of "writer."

But it's in moments like these, that I actually love explaining what I do. Hopefully, the passion comes through and changes a mind by the end of the conversation.

I am proud to have taken on a field that can be a point of conversation and that isn't the most digestible. I can stand behind my decisions in an actual debate about the merits of my position and interests, but sometimes it's just more fun to hear people's comments about what I'm doing. It is also considerably different as there aren't as many people that look like me or with my background in my field.

So, if you're also in a career or a job where other people aren't sure what exactly you are doing and why, just remember that we're all out here on the same grind, the same hustle. You got this and in the immortal words of Patrick from 10 Things I Hate About You, "don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want." Just trust your judgement and keep going. And laugh at the comments all the way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190011
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14782
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457755
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26580
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments