Tag | goals

Look Back on My Career in 2009; What’s Next in 2010

Dec 29th, 2009View Comments

I’ve had ups and downs this year regarding my career. One thing that I can say is that I’ve had more ups than downs. In 2009, I found myself being laid off and contemplating my next move. I came to realize that I had become complacent since I began with the company, so I decided to really get moving on my dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer.

I began applying to more writing gigs, and the most insane thing happened. After blogging for over ten years for pleasure and always wishing it could become something I could get paid for, it did. I have to thank MakeTechEasier for giving me a chance, and it’s something that I will never forget. I also want to thank Macgasm, PunchyCritics, and Penn Olson for also giving me helping me become a bonafide Blogger. Hurray!

This is something that I always say to people. Take something bad and turn it into something good. I finally started getting closer to my dreams. After waiting for the inevitable, I never got laid off. My manager told me that I wrote the proposal that got them this multi-million contract, so I became a Sr. Requirements Analyst on this project. It’s been hectic, strenuous, and sometimes frustrating. However, I have learned more about requirements gathering and kept my security clearance active.

What do I want next year? I want to continue on my quest to becoming a full-time freelance writer. I want to try to take a crack on writing an ebook or two, finishing my book draft, and possibly adding WordPress Consultant to my list of services. I’ve helped a few people on their WordPress, and I write about it. I realized that some people charge up to $100/hr to assist people with their WordPress, so why keep doing it for free? It’s something that I am not 100% about, so we shall see.

All I know is that writing has always been my first passion. I’m glad to say that it is my career, and I’m getting closer to doing the writing that I want to do.

Never give up on your dreams. You will see more of me next year.

2009, 2010, career, freelance writer, goals, Writing, writing career, year overview, yearly goalsblogging, proposal writing, random words, technical writing

Creating Lists Can Help Writers In Many Ways

Nov 10th, 2009View Comments

I was reading Stepcase Lifehacker’s article about the 12 lists that help you get things done, and I had to agree that I have a version of one of these lists that I keep track of. One thing I know is that Writers need lists. It doesn’t matter how you create or maintain them, you need them to be most effective when writing.

If it weren’t for lists, I don’t know how I would survive. Even though I am a major Internet junkie, I still use notebooks and stickies to keep track of my lists. I have my to-do lists that I write every morning, so I can check off the things that need to get done. It’s a great way to feel like you have accomplished something, which is a big motivator. I also have goals list that I update monthly. I’ve been doing this since I was in my early twenties, and it has helped me achieve many wonderful things in my life.

I do use Amazon, 43 Things, and Google Tasks to maintain my lists online, but I mainly rely on my paper ones. There are my wish lists, shopping lists, home improvement lists, etc.

Lists have helped me in writing outlines for stories, project plans, and/or requirements. It’s easy to detail what I want with a basic list because I know how to effectively create one. I learned a lot when I bought a Franklin Covey planner It came along with a tutorial on effective list making. Even in my mind, I can keep a running list that I can later on put on paper.

List making is fun, and I love sitting down and creating a list. It’s also a good excuse to go get some new stationary and pens (I am obsessed with buying them).

Photo Detail: Wreck this Journal: Shopping Lists, originally uploaded by Lost Star.