On Sacrifice

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To achieve writing goals, sacrifice is usually involved. Whether you're a working parent who squeezes in writing time when the kids are sleeping, a student scribbling notes in the margins of your school work, or someone like me, who took a leap in the hope that it will pay off one day.

I've mentioned before that until last year, I worked full-time in a support role at a law firm in downtown, Washington, DC. Not just downtown, but K Street, where all the movers and shakers are. The job was stressful, but it did pay well. But when I moved an hour and a half south to be with my husband, the four hours a day I spent commuting was a lot to take, and it was wearing on my soul.

When I quit that job, I knew it was a huge sacrifice financially. Our income decreased by 70%. The upside to that is that my husband and I never really lived on two incomes. We were first saving for our wedding (which we paid for 100% in cash) and then our home (which we didn't pay cash for, but we have paid cash for all repairs and cosmetic changes). I think the shock would have been bigger had we not done that.

There are times when it's hard, and I'm not going to lie. My husband has a good, stable job, and I'm thankful for that, but his income has taken a hit in the last couple of months. Like most people, we're having to make do with less. That said, I appreciate things in a way I never did before. If we want something, we save.  I enjoy bargain hunting and saving money on groceries. But most of all, I appreciate the time I have to write. I may have to enter the workforce again at some point (well, if I can find a job, that is) and I don't take anything for granted.

Have you had to make sacrifices to pursue your dream of being published?