[for writers] Why to Accept a Job You’re Not Sure You Can Do

Recently, I?accepted a short assignment doing teacher tips on lesson plans. It was my first assignment with a new company, I wasn’t sure I precisely understood the requirements, and I was pretty sure I would barely break minimum wage.?Was I insane? Yes, probably! But I did have reasons:

  1. try a new company
  2. try a brand new task on a very small scale (only 30 tips for less than $100)
  3. gain knowledge that will help me talk with educators
  4. gain knowledge that will help me with teaching guides and extension materials
  5. challenge myself
  6. perhaps find a new income stream
  7. new experience for my resume

I have to earn a certain income, so I try to be smart about what I do. But $ can’t always be the first consideration. This one ended up going well, and I just thought of it as training. Now I have a bit more experience and might be willing to take on a bigger project with this company. What are the reasons?you?take on jobs that are scary or potentially not very profitable? Um, I’m not the only one, right? Right?

12 Responses

    1. Thanks, Diana–so are you–and artist! Would be nice if there were more straightforward ways to earn a living as a writer or artist, wouldn’t it?

    1. Thanks, Diana–so are you–and artist! Would be nice if there were more straightforward ways to earn a living as a writer or artist, wouldn’t it?

    1. I hear that! Of course, the $90 I made off that job won’t even cover one textbook. But…it’s good (but terrifying) to try new things periodically to see if they’re harder or easier than I thought!

    1. I hear that! Of course, the $90 I made off that job won’t even cover one textbook. But…it’s good (but terrifying) to try new things periodically to see if they’re harder or easier than I thought!

  1. You have so many ideas, and work so hard, Laura, perhaps a ‘how-to’ book would be a good idea? Thanks for sharing the different ways writers for children can make some money.

    1. Aw, thanks, Linda. We all have lots of good ideas! That said, I am actually hoping to do an ebook on ideas for kidlit writers who freelance:>)

  2. You have so many ideas, and work so hard, Laura, perhaps a ‘how-to’ book would be a good idea? Thanks for sharing the different ways writers for children can make some money.

    1. Aw, thanks, Linda. We all have lots of good ideas! That said, I am actually hoping to do an ebook on ideas for kidlit writers who freelance:>)

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