Identify real-world alternatives to digital activities that provide similar enjoyment and engagement.
Recognize the financial challenges and emotional roller coaster of a writing career, but also appreciate the freedom, unique experiences, and ability to shape one's own path it offers.
Aspiring writers should focus on building a portfolio, developing pitching skills, and gaining expertise in a particular area to attract opportunities for book ideas, speaking engagements, and career growth.
Deep dives
Finding high-quality analog alternatives to digital activities
To start, Gabriel can look for analog alternatives that provide similar experiences to the digital activities he enjoys. For example, if he likes watching sports clips on his phone, he could try attending local sporting events or joining a recreational sports league. If he enjoys video games, he can explore activities like paintball or board game gatherings. The key is to identify the underlying pleasures of the digital activities and seek out real-world equivalents that offer similar enjoyment and engagement.
Realities and rewards of a full-time writing career
While a career in writing can offer freedom and adventure, it is important to recognize the financial challenges and emotional roller coaster that comes with it. Freelance writing fees can be inconsistent, and the industry has evolved with the decline of print media. However, successful authors can find steady income from book sales and speaking engagements. The rewards of being a writer include the freedom to pursue interesting topics, access to unique experiences and people, and the ability to shape one's own career path.
Advice for aspiring writers
To pursue a writing career, aspiring writers should focus on building their portfolio and developing their pitching skills. This can be done by writing for local publications, starting a blog or a Substack, and gaining relevant internships or freelance opportunities. By consistently writing and exploring different topics, aspiring writers can find their niche and develop expertise in a particular area. This expertise will not only help in pitching book ideas but also attract opportunities for speaking engagements and further career growth.
Considering the Possibilities of a Side Business or Second Remote Job
The anonymous writer is contemplating starting a side business or taking on another fully remote data-related role due to having a lot of free time in their current position. They seek advice on whether this is a wise decision.
Understanding the Over-Employed Community
The over-employed community is a movement where individuals work multiple remote jobs to increase their income and strive for financial freedom. They share strategies, seek advice on legality, and discuss the challenges and importance of maintaining secrecy to protect remote work opportunities.
Finding Alignment with Personal Values and Lifestyle Goals
Rather than making haphazard professional decisions, the anonymous writer is advised to clarify their personal values and envision their ideal lifestyle. By aligning their career choices with these values and goals, they can make informed decisions that support their desired lifestyle and professional growth.
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DEEP DIVE: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email? [5:48] bit.ly/3EDcuZ0
Questions for special guest host David Sax:
- Is the Light Phone worth the money? [28:38] - How do I get started seeking higher quality leisure? [38:43] - How do I become a successful freelance writer? [49:01]
- How do I make technical writing compelling? [1:08:03] - How do I kick my podcast habit while trying to work? [1:15:06] - Do weekly plans have to cover exactly one week? [1:18:44] - Should I join the Overemployed Underground? [1:26:36]