What would you do to get what you want? What are you willing to risk? I love a challenge, but I also love the security of a paycheck.
15 years ago, I gave up the latter (the paycheck) for the former (the challenge) and relocated from the UK to the US. I planned to stay in the US for 5 years. Things often don’t go according to plan.
I’ve loved my time in the US and have no regrets about the decision I made to experience life here, but I’ve reached a crossroads. What I sacrificed to try something new came at a huge personal cost. For 15 years, I’ve lost time with my family and have not shared a single birthday with my nephews. They’ve commented I’m never around.
I’ve not been out of work since I left school, several centuries ago. I know it’s tough to find a job, and I enjoy what I do, which makes it harder to give up. But it’s time to accept another challenge. In August, I’ll give up the security of a regular paycheck and get on a flight home. I’ll have 6 months to spend with my family and I’ll be there through my nephews 8th and 9th birthdays. I hope they enjoy having their old Auntie around. I’ll work full-time on my books while I’m there.
50 years from now (yes, I plan to live a long old life), I’ll never regret taking this chance to be with my family, but I’ll regret not taking it. Things worth having in life don’t come easy, but I’ll never know their worth if I don’t take the risk.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it (quote unknown).
Best wishes, my friend! I hope you enjoy your time with your family, and hope your writing time is both enjoyable and productive…
Thank you, Mel. This is an exciting time.
Hi Jen. I think all writers are risk takers and this sounds like a risk definitely worth taking. It looks like I may meet you in the UK before I make it down to LA. Good luck with the move and your writing. You deserve it all!
Hi, Cindy; I agree, we do take a risk every time we put our work out there. Let me know when you’re in the UK, would be fun to meet up.