Why Writing for Money Could Be Holding You Back—Discover What Truly Drives Success Instead

Oh So Clear

I’m afraid I have some difficult news to share with you. After careful examination of your career aspirations, I’m diagnosing you with a severe case of “I Can Actually Make Money Writing.”

Don’t panic! It’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s nothing physical. It’s merely a mental delusion. And it’s treatable! However, I have to warn you. The recovery process involves accepting that most successful writers have day jobs, occasional panic attacks, and a profound understanding of dollar store cuisine.

The good news? This condition is surprisingly common and rarely fatal.

Wait! Don’t throw your coffee mug at me just yet. I’m not saying writers should take a vow of poverty and survive solely on expired ramen soaked in the tears of rejected manuscript submissions. By all means, sell your soul — I mean, your work! Take the money! Cash those checks! Buy yourself something nice, like… groceries!

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with writing for money. It’s just that writing is about as effective a money-making strategy as beekeeping. I mean, sure, you can probably make a few bucks selling honey at the farmer’s market. But is it really worth getting stung seventeen times while you’re trying to milk honey from the queen bee’s tiny udders? (Note: Please don’t actually try to milk bee queens. They’re surprisingly litigious.)

So if not money, then what?

If writing isn’t your ticket to financial freedom, then why even put yourself through this agony? Why develop carpal tunnel for an audience that may never exist? Why stare at blank pages like they peed in your Nana’s denture cup?

The answer matters more than you might think.

Why your “why” matters

Let’s say you decide to adopt a Tibetan Quarrelhorn Blaze goat. At first glance, this goat is absolutely adorable. Tiny! Fluffy! How hard could it be to care for something so cute?

[Insert maniacal laughter from experienced goat owners]

Soon you discover that your precious little goat is actually a four-legged chaos…