34 years old, no clear career direction, but the thing she wants to do most is write novels

Hello, I'm Coach Xinfan. Life is a beautiful journey, and it's not about appreciation, it's about blossoming.

I understand your dilemma. Dreams are wonderful, but they also require practical considerations. Currently, you're facing a trade-off, but there's a way to achieve both.

I want to start by telling you that there are always more than three solutions to everything. So, let's calm down and explore together.

You will persevere and be determined in pursuing your dreams.

You have a clear and determined goal: to write online novels. You know exactly what you want and are prepared to work hard for it.

They will achieve it because of their love. Build your foundation on your interests and hobbies, and you will work hard to achieve your goal. Persevere with writing, improve your writing skills through learning, join teams and organizations to enhance learning and exchanges.

The law of attraction is clear: when you focus on your goal, all favorable resources will come to you. You should already be feeling it now, just like the encouragement and planning from your writing teacher. I am certain that your subsequent partners will also be attracted to you very soon.

Success doesn't come easily. The film "The Training of an Actor" by Stephen Chow shows how an actor goes from being an extra to becoming a star.

There are also many classic cases in reality. Look at Huang Bo and Wang Baoqiang. Behind each of their halos is the hard work they have put in.

Liu Cixin, the author of The Three-Body Problem, achieved success in a single day thanks to his relentless dedication to writing.

You are experiencing what they experienced long ago. Learn from their growth experiences. They can inspire and encourage you. They can also guide you in planning your life goals.

2. Voices from the outside world

You have a clear dream and life goals, and you know why you've wavered. It's the external voices: your parents urging you to get married, your friends' lack of understanding, and other people's concern for your life.

These "voices" activate your inner "insecurity" and therefore some anxiety. You have not yet started a family and do not have a stable job to ensure a basic living. You are asking yourself, "What will the future hold?"

You feel insecure because you lack control over your future and basic protection. This makes you doubt your current actions, goals, and interests. You ask yourself, "Is it worth it?"

Plan in more detail for yourself. Define a time period: give yourself 3-5 years to "toss and turn," and if your online novel picks up a bit, continue to persevere. Otherwise, adopt other plans that can be balanced.

The wealth brought by writing does not follow the ordinary path. It may bring the effect of "if you don't make a profit for ten years, you can make a profit for ten years when you do." As you have analyzed yourself, in the early stage, there may not even be a stable income. But after the outbreak, it will be like a blowout.

You should stick with the part-time job you're doing now if it helps you write. It'll also help you meet more friends and find new inspiration.

Don't use income as the sole measure of this job's value.

If it goes against your goals, you must resign decisively. Watch The Pursuit of Happyness again. I look forward to the rising of a new star in the writing world. Send me the first edition when the time comes!

I am confident that the above will be helpful to you. The world and I love you.

If you want to continue the conversation, follow my personal homepage, "Heart Exploration Service."

Dear Questioner, I want to extend my support and encouragement to you in this time of uncertainty. It is commendable that you have the courage to stand at a crossroads and explore your own path.

Every moment of hesitation and struggle you experience is an opportunity to reflect on your self-worth and dreams, which is a valuable exercise in itself.

At 34 years old, you are experiencing anxiety and unease about your career path and your inner passion. This is particularly the case when there is a stark contrast between your income and your dream of writing, which can lead to a sense of loss.

Please be assured that you are not alone. Many individuals have experienced similar doubts and challenges in pursuing their dreams. It is not necessary to use words like "sympathy" or "empathy" to describe your feelings, as they are genuine and valuable, deserving respect and understanding.

From your description, I can see that you are a dedicated individual with a passion for literature. Despite the challenges you have faced, your experiences have shaped you into a resilient and hard-working person.

Perhaps it would be beneficial to view your current situation from a different perspective. You possess the talent and passion for writing, which is something that many people only dream of. The current predicament can be seen as stepping stones on the road to your dream. Although they are not as comfortable, they have also provided an opportunity to exercise your will and abilities.

I would like to share a brief anecdote with you. Before writing the Harry Potter series, the author J.K. Rowling also faced significant challenges, including unemployment and divorce.

However, she persevered in her passion for writing and, through relentless dedication, succeeded in captivating the world with her imaginative creations. This narrative illustrates that even when faced with significant challenges, if one maintains a vision and tenacity, success is within reach.

In psychology, the concept of "self-efficacy" refers to an individual's subjective judgment of their ability to successfully complete a specific task. The key to improving self-efficacy is to accumulate successful experiences, observe the success of others, and receive positive feedback.

It would be advisable to begin with smaller goals, such as writing a specified number of words daily or participating in writing competitions and community activities. This will allow you to accumulate successful experiences and receive positive feedback, thereby boosting your confidence in writing novels full-time.

The core issue you are currently facing is how to achieve a balance between your current reality and your aspirations. On the one hand, you are concerned about the financial implications of pursuing a career in writing; on the other hand, you are driven by a passion for writing and the desire to write full-time.

It is important to note that there is no universal answer to this question, as each situation is unique. The crucial factor is your willingness to work hard for your goals and to take the necessary risks.

I would like to provide you with some suggestions for your consideration. You may wish to trial these and identify a method that is most suited to your needs.

1. Develop a phased plan: Consider setting a short-term goal, such as attempting to write full-time for a few months while seeking part-time or supplemental employment. This approach allows you to focus on writing while reducing financial pressure.

2. Enhance your writing abilities: Utilize your free time to enroll in writing courses, read pertinent literature, or join a writing community to consistently elevate your writing proficiency and creative effectiveness.

3. Build a support system: Share your goals and plans with your family and friends openly and seek their understanding and support. At the same time, you can also find like-minded colleagues or mentors to exchange ideas and learn together.

4. Adaptability is key. If you discover that a particular route is not aligned with your goals, it's crucial to adjust your course accordingly. Remember, the path to success is rarely linear, but rather involves navigating twists, turns, and changes.

Dear colleague, you are at the outset of a career with significant potential. Regardless of the path you choose, I encourage you to believe in your abilities and value.

It is important to remember that while pursuing your dreams is worthwhile, you must also ensure that you take care of yourself in the process. I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavours and hope that you will continue to build a fulfilling life for yourself through your words.

I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading your work in the near future.

——01——

Good day, my name is Liu Nian.

A thorough reading of your text has enabled me to grasp the confusion and anxiety you are experiencing at this crossroads in your life. It is undoubtedly challenging to navigate career choices while simultaneously grappling with personal interests and the realities of the situation.

Indeed, this is a problem that the majority of individuals have encountered or are currently experiencing, including myself. Many people have faced similar challenges in pursuing their aspirations while attempting to reconcile them with the demands of reality.

——02——

You indicated that you have a strong affinity for writing, particularly fiction. This is a highly valuable quality. Writing is not merely a means of expression; it is also an outlet for the soul. It enables one to ascertain a sense of self-worth and belonging within the realm of words.

However, when this passion is confronted with economic pressures and social expectations, it can indeed result in feelings of powerlessness and anxiety.

It is evident that your discontent with your current piece-rate writing position and your apprehensions regarding the financial instability that may be associated with pursuing a career in full-time writing are well-founded.

——03——

From a psychological perspective, each individual possesses two distinct selves: the inner self and the social self. The inner self is driven by personal interests, aspirations, and the pursuit of personal satisfaction. In contrast, the social self is shaped by external evaluations, economic pressures, and social expectations.

The dilemma currently being experienced is a manifestation of the internal conflict between these two selves. It is crucial to learn how to achieve a balance between the two, ensuring that personal interests are met while maintaining a satisfactory quality of life.

The term "occupational identity" is a significant psychological concept that pertains to an individual's favorable assessment and affiliation with their chosen profession.

For the individual in question, a process of enhancing one's sense of identity in relation to the writing profession may prove beneficial in terms of bettering one's ability to face the current challenges. It may be helpful to undertake a review of one's writing experience, with a view to identifying those moments which evoke feelings of satisfaction and fulfilment, and to seek to strengthen these positive experiences.

Furthermore, engaging with relevant literature, participating in writing communities, and other forms of communication with individuals who share similar interests can also facilitate the development of a sense of belonging and confidence within the writing industry.

——04——

It is important to note that numerous writers have grappled with similar quandaries prior to attaining renown. While not all writers must become well-known to sustain themselves financially, many have endured considerable solitude and hardship before achieving this goal.

Such individuals may have also experienced a conflict between financial pressure and their aspirations as writers. However, through relentless effort and perseverance, they ultimately identified a path that aligned with their goals.

For example, some writers opt to engage in part-time writing during the initial stages of their careers while simultaneously pursuing other employment opportunities to support themselves financially. They utilize their spare time to continue developing their craft, gradually amassing a portfolio of works and a readership, and eventually achieving their long-held ambition of becoming a full-time writer.

These narratives illustrate that persistence in one's chosen field is ultimately rewarded.

——05——

In light of the aforementioned considerations, I proffer the following suggestions, which I hope will prove beneficial in your current situation.

It is imperative to maintain an open mind and explore a range of possibilities. It is inadvisable to hastily arrive at a decision; instead, it may be beneficial to initially consider writing for WeChat official accounts or creating content on alternative platforms.

These platforms may provide opportunities for display and sources of income. Concurrently, one may also accept piecework writing as a source of financial support during the transition period.

The second factor is the presence of a clear plan and defined goals. Frequently, individuals experience confusion due to the absence of a plan and the lack of positive feedback, which can result in a lack of direction and a sense of accomplishment.

The second factor is the presence of a clear plan and defined goals. Frequently, individuals find themselves adrift due to a lack of a structured plan or the absence of positive reinforcement.

It is essential to have a clear plan and goals, regardless of whether one writes part-time or full-time. One can set a daily or weekly writing quota, as well as long-term development goals.

This will assist in maintaining motivation and progress.

The third factor is the improvement of writing skills and the quality of one's work, which is a matter of one's own professionalism. It is essential to understand that in any industry and in any position, success requires an understanding of the rules of the industry and a commitment to the constant improvement of professional skills.

It is essential to engage in continuous learning and improvement of one's writing skills. This can be achieved through various means, including enrolling in writing courses, reading exemplary works, and seeking guidance from mentors.

Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize the quality and innovation of one's work to enhance its appeal and potential for attracting readers and opportunities.

Fourth, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and actively seek support from those around you. It is inevitable that there will be moments of frustration and depression; however, it is crucial to confront these feelings directly.

Setbacks and frustrations serve as reminders to work harder, rather than as justifications for succumbing to negative thoughts. It is important to communicate one's dreams and plans to family and friends, and to seek their understanding and support.

Concurrently, it is imperative to maintain a positive attitude and optimistic emotions. When confronted with difficulties and challenges, it is crucial to adjust one's mindset and believe in one's ability to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.

In conclusion, it is essential to emphasise that regardless of the path chosen, courage and perseverance are indispensable qualities. It is vital to have confidence in one's abilities and value, and to pursue one's dreams with courage.

Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and maintain a balanced lifestyle, considering the importance of physical and mental health, emotional well-being, and a healthy lifestyle. I wish you the best of luck on your journey ahead!

Here are some suggestions that will undoubtedly be helpful:

First, regarding the piecework writing work you mentioned, you are not advised to resign rashly before you have a better option. This job can at least bring you a certain income to maintain your basic living and buy you some buffer time for your subsequent career development or creation.

Second, you should consider writing for a WeChat public account if you have experience and interest in this area. However, before starting, you must plan for the positioning, audience, and content direction of the public account, create a feasible creative and operational plan, adhere to regular content updates, and gradually accumulate followers and influence.

Ultimately, if you write online novels full-time, you may not earn any income in the short term. The advice from that writing teacher is spot on. Start writing online novels part-time to gain experience, improve your writing level and speed, and then devote yourself full-time to it when your work has achieved a certain level of success and has a readership base.

Use your spare time to learn new skills or improve your abilities in other areas while doing this writing work. This will increase your competitiveness for a stable full-time job in the future.

Don't quit your current piece-work writing job. Use your spare time to try WeChat public account writing and online novel writing, keep exploring and accumulating, and make further plans and adjustments according to the actual situation.

You should also consider attending some writing-related training courses or workshops while continuing your writing work.

Professional learning and exchanges will improve your writing skills, expand your creative thinking, and help you make friends with peers. You will also gain insight into industry trends and opportunities.

You should also organize and analyze your existing writing works, summarize the lessons learned, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

When it comes to finding a full-time job, you need to be prepared to address any potential misunderstandings about your work pace. Have reasonable explanations and coping strategies ready to go for interviews.

Your work pace may be relatively slow, but you can still deliver high-quality results through reasonable time management and dedicated input while ensuring quality.

If you want to be a successful online fiction writer, you need to do more than just write. You also have to do in-depth research on market demand and trends.

Pay more attention to the characteristics of popular novel themes, structure, characterization, etc. and constantly adjust your creative direction.

You should also actively exchange experiences with other online novel writers and learn from each other.

I am confident that these suggestions will be helpful.

Hello, I'm Zeyu.

You have a calling in your heart. Some of us change our minds about what that is, while others are true to their calling from the start. The questioner may be one of the latter.

The questioner is confused because there is no clear direction for work. They feel uncertain about the present and worried about the future. There seem to be three options, but there is only one. Let's talk about something else. Adlerian psychology reveals three major topics in life: work, making friends, and love. We are dealing with work. As long as we complete one of these, the other two will also be affected. We will not remain single forever.

Now, let's look at the abilities needed to write a novel. These include text editing, scenario design, control of character psychology, and introduction to the plot background. The questioner can list these and more in detail. We can then find related work in reality. We must overcome the psychological barrier of determining that we lack the ability. In fact, being able to write and the price of the article being around a few hundred to a thousand is enough to explain everything.

What does work mean to us? For the original poster, working full-time means giving up their hobby of writing novels. It doesn't allow us to juggle this with other things, and not finding a job means we can't make a stable income. We're caught in a dilemma.

If we see writing novels as the result, then we simply have to achieve it. But if we see writing novels as a process, then we can choose from a wider range of career options because they will not be limited to the present but will be more long-term.

The original poster wants to write novels. This is our ideal career. There is more than one way to success. We can see how the current work promotes the ultimate goal of writing novels and personal growth. We are one part of becoming a full-time writer. We can break down the ultimate goal into phased tasks. This will help us clarify the direction of our work and achieve our goal.

Here's the deal: If you want to become a professional writer, you need to learn the skills that will make it happen. You can learn these skills while you're working. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get it done.

Hi there,

A little encouragement goes a long way.

I'm 34 and I'm not sure what I want to do with my career. I want to write novels, though. What should I do? I know it sounds harsh, but I think you should try to keep your job and then go about your other plans.

I'm facing a few choices right now.

1. I think I'll stick with piecework writing for now. It's just a few yuan per article, and there might be changes in the future. But I'm not sure if I want to keep writing.

2. You could try writing for a WeChat official account. I've done it before, but I haven't been writing recently, so it's currently inactive.

3. Writing full-time online novels might not bring in income at first. A writing teacher suggested I write part-time at first and then switch to full-time if I do well.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and advice, thanks!

So, don't quit your day job just yet. Get a stable income of your own first. Writing isn't just a romantic literary expression. It also has the biggest risk of having to withstand the test of the market. Novels are the realization of the unified goals of the author, the reader, and the market. This in turn generates a realistic income.

If you don't have any writing experience, you're probably not going to succeed if you try to rush into it. Writing is a profession that requires time, experience, and creativity. The most expensive resource is time. Regardless of the genre you're good at writing, a novel requires a minimum of 2,000 to 4,000 words per day. It may take at least 3 months to a year to finish a novel.

This is really energy-intensive, so what you need to do is stay focused and build up gradually. At the moment, money is not so important, but without money, how can you be sure you'll be enthusiastic and motivated to keep creating? So, the advice from that friend is worth thinking about: writing part-time while improving your writing skills. This isn't a rejection or a setback, but an honest assessment of the situation and a practical approach.

So, right now, you might feel like you're at a crossroads, unsure if you should go left or right. You're feeling confused and anxious because you don't know which direction is the right one. But here's the thing: no matter which choice you make, there will be a price to pay. So, why not choose the option that will better fulfill your inner desires? That is, stay calm and objective, invest for the long term, and ultimately achieve your inner desire plan.

Second, you need to ask yourself if you can accept the possibility of not making money despite your efforts. In other words, you need to ask yourself if you can accept your life, and the possibility of a life of mediocrity. Most people can't make a choice because they worry and fear that their existence is meaningless. But if we keep dwelling on this problem, we may become even more unable to act.

The best proof is when you put things off. When you procrastinate, it's because you're struggling with something inside. You can't accept the result or the possibility of a result, so you choose to avoid it. But avoiding it might make you feel better, but it won't solve the problem. You still need to face the problem head on so you can understand whether you can solve it and improve your ability to adapt to the environment and difficulties.

Here are a few suggestions for methods you can use:

In a year, take a look at your writing skills and see how you stack up against other writers at your level. Then, ask yourself if you're happy with your current income and if you're willing to put in the work to make it a long-term career. This is a big decision because most writers probably just make enough to get by, not enough to become rich and famous. That's because becoming a great writer is a whole other level of commitment.

When you're able to assess your own abilities in a way that's aligned with the reality of your career needs, you'll be able to maintain your confidence and enthusiasm, and you'll also feel more emotionally strong and secure.

I hope these answers are helpful for you.

Wishing you the best!