Well, I accepted a job offer that starts roughly 6 days from today- it's with a much larger marketing firm about an hour from my house. They are expanding quickly and doing everything right, with the intention of me eventually managing all the employees. So it's probably the best I'll get around here- it should start around the $70k range but I'd advance quickly. I am also working a few side projects and I'll be able to keep one or two of them for an extra $300-500 a week, so I'm finally about to be in really good shape. Easy decision, right? Take the job. Only, I told you guys my adoption story the other week and the Steve Keeley I met (who's not my dad...but I thought he was for a short time), he asked me to ghostwrite a book with him. No problem, I'll do that in my spare time this winter...I even helped him get an agent and a book deal. He was so impressed though that he started referring me to people...very big people. In the past four days, he's pitched me or put me in contact for ghostwriting for two billionaires, Frank Dux (who the Bloodsport movie was based on), Don King, a close relative of Muhammad Ali (who witnessed all the major fights ringside) and so many others. If any one of these panned out it could immediately be about the same earnings as the job and I'd finally be able to ghostwrite full time like I've wanted to do for the last few years. But it means turning down job security for the first time in about 15 years. I'd enjoy both paths (besides the long commute to the job) but my heart is really in the writing. Do I turn down what will soon be a six-figure job to chase my passions some more? Or do I play it safe and grow with an awesome company? Obviously, my heart is telling me to write books....but am I an idiot? Discuss. =)
Good to hear, man! I'm glad that you found both something thats hopefully stable, plus the really interesting side work as well. I hope that all works out really well for you!
Congrats Key... I really can't give you advice one way or another. Both options seem pretty good, but if it were me I'd taking the ghostwriting gig and run with it.
I always go with my gut instinct. If it were me, I'd take the gig I was passionate about. You can always (hopefully) find "just another job" if the ghostwriting doesn't pan out. big difference getting paid to do what you want to do.
No chance you could do both? Like work the stable job during the week and do the ghostwriting on weekends/nights til you start getting some significant checks?
Possibly- but I'd have to ask for two different weeks off in the near future. I'm supposed to start Monday so we'll see what happens; I'm on very good terms with the boss and we talk openly. So I'll start anyway...and just play it by year. I've been thinking about it all week and if I got to write the book with Ali's wife, there's no way I could turn that one down. It would get my name out there plus be a huge payday...like "pay off the house" huge with some left over. I have no idea how I'll do both if I get the chance, but that's my plan for now anyway.
No, I completely get it and that's why I asked. I've been self employed for over a decade so I see things differently now. I've had $8k weeks when things are really good, and I've also had months where I wasn't sure if I'd keep the power on. Honestly, I love making my own paycheck but that lack of stability is super tough cause you're always busy. Either you have lots of work and you're busy, or you have no work and you're even busier trying to find some. it's great but it also gets old.
Dude, if there’s anything life has taught me in the corporate world, it’s that these companies have no loyalty. They only know and care about their bottom lines. So follow the money.
It's all about piece of mind and what you are looking for. I've done a couple of start-ups where I was employee #1. I've done a couple of bigger companies. I work for one of the most successful biotechs in the world and have a good director level position right now. make good money. but I hate going to work everyday and have people above me who just don't give a crap about the employees below them. No piece of mind = not worth the money. I will likely take less money soon to find a job at another small company. Going to work when you love your work. Life is short, enjoy your job
