Hubs and I were talking the other day and I mentioned that Someday, I would like to quit my job and turn into a full time writer. Now this is nothing new, I have been saying this on the blog too and I think I say this to him once a week. But this conversation was different. This was on the heels of my completing the NaNoWriMo and he finally believed that I was serious about this. He asked me when would this someday come. Are you going to quit any time soon? I think that is when I got caught between the comfort of my routine life and the excitement of my dream. i told him that I will quit after four successful books. Even if I dish out a novel every year, that is a good four years away. So on one hand, there is this chickening out and on the other is this constant nagging inner voice that tells me to do what I was meant to do – tell stories! This was reinforced when I saw the movie Tamasha that was released a while back. This is what I wrote on the director’s page on facebook
I just saw Tamasha and this will probably sound strange to you, but it is my story. Ved is me. He does everything that I do in life (am not saying I have pranced around Corsica pretending to be Don!). Living in the world of stories, standing in front of a mirror and talking to myself when alone, being a decent polite, generally likeable person otherwise, a mediocre professional in a mediocre job who has not followed her dream… all that is me. I was not watching your film out there, I was watching myself. Not sure how many others would have told you this, but I have been questioning my choices ever since the curtain fell. Tamasha just may be the push I needed to follow my dream. So, my heartfelt thanks to you. For showing me what could have been and what can still be. I think I am on my way of becoming another ‘Storyteller’. Thank you!
So well, while I sort my priorities out, tell me… what is your Someday?
I know I’m replying very late but found this while scrolling through your posts. Don’t jump impulsively, I agree it’s a dream but take time and think
” I think I am on my way of becoming another ‘Storyteller’. ”
I respectfully disagree. You ARE a storyteller already, Ankita! I do understand your struggle – I am lucky in that I’ve been a stay at home mom for many years, so I don’t have a “job” to quit. I wish I had practical advice for you, but all I can say is that you have the talent and ability, and I think you will know in your gut when the time is right. Best wishes to you!
I could also hugely relate to the character of Ved. That was me some 2-3 years back. I loved the movie and loved your post too 🙂
Change is always hard. Being said that Change is inevitable too.
Writing a book will be like a dream come true. Because every one of us here want to that writer, in a way. But yes, like Richa said take your time. There is no hurry. 4 books in four years will still be a great achievement. And also this might give you the much needed time to set up the things when you finally take that plunge.
Waiting for your first book. 😀
Standing in front of the mirror and talking to myself- that’s so me! I even talk to myself while I’m alone 😀 Maybe one day I’ll quit my job too…but yes…the thought is on a nascent stage…
Right now I am in a state where my dreams are leaving me. I no longer know what I want to do with my life. I keep bothering my husband with the what should I do question. But whatever he says I am not satisfied. I loved my software developer job. I love writing and blogging. I love this stay at home mom state. I want to publish a book. I have few things in mind regarding that. But I am not doing anything. I get this constant nagging feeling of not earning money. It’s been 8 years since I am not earning. But these days it is bothering me. I think this is another phase and eventually I will find out what I want to do and will do it. Because one thing I know is I love me. And whatever we do ourselves, however delayed it may be, that will be the best for us. So I am trusting my doubts and this irritating state I am in. I am sure you will figure out your someday when you are absolutely ready for it, Ankita. 🙂
Hope that someday materializes for you very soon! 🙂
Someday I just want to relax!!!! 🙂
I made my someday “now” about 10 years ago. Meaning, I became a full time writer. Here’s the question I would counter with — how do you determine success when you say 4 successful books?
I took this bold step. I am still struggling with my blogging and business. It is frustrating but at the same time refreshing. It needs a lot of effort with delayed results.
Hope you do it soon too.
I would suggest to hang in there and ask yourself repeatedly if you really want to do it, give up your job howsoever mediocre and lose your financial independence. If you give yourself a 50-50 answer it means it is not yet the time.
As for me, I am loving the present situation I am in and the work I do which is enjoying being the parent and blogging.
I think I am doing what I love. I love my job and I also love that I find time to write. Earlier there was a someday but now the only someday I use is when we talking about traveling the world. And no, working will get me the money to travel so I want to do that with the job in hand 🙂
Yikes.. tough question to answer.
First of all, I do find that Imtiaz Ali works for some people and not for others. Those who go in prepared to be emotionally invested in his characters love his movies… I loved Rockstar.
And I remember thinking back then – ‘this is me’ much like you did with Tamasha.
For me, it reminded me of moments from my past – when I had tried to do things for love and ended up inadvertently hurting people who mattered, much like our protagonist in Rockstar. Not to mention the emotional anguish of not being able to undo the changes we create around us…
My someday would be to be financially independent and yes, perhaps be an author too. Away from the maddening world where doctors aren’t supposed to be anything else but doctors, I would like the dreamer in me to succeed too, as a writer, a traveler and an explorer.
Ditto!! Even I was thinking the same when the Tamasha was playing on the screen in front of me and hell was breaking loose in my mind.
Welcome to the club then Nibha 🙂 What is your someday?
I’ve never been the kind of person to wait around for ‘someday’, Ankita. I go by my instincts, act and know that the choice and its consequences are mine. Looking back, this is what worked for me and I have no regrets.
Whoa… am so glad it has all worked out for you… what is holding me back also is that the consequences are not totally mine you know… it impacts my family, my child…
I echo your thoughts, Anks.
Someday has to be today to materialize! We have so many dreams…hope we fulfill them.
All the best to you 🙂
Thanks Anita… you took steps toward your someday already 🙂
someday I would love to be a full time professional blogger traveling the world and getting paid to write about my adventures
Now that would be great!! I hope you do achieve it 🙂
I sincerely believe we need to dedicate a blog to things our spouses have to suffer through blogging 😀 Sans the limelight and air of importance we gain in due process 😀 Girl I won’t say go jump and do this, take time. Weight options this is not an easy decision. saying this because have been through this ride many times …
Hey Richa… thanks… the people in my life have been telling me either to do it or to not do it… you perhaps are the first who says take your time 🙂 I know I won’t throw away what I have… so this is a period of struggle really… to balance on both boats… how did you manage it? what worked? what did not?