Checking in: March 2019

Thursday, March 21, 2019 Permalink

Well, mid March already. Or perhaps later. I can’t recall what the date is, so… the month might actually almost be over.

The year’s been a bit of a weird one for me. Although in all honesty the time since finishing up my last job (in September) and travelling to Italy (in September – October) has been kinda challenging.

Italy of course was heavenly and – though I stressed a bit later about money – do not regret that holiday and everything I did there.

Best. Holiday. Ever.

Naturally I then struggled with the ‘needing to earn money vs wanting freedom to pursue creative stuff’ dilemma. Although ironically (and typically – me being me) I had time to do so, but didn’t and mostly just stressed about finding a job and earning money and feeling guilty for not doing so.

Fast forward to January / February this year and a temporary job popped up and had to be filled with some urgency. It was a 12wk contract which seemed doable though I hadn’t really wanted to work full-time.

I won’t go into detail cos I still have some ethics but (long story short) the job didn’t really work out. I could see ‘why’ the organisation wanted to add some resources but think perhaps it needed to be done a little differently as I was not busy at all. And I was dying inside. I hung in longer than my two counterparts, but finally pulled the plug this week.

checking in

Anyhoo… here I am. And we’re all caught up.

I don’t know what’s next. I’ve been applying for a few casual gigs. I’m doing (paid) social media for my pilates instructor (who, along with her partner, does massages and beauty therapy etc).

The voice in my head tells me I should be pursuing my writing via the novels I’ve started, but I’m actually thinking of a podcast. Earlier this year I had an idea for a book (my obsession with television intersecting with my overthinking habit). My far-fetched fantasy involved me writing and self-publishing it via ebook (and – ideally – charging a small fee / selling it). But I was worried about its longevity and relevance.

Last night my busy brain pondered the idea of actually making it into a podcast of sorts. I’d still ‘write’ the chapters as posts and publish them but also record them as audio. I’m not a huge podcast fan myself (though listen to 2-3 with some regularity) but I tend to listen to Mark Manson’s blog posts – as he also narrates them.

Of course this means, the original idea of earning an income from the book would be blown out of the water. Added to that I confess I know SFA about podcasting and given my lack of success at attempting to edit videos (book reviews I’ve done with my godson) this may never happen. But who knows?

What’s happening in your part of the world? Are you a fan of the podcast?

Linking up with the Lovin Life gang today. 

22 Comments
  • Vanessa
    March 21, 2019

    I think it’s a great idea. Look up Karly Nimmo, she released a book as a private paid podcast. Could be an option for you. You could also look at Patreon style models.

    • Debbish
      March 21, 2019

      Not sure if I’d charge for the podcast as it’s content I’m keen to make and share. But I do wonder if there’s some financial gain / option as so many people do them.

      • Vanessa
        March 21, 2019

        There are totally options 🙂 Send me a message if you want to chat about it.

        • Debbish
          March 21, 2019

          Thanks. Will have to open draft ebook I’d started in Scrivener to remind myself of number of chapters / episodes etc… (Each was about a different TV show and had a theme re lessons’ learned!)

  • Debra Hurst
    March 21, 2019

    The picture above with the not knowing what’s next…slapped me on the back of my head. That and the constantly busy brain is me! I’m not sure about old casting but I enjoy your book reviews and your checking in posts.

    • Debbish
      March 21, 2019

      I’d actually shared that picture on my blog FB page a few days ago when I thought I WAS going to ‘hang in there’ at work and thought things might be changing there for the better. And I’d commented that I was generally too afraid to not know where I was going or act in a way that others think would be irresponsible. And then I did it. (So deleted the pic to share today instead!)

    • Debra Hurst
      March 21, 2019

      I’m on my Kindle and it loves to change my words. “Old” was supposed to be “pod” .

  • Jo
    March 21, 2019

    Ooooh I like that idea – the podcast, that is. You could maybe even do a bookie type of one…you’d be fabulous at it!

    • Debbish
      March 21, 2019

      I think there are a few book / reading podcasts popping up so not sure about that but you never know!

  • Min Write of the Middle
    March 21, 2019

    I think you’d be good at the podcast thing! Do a bit of research into the technicalities/logistics etc and some planning for episodes and what not and I think you may surprise yourself! I’m just getting in to the podcast thing (listening to them – not doing them) – with a few I’m quite enjoying. #TeamLovinLife

    • Debbish
      March 21, 2019

      I used to listen to the Kelly & Brooke and Kelly & Carly ones (I think the latter – Straight & Curly – have done a couple of one-offs) but currently am loving David Tennant’s podcast interviews.

  • leannelc
    March 21, 2019

    Oh Deb – this is my life atm! I’ve pinned the quote because it is PERFECT! I quit the job and all its drama but don’t know what to do next. I’m more financially set than you are, but there’s so many questions spinning around in my head about the whole “what next” scenario. I’ve already written a couple of posts that I’ll publish later in April (when I’ve had some more pondering/review time) but part of me has just had enough of all the work crap. I need to be independently wealthy, but I’m wondering if independently making do will be enough and I can just kick the whole working thing to the kerb? It’s all too hard at times – sorry your 3mth gig didn’t turn out as hoped – that sucks!

    • Deborah
      March 21, 2019

      Exciting times for you Leanne! I ‘made do’ for a few years when I first made my seachange. Was able to pay my bills and have the occasional meal out but no holidays or anything and that was kinda okay. My everyday life felt like a bit of a holiday though I did probably stress about paying my bills more than I would have liked.

  • Denyse Whelan
    March 21, 2019

    Good on you for honouring your ethics and your well-being over a job that was going nowhere. You need that brain of yours to spin these ideas around and I like that notion myself as I find over time, things do settle into something more clear. I sure hope that happens for you too. Denyse x

    • Deborah
      March 21, 2019

      Thanks Denyse. Hopefully I’ll do some thinking over the next few days. I’m keeping my eye out for any part-time opportunities or even casual work.

  • Carly C
    March 22, 2019

    I think the idea of a podcast is great, I love podcasts and I listen to different ones everyday on my daily walk. You should definitely do it.

    • Debbish
      March 22, 2019

      I just need to stop procrastinating and saying I’ll do stuff and DO it! #eek

  • Be Kind 2 You (@BeKind2You)
    March 22, 2019

    I love that quote and will be sharing it as it totally relates to me. I am in a huge time of change and I have fear of the unknown but I am jumping in… regardless I am jumping.

    • Debbish
      March 22, 2019

      Oh that’s exciting. I always say I don’t have a problem with change and I’ve made stacks of big changes in my life but perhaps I haven’t had to take risks. They’ve all been planned!

  • Sanch @ Sanch Writes
    March 23, 2019

    Good on you for following what you want – there’s no point in staying in a job that’s killing you {either out of boredom or too much pressure!}. Podcast sounds interesting – I do like podcasts but go through phases. I’m currently listening to more music than ever so podcasts have taken a bit of a backseat. Good luck with it!

    • Debbish
      March 25, 2019

      Thanks Sanch. It’s hard to explain how having nothing to do can be really tedious and draining.

I'd love to hear your thoughts