So...I quit my day job

Toxic workplaces and book birthdays

Hello there!

I hope your January was fantastic and that you found ways to navigate any winter blues. This week I have so many exciting things to share with you!

I quit my day job

You may or may not know that I’ve been working as a writer in the tech industry for a handful of years. I’ve been called a technical writer, documentation specialist, content writer, UX writer, product writer—tech industry titles are so fun, aren’t they?—but no matter the name, the job situation felt pretty similar.

• People often didn’t know how to work with a writer, so a big part of my job was explaining my job.

• Everyone thinks they can write which creates really weird dynamics.

• People are often super sensitive about their writing, so just the act of doing my job made insecure people uncomfortable.

For these reasons (and many more), writers are often working in toxic situations. And if they don’t have managers who can put protective boundaries in place, they are left to navigate these difficult dynamics by themselves.

My point is…I’M SO GLAD I QUIT!

I tried to find a picture that captured how great I feel, and the only face that truly felt right was my dog’s goofy happy face in this picture.

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But I’m also really glad I WAITED to quit until now.

Even though dealing with the toxicity of corporate jobs was really hard sometimes, the consistent paycheck and the nice benefits gave me a safe space on the side to create. I didn’t put pressure on my art. As what I call a “recovering perfectionist,” I needed that space.

Without these jobs, I would not be a children’s book author-illustrator today.

I don’t believe in a “one path fits all” approach, so what I’m saying is not meant to be any sort of life advice. I just wanted to share why I’m glad I quit and also why I’m glad I waited to quit until 1) I had a literary agent and 2) I sold some books.

I’m also weirdly grateful that my job got really toxic at the end because it was the push I needed to commit fully to my dream. Even though I could feel in my heart it was the right time, I was scared. Letting go of the financial security and cushy benefits was hard, but it already feels worth it. I’m excited for this new path.

Speaking of new paths…

The first episode of AT THE KID TABLE is out!

Happy book birthday to my dear friend Angela Pham Krans! As part of the celebration of her debut book, she was my first guest AT THE KID TABLE. We chatted about how boredom inspires creativity, the importance of saying your dream out loud, and celebrating the small milestones along the way.

Watch the full interview on YouTube or Instagram.

Listen to the podcast version below.

"It all counts."

I have learned so much from Angela, and I LOVE her book. Grab a copy of FINDING PAPA at your local independent bookstore today!

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Some creative inspiration

Watch: Slow Horses (it’s funny and compelling and a refreshing take on the whole secret agent genre)

Listen: Angela’s AT THE KID TABLE interview (he he he)

Read: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (if you like experimental storytelling, this will blow your mind)

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Thanks for sitting with me AT THE KID TABLE.

As always, I’ll save you a seat for next week!

Your somebody-pinch-her-because-she-doesn’t-have-to-go-to-useless-corporate-meetings-anymore friend,

Rachel