I sit here today, age 46, a son who is a rising junior in high school, a wife who has worked for the same media company as a reporter since 1982 and I am Mr. I-Can’t-Seem-to-Keep-A-Job or Mr. What-the-Flock-Will-I-Be-If-I-Grow-Up to some. The inner story I tell myself is that I have many talents I have shared with others through the years. Losing both my parents over the past three years also adds another sliver of angst into the mix.

Like my wife, I have primarily been a reporter, but have taken “detours” in other sectors, moves that proved to help me grow up and expand my mind and learn more about business and nonprofits.

On this very day, I sit here after having turned in my second packet of writing for my second semester of my MFA in Writing Program and I look to the end. Why? Why can’t I just take in the moment of now and be? Losing my job May 20 was not fun, but the handwriting had been on the office wall since December 2009 when the bookkeeper scowled at me and said, “We’re considering closing the whole place down.”

I think what I am trying to say is that I need to find short-term solutions for my life’s financial requirements. If I can do that, the writing will and the other goals I have related to writing–teaching, getting published–will fall into place.

Maybe this rant will inspire others. Screw the economy. Let the passion reign.

Congratulations on your MFA. It’s a good feeling finishing something you started, isn’t it?

Re: your questions — I applied for a few teaching jobs over the years, but ale ays felt hampered by my lack of “significant publishing record” and the fact I didn’t get a chance to get much teaching training while in school. In short, my biggest hindrance was myself. I just didn’t think I was a competitive candidate.

I was lucky enough to have a decent oaring job when I finished school (keep in mind I was 35 when I completed so had been spending a few years building my career as a web editor already). Doing the teaching thing was a dream in the side and I pretty much let it go for other pursuits.

I can’t give you advice to your specific situation, but if you want to teach and you believe in your ability to do it… Well, I think you know where I’m going. Frankly, in just didn’t believe in myself. I think that’s lesson enough for all of us.

Thanks for commenting.

Gordon

Because it does. I’m going through a horrific case of Saturn Returns/Why Didn’t I Apply For an MFA Instead of Journalism School conflict of heart and I need to hear the stories of those who’ve been through it!

Thank you thank you thank you…

I think I’m going to try serializing some of my essays, and maybe even try to do some YouTube entries related to them. That way at least I know there’s a potential audience out there.

I’m convinced that finishing projects is the real answer. Like you, I did a false start on a novel earlier this year, and I’m ready now for attempt No. 2. I think that if I can just finish it, I’ll have a chance. Until then, I’m just like every other wannabe writer who gets discouraged at the teaching job market. In the end, it seems, it’s all about publishing a good book or two. Is that hard? Yes. Is it impossible? I’d like to think that most writers with an MFAs have it in them.

I don’t have an MFA but I’m thinking about getting one. My goals are the same as yours. I just found this blog/website today and it’s very informative for me. I don’t know if I’d be better on my own or not. I’ve already got 3 degrees and am in a debt craphole as we speak. I look forward to hearing your comments on what you might have done differently in your life. I, perhaps, think about that too often with regards to my own life…