An INFP on what it's like to be a writer
By: Paula L. Jones
Many INFPs are excellent writers and have an interest in making a career out of this hobby.
Personally, I've written in four capacities. I've written as a producer in television news, as a digital journalist in news, provided content as a marketing coordinator/producer and as an indie author.
Just below, I'll briefly describe what it's been like to work in each of these capacities. Perhaps this information will help you if you're considering one of these careers!
Personally, I've written in four capacities. I've written as a producer in television news, as a digital journalist in news, provided content as a marketing coordinator/producer and as an indie author.
Just below, I'll briefly describe what it's been like to work in each of these capacities. Perhaps this information will help you if you're considering one of these careers!
Writing as a local television news producer
This was a humbling experience because when someone else is reading your work out loud in front of a television audience, you realize just how many typos you can make and how important it is to refrain from doing so. Fortunately, most of the anchors I worked with were very experienced and caught my typos before they made it on air!
Another important aspect of this sort of job is the fact that it didn't pay well. At all. In fact, I had to get a second job as a janitor to supplement my income and I actually made more as a janitor than I did as a producer for a television news show.
Weird, right?
Despite the negative aspects of the job, I really enjoyed writing for news. It was never boring, and a huge adrenaline rush. I'm really grateful for the experience.
So, if you have a thick skin, can take criticism from multiple sources who will critique your writing and make changes to it, and you don't mind making less than you would working as a server in the fast food industry, then you might want to give this job a shot!
Another important aspect of this sort of job is the fact that it didn't pay well. At all. In fact, I had to get a second job as a janitor to supplement my income and I actually made more as a janitor than I did as a producer for a television news show.
Weird, right?
Despite the negative aspects of the job, I really enjoyed writing for news. It was never boring, and a huge adrenaline rush. I'm really grateful for the experience.
So, if you have a thick skin, can take criticism from multiple sources who will critique your writing and make changes to it, and you don't mind making less than you would working as a server in the fast food industry, then you might want to give this job a shot!
Writing as a digital journalist
Writing as a digital journalist was slightly more lucrative than working as a television news producer, in my case. The work was also less hectic. While writing for a newscast that's going to be on live television keeps producers constantly busy, sometimes there are hours when you don't have much to write about as a digital journalist.
So, if you want experience as a writer with a fairly decent salary in a capacity that is stressful but not as stressful as live television, then this may be the job for you.
So, if you want experience as a writer with a fairly decent salary in a capacity that is stressful but not as stressful as live television, then this may be the job for you.
Writing as a marketing coordinator/social media manager
This was the most lucrative form of writing I engaged in and I had both good and bad experiences while working in marketing as a writer. It all depended on the client I was working for.
Most of the clients I worked with trusted me with their social media content and other content that needed to be written, and this made the job much easier. I'd provide them with samples of what I would post for them on social media and present my plan to them, they would approve it, and we'd go from there.
But I also learned that things won't always go so smoothly. I learned there are some clients who may take days to critique a single social media post you've written, and in the end tell you the whole idea isn't good enough and trash it.
So, if you're going to write as a social media manager and marketing coordinator you'll need to choose your clients carefully and make sure they're individuals with which you'll have a successful working relationship.
Most of the clients I worked with trusted me with their social media content and other content that needed to be written, and this made the job much easier. I'd provide them with samples of what I would post for them on social media and present my plan to them, they would approve it, and we'd go from there.
But I also learned that things won't always go so smoothly. I learned there are some clients who may take days to critique a single social media post you've written, and in the end tell you the whole idea isn't good enough and trash it.
So, if you're going to write as a social media manager and marketing coordinator you'll need to choose your clients carefully and make sure they're individuals with which you'll have a successful working relationship.
Writing as an indie author
This is the most enjoyable form of writing I've ever engaged in! It has paid me next to nothing over the years, but I highly encourage anyone with a book idea to go for it and write their story!
Writing my stories gave me confidence, taught me how to take criticism from fellow writers, and allowed my imagination to take flight! It's been one of the best experiences of my life, even though it didn't generate much income.
I hope this information is helpful to you if you're considering transforming your creative writing hobby into a career!
Writing my stories gave me confidence, taught me how to take criticism from fellow writers, and allowed my imagination to take flight! It's been one of the best experiences of my life, even though it didn't generate much income.
I hope this information is helpful to you if you're considering transforming your creative writing hobby into a career!
Additional information on this topic can be found in the YouTube video below.