I have a 9 to 5 job too. I go to a law firm, in a tall corporate skyrise, and I edit attorney bios, legal alerts and marketing pitches. I also write zany stories for our internal website, on pet picnics and tax attorney rock bands. But as much as I’d love to write about food all day, every day, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon.
Reasons:
a) Geographic flexibility. I am now working in the third office of the same law firm (Boston, NYC, SF). Next stop London? Hong Kong? Portland, Maine?
b) Stability. In these turbulent times, I’d be terrified to subject myself to the whimsy of the freelance market. I get a paycheck every two weeks, and I use it to pay rent. This is good.
c) Good people. People are what make or break your day-to-day grind, and I’ve had a fun, wisecracking crew in every office.
d) Benefits. My employer is one of those Google-type firms that gives tons of ridiculous perks like massages, acupuncture, and parties for every occasion (CEO’s dog’s birthday!) Also health and dental.
e) Work not heinous. Hey, at least I’m using my brain, and working with words, right? It’s not hard-hitting journalism but it doesn’t bore me to tears!
Food writing is the perfect complement to my 9 to 5 job. I get to be creative, supplement my income, and not introduce myself as a “Communications Specialist” at parties!
