Hello, book lovers! 💕
Okay, so I just want to preface this by saying this post is going to be quite a bit different than my usual bookish posts. I’ve had some stuff on my mind that I kind of want to rant about, and what better way to do that than through writing?
If you’ve been following me from the beginning, you probably know that I mentioned in one of my really early posts that I am unemployed. I have been for all of 2020, mostly because of COVID-19 and mostly because I have obligations at home that have been preventing me to go out and find a “normal” job. Whatever the semblance of normal is right now in the current situation of the world.
You’d also know (maybe) that I received my Master’s in Publishing last year. One of the classes I took in my last semester is the reason I started this blog in the first place; we had to make a blog about something that interested us and post a few times a week or something like that. I stopped for a while after that class ended, but when I lost my job, I decided to start blogging again to give myself something to do. Because I love reading and I love talking about books. I’ve never really been interested in making a YouTube, so this was the next best bet.
That brings me to the fact that when I finished my degree, I decided to try to become an editor. Which is a lot harder than it seems considering I didn’t have many internships under my belt (one of my biggest regrets I have after finishing college). So finding an editing job isn’t easy when all I have is education to show. I don’t have hand-on experience, but it’s something that I’ve been working on this year. I have it on my website as a service that I offer, and I’ve gotten a few offers. But unfortunately, none of them have been paid. I’ve been doing them for free, which makes me feel gross because it makes me feel like I’m undervaluing my skills.
I want to make an honest living off being an editor, and I want to work from home, and I know it’s going to take time finding clients and all that. I know it doesn’t happen overnight. So maybe that’s where you guys come in? I’m not trying to sound desperate or throw this in your faces. But if you or anyone you know needs an editor (I mainly specialize in book editing, but I could also do academic papers or short stories or blog posts), then feel free to let me know. I’d be so appreciative of it.
Another thing that’s been on my mind is the fact that I’ve started an Etsy shop for my art. It started off as me selling bookmarks (because I’m a reader at heart), but has kind of grown into me making stickers as well. Again, I don’t want to sound pushy, but if you’re interested, check out my Etsy or my Instagram. I’ve been posting daily on my Instagram this month for a monthly drawing challenge that I’m taking part in. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve learned a lot as a self-taught artist.
I’ve always enjoyed art, even if it was just appreciating other people’s art. I’ve always gone to art shows in high school and college with my friends. I never used to consider myself an artist until now, mainly because I never thought I was that good. I think that’s mainly because I’m not really that good at traditional art, like drawing or painting. A few months ago, I made the plunge and bought myself an iPad because I wanted to get more into art and try out digital art. And I feel like I’m better at that than traditional art. It’s easier to fix mistakes digitally than on paper.
I still don’t consider myself an artist though. I have self-doubt all the time about it, and it’s especially bad when I go on social media and see everyone else’s art. I feel like I’m an amateur and that I’m not good enough and that I won’t be able to sell my work. It becomes a whole spiral that takes a while for me to come out of.
But anyway, if you stuck around this long, I thank you for taking the time to read this. I know it’s a bit different than what I normally post, but I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. If you can relate in any way, or even if you just want to say hi, I’d love to chat in the comments below.
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The Reading Addict 
Brilliant post – your art is beautiful! I feel your pain with the lack of jobs rn, I just graduated my MRes and its so difficult breaking into the job market.
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Thank you for your kind words. Congrats on graduating! That’s awesome. 😊 and yes unfortunately it is. What use is a degree if there aren’t any jobs or the jobs require years of experience? It’s definitely a struggle.
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Finding a job in what you want to do after college is always tough and usually takes time (except for those lucky few who make you feel that life is totally unfair). I think working without pay is okay for a time as long as they will give you a good reference, understand that you are looking for a paid position, and you can afford to do it. It’s not ideal but it’s part of paying your dues, so-to-speak. Hang in there, that job is out there.
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Thank you for your kind words. I agree that it’s okay to work without pay for some time; it’s like having an internship to gain the hands-on experience. But unfortunately I can’t afford to do that right now, and I don’t know how long is too long to be offering my editing services for free.
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I would think no longer than 6 months, as that is typical for an internship. But, ultimately, it depends on how you feel.
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That makes sense. Thank you for your advice. The only other thing is that I need to find clients that need an editor, which has been a struggle.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I was in the same boat as you when I first graduated several years ago now and I remember having to work for one year doing internships and “free” work to build up my experience. It was stressful enough without the pandemic in mind, but don’t give up! Keep at it and things will turn around. I know that might not bring much comfort, but you’ll get there 🙂 I will definitely keep your name in mind if I hear/see anything. You could always check the writing community on Twitter, if you haven’t already? Btw, I can’t seem to access your IG! All the links say “Page not found”.
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Thank you for letting me know about my IG. I put the wrong link! 🤦🏻♀️ it should work now. And thank you for your kind words. It means a lot. I don’t use Twitter that much but I can look into it.
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