I was one of the lucky ones - the ones with the time to write poetry as much as my heart desired. Sadly, that has now come to an end because of a bad, complicated family issue that leaves me with no job...because I worked for my mom's business.
I think I've started to panic a bit because things are so crazy. My mom's relationship with me is nearing rock bottom but, more than anything (yes, even getting a new job), I worry I won't be able to write poetry or anything at all.
Of course, I do have anxiety, depression, and overthink everything on top of struggling with self-esteem and self-confidence.
Because I feel so at home here at the Cove, I thought some words of wisdom, nice poetry, random facts about anything, etc might be just what I need to push through this!
Sincerely,
A nervous but hopeful poet
Hey Brooke,
I'm so sorry you're going through this. A tumultuous family relationship compounded by job struggles and mental health issues to boot is enough to drive most people insane. The fact that you are worried about your poetry at this time despite it all is a true testament to your strength of character and passion for the craft. I do believe that during all of this, your poetry will be your saving grace, providing you with a way to escape the world or even turn the bad stuff into art. Even thought it might be more difficult now, I think that penciling in at least 30 minutes before bed or when you wake up for writing will allow you to keep up with your poetry as well as provide some structure to an otherwise chaotic world.
As far as jobs go, I'd recommend checking for remote freelance writing work or browsing through local job adverts. People are always willing to pay for someone to assist with writing needs - especially the elderly or people for whom english is not their first language. You could also offer your services as a writing tutor or even nanny. These might provide you with a steady stream of income while still allowing you time to work on your poetry. I've recently come across this website that might be helpful. https://writers.work/?utm_campaign=squeeze-page-jobs
I know things are hard right now, but I'm glad you have been able to find solace in our little community. And if you need anything or just want to talk, feel free to reach out to me via insta. I'm always down to lend a listening ear!
Sophie ❤️
Hey B.
You should 100% paste this into the agony aunt thread! Sophie is wonderful at giving advice. I’m sorry to hear of your worries and troubles. I’m not sure I have all the answers, but let me speak from the heart and hope it helps.
In terms of finding a new job. I’ve always found there’s plenty of opportunities out there at any one time. Through tough times, including the recession I’ve been able to find work. No. They’ve not always been what I wanted, such as folding women’s underwear in a retail chain we have here in the UK called Primark. But I covered the bills for the 4 months I was there until I could find somewhere to settle.
Now moving on to finding time to write. No matter what job I take, it always HAS to fit in with my writing. I always take part time jobs so that it leaves me with time. Is it a harsh struggle, you bet! We’re not called struggling artists for no reason! If you get serious anxiety when thinking you won’t have time to write, organise your life around writing! I’m incredibly lucky to have the job I have now. I only work Friday, Saturday, Sunday night shifts as a security guard. Theyre 12hr shifts which is harsh sometimes but means I work a full time Monday-Friday job squeezed into 3 days. Maybe this is something to consider?
Of course if you have enough savings, you could always jump in the deep end and go full time freelance? I’m actually posting a video today that goes live at 2pm about how to make money as a poet coincidentally!
Adam x
Dear nervous but hopeful poet, firstly, sending you a big virtual hug because I don't have the answers. But you will work things out step by step and you will get through.
At the most stressful points in my life I have found writing poetry to express my feelings and help untangle the madness that is life has helped me. Much of that stuff I never never share because it is for my eyes only. I am not comfortable sharing my most personal stuff whereas some other people are and that's fine for them.
I look back at some of the poetry I wrote in my teens and see how I have grown as a person and how some of the family conflict of the time has helped me become an empathetic person. Also that I shouldn't judge anyone because I have made my share of unwise choices!
Like you, I find The Poetry Cove a safe haven where I feel welcome and accepted. It's my special place where I can go. I have felt reassured to read other people here admit to feelings of anxiety, lack of self confidence etc. Although I don't have a diagnosis of Anxiety or Depression I see how these conditions affect the daily lives of people close to me. I feel I cope pretty well much of the time but there are times when I am overwhelmed by life. And I am certainly an over thinker! I often have to tell my thoughts to stop doing the 'what if' thing. (What if I miss the train, what if they don't like me, what if all the poetry I have written is total rubbish, etc)
So wishing you all the best, hang in there and keep writing poetry.