Hello French Canadian:

Almost all of our ADDitude articles about 'dream jobs' (http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1497.html) say the same thing: Do what you love, and you will be happy! So, yes, if writing is your passion, then you should write! Copyediting for the government doesn't sound like writing at all - it sounds like boring, monotonous torture. Have you tried starting a blog? Drafting a book? Looking for a job that involves more creative writing?

I would suggest touching base with our new ADDitude blogger Bill Mehlman, who is a successful copywriter with ADHD and who might have some insight for you: http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/3/index.html

I hope this helps!

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A source I would recommend is the book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham. I imagine it wasn't the writing part that got you fired. This book talks about how to tailor your job and/or find a job that utilizes your strengths so you are brilliant at your job. For example, if you are anti-social & shy, that could be a strength in jobs where you have to work alone for long periods of time. Someone whose strength is being with people would probably really hate a job like that.

I also recommend that you hire a professional coach. Jennifer Powers is a fantastic coach that I have used myself. Check out www.JenniferPowers.com.

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Hello everybody !

First, I would like to thank you for all your good words. It's really appreciated.

I find that it could be a great idea to write a blog and a book, as suggested it Anni, what I started to do, anyway. But I have a baby to make living, so... what I could do until I have money ?

I wait your good comments,

French Canadian

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maybe what you could do is get a job editing something that is more creative such as a literature journal or perhaps writing for a local paper? That way you would still have a job but it might not seem so draining and you might have energy left to work on your own writing. Another suggestion would be to teach what you know about writing and editing to others which would give you a salary and time off to write of course with a family that time would be precious.

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You might try something like elance.com or other freelancing websites to help you start your own journey in writing on your own terms. There are two very interesting things about freelance opportunities using elance. Some of the elancers are virtual admininstrative assistants. So if you land a gig and need someone to keep you on track you can hire one of them.

Here would be an example: You get a gig for $40 an hour and charge for 6 hours (which would be $240), you use the virtual admin to spend 2 hours at $10 organizing your time, checking your written work and updating your profile(that would be $20), leaving you with $220.

Just some thoughts. :)

Tom

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Don't give up on your dream - if you are happy, your family will be happy. You have had great advice already - the only thing I would add is that writing does not have to be your only source of your income. If you can make money doing something else that doesn't cause you stress (e.g. for me it was being a waitress - mindless but it is fast and the tips are good) you can then do your writing with less presusre on it having to make large amounts of money immediately. Hope this helps. Bon chance!

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