Writing: Useful Skill for Some Other Career Path, But No Longer a Career Or Even a Gig

 The common phrase on Reddit has become "I love writing." Well, good for you. And the common response, straight from the shoulder, has become:

"Find something else to do for money. Anything. This is no longer a lucrative career or side hustle."

That said, there is, of course, a huge need for this skill, when applied in a larger context. 

The classic example is in practicing law. The associate who can turn in concise persuasive drafts which don't require extensive markups will get noticed. Likely more work will be assigned to them. Without that they probably won't develop enough billable hours and be terminated.

However, being an adept writer won't in itself move the needle much in practicing law. Lots more is necessary to hold onto the job and move on up. Chair of Paul, Weiss since 2008 Brad Karp always loved writing. And, admires good writing. However, analyses of his success focus on his rainmaking, access to political leaders and strategic accomplishments. 

Note that famous legal fiction author Scott Turow made it his business to first create a career path practicing law, only writing on the side. It was years before he "earned" the right to be a full-time writer.

The same reality currently dominates much of public relations. Content-creators are being expected to participate in strategy, actual marketing and more. In his summary of 2025 on O'Dwyer's Public Relations, Kevin McCauley documents how disrupted the sector has become. The article starts out with:

"Layoffs, agency consolidations, client spending cuts and massive AI-related disruptions upended the PR business in 2025."

In general, no longer can public relations agencies and in-house communications units "afford" to hire personnel whose function is restricted to content-creation. 

In my intuitive coaching I encourage those needing to earn a living to continue enhancing their writing abilities. At the very least, being able to prepare job search/marketing materials DIY will save them a bundle. However, they should avoid being branded "a writer." That was yesterday's dream vocation. No, they don't want to be positioned and packaged as yesterday.

Full Disclosure: I had had a decades-long career creating content. That was a very different time. Today it would not be doable even as a gig.

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we reprogram your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.

 


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