January 25, 2008
it turns out “dilettante” actually IS a career (at least, according to ABC)*
In the spring of 2000, I left my last full-time job, as an instructor in the English department at the University of Puget Sound. I was expecting a baby, and Wade and I had decided that it made the most sense for me to stay home full time. We agreed that of course I would go back to work — when the youngest child was in school full time. It was going to be so easy, I thought, this little break from working.
Henry was born in June, in what was the hottest summer on record in Oklahoma. We only had one car with air conditioning, and Wade drove it to work every day, which meant that I pretty much just stayed home with the baby. I read a lot, about the opt-out revolution and about how women weren’t really giving up on their careers, they were just taking time off and then stepping back on the work treadmill right where they had left off. And I started to panic a little because how on earth was I going to do that? I didn’t have a “career” to speak of — I had been a university adjunct, without health care or even an office, but still, I loved teaching because it made me think, and that mattered to me.
And I started to wonder: what was I going to DO with myself when my kids grew up?
In February of 2005, I started this blog. My New Year’s resolution had been to write more; I had been keeping a journal, on paper and on the computer, but that wasn’t really working for me. What I wanted wasn’t so much just to write but to connect with other people. I had been reading blogs for a while, mostly parenting and mommy blogs, and I thought, I can do that. And I did.
Eventually, Friday Playdate spun out into Friday Style; that lead to a job writing for BlogHer, and to another job writing for ParentDish. Through ParentDish I was hired to blog at Work It, Mom!, and then to write for AisleDash. Through BlogHer, I landed jobs writing about fashion at ChatterBox and Fashion Find. I was also hired to be the lead at AisleDash and to coordinate outreach for ChatterBox.
It’s a full-time job, all this blogging.
And yet there is still a part of me that doesn’t think of myself as “working” — or that didn’t until recently. It’s such a funny thing to say, “I’m a professional blogger,” or “I blog for a living.” So I would just kind of hem and haw when people asked what I did.
Recently, though, an interesting thing happened: ABC news contacted Lisa Stone about doing a piece on BlogHer, and they asked if they could talk to someone from the site. In the end, they wanted to talk to me, because I make a living blogging. On Wednesday, Lisa and I were interviewed by ABC’s Torry Johnson; Lisa was in California, Torry was in New York, and I was in a studio at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. I was also on my death bed, but that is neither here nor there.
And I realized that nothing validates what you do like having someone from a major network talk about it on television.
I called Chris after the interview and when she said, “How was it?” I said, “There is a reason I have a BLOG and not some video casting thingy.” I still can’t bring myself to watch the clip (too weird!) but I am so happy that I got to participate and to support BlogHer. Because honestly, without Lisa’s vote of confidence, I wouldn’t be doing this for a living.
You can see Lisa Stone’s interview here; mine is here. And for the record, my dress is from J. Crew. Of COURSE.
*From this post, from long ago.
Posted by Susan @ 3:57 pm • just happy to be here, other places
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January 25th, 2008 at 4:00 pm, Raven Says:
You inspire me!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm, Caitlin - Bridgets Flame Says:
Great interview Susan.
January 25th, 2008 at 4:17 pm, She Likes Purple Says:
You inspire me, too. Hooray for you. (That’s kind of a lame form of congrats, isn’t it? It’s Friday. I’m still at work. NO COCKTAILS YET.)
January 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm, Meredith Says:
Alas, I just missed you at UPS (I started fall 2000) - I would have loved to have you for a prof!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:41 pm, Barbetti Says:
That was fantastic! Death bed, bah. You looked wonderful. (And seriously? You have such a pretty lilt in your voice. Does that sound creepy? I think yes.)
I’m inspired!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:43 pm, slynnro Says:
Can’t see the interview (work computer of death), but I’m sure it is awesome nonetheless.
January 25th, 2008 at 4:47 pm, Jessica Says:
That was great! So poised and comfortable on camera….you should get the guts to watch it because it really went well! You know those awful interviews where people seem nervous and stiff and are visibly thinking of their answers? You looked very natural.
How exciting!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm, daysgoby Says:
Congratulations, Susan! You looked beautiful and you expressed yourself clearly and well!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:59 pm, Annika Says:
My crush on you just keeps growing.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm, M&Co. Says:
Damn woman! You looked good for a woman on her death bed. And articulate too.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm, BethanyWD Says:
Woot! Lovely, Susan. You look fantastic (I wouldn’t even have known you were on your deathbed), and really, isn’t that they most important thing??
January 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm, whoorl Says:
Both interviews were absolutely lovely!
(My only complaint is not being able to see the entire J.Crew dress.)
January 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm, JCK Says:
I’m hopping over here from your friend Shannon’s site. Congratulations on a great interview and being a blogger who makes a living with your writing.You help inspire so many of us who blog and have a passion for it.
You looked fabulous in your interview by the way. No way anyone would have known you were on your death bed. Hope you are feeling better soon!
January 25th, 2008 at 5:56 pm, imaginary sarah Says:
That really was a great interview! Talking on camera is always awkward for me, so I feel your pain.
You’re an inspiration, truly. I Twittered that to you after I saw the interview. Don’t know if you got it.
Great blog! I’ll be visiting often.
January 25th, 2008 at 6:21 pm, chris Says:
You did great! Honestly you looked fabulous and were articulate. And I kept thinking damn I wish I could be sick like that
January 25th, 2008 at 6:35 pm, All Adither Says:
You’re pretty. I’m going to start ASKING for jobs
January 25th, 2008 at 6:52 pm, Headless Mom Says:
Great job! And good advice, too. Are you looking for a writer with little to say about the craziness of life except “AAAck!”? I could fit that bill very nicely.
(Well, you told everyone to ask!;-) )
January 25th, 2008 at 7:03 pm, merrymishaps Says:
That was great!
January 25th, 2008 at 7:38 pm, jen Says:
great interview. you were very poised and well spoken. you should be proud!
January 25th, 2008 at 7:54 pm, Poppy Says:
Yay! That was great!
And it totally validated me. Now when people ask me what I do, I’ll tell them I’m networking via my blog, and I expect it to lead to great things.
Exactly the way it did with the fabulous Susan Wagner.
January 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm, Mayberry Magpie Says:
I love finding out about Oklahoma bloggers!
Thanks for the inspiration. I’ll visit regularly.
www.mayberrymagpie.com
January 25th, 2008 at 8:57 pm, gorillabuns Says:
i’m on my deathbed and look nothing like your beautiful self.
great job!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:00 pm, Angella Says:
You. Are. Amazing.
Can you tell me how I can get to where you are?
January 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm, Deva Says:
that’s awesome susan!!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:48 pm, Jenn @ Juggling Life Says:
Way to parlay a hobby into a career. You’re very inspiring and a great role-model.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm, Undercover Mutha Says:
Could you be any cuter? Seriously. Adorable.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm, Adria Says:
You looked great! What a wonderful interview - way too go!
January 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm, Melissa Says:
Great interview! Great career! Great you! Let the celebratory cocktails flow!
You sounded like such a Nice Lady. Funny, I picture you yelling more. I must be projecting.
January 25th, 2008 at 11:58 pm, The Simple Family Says:
I KNOW THAT GIRRRRRLLLL!
Or, as I want to whisper, YOU SPOKE MONEY…..
January 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am, Rocks In My Dryer Says:
It was awesome–I was so proud of you.
Just in the last month or two, when people ask me what I do, I’ve started saying “I’m a writer.” I choked on the words the first couple of times, but now it feels good.
January 26th, 2008 at 1:07 am, Kian Says:
Ok I have a lot to say here.
First you are totally one of my heroes. You are doing what I want to do (ok I also wanted to write vampire novels but seriously? Not working out for me).
Secondly, you sounded GREAT, you should watch the video.
Third: OMG you looked awesome!! All dewy skin and gorgeousness.
You are a major inspiration, I know I say that to you all time but it’s very true.
Now if I could just find something to blog about that I am good at (besides the vampires that is…)
January 26th, 2008 at 7:42 am, Shan Says:
I cannot wait to watch the interview, as soon as I can get my computer to play it (not sure what the problem is). But I agree with many of the comments above that you are truly an inspiration. I would love to do what you do, and hopefully eventually I will. Also, I have always thought that being a professional blogger is, in essence, being a writer. And no one has trouble admitting to that as a career, do they? Anyway, congrats Susan. You and your writing always lend extra fun to my day.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:43 am, Wendy Says:
Yup, I want to be just like you (including the J.Crew wardrobe) when I grow up. Not just for your smarts, go get ‘em attitude and welcoming feel, but mainly because if that is how you look when you have death then sign me up.
Sorry, that made no sense, but I, too, have just recently contracted death and my brain hurts.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:24 am, jcristg Says:
how fun! you did great. i never would have guessed you were on your death bed.
January 26th, 2008 at 10:56 am, Emily Says:
I’ve been reading and lurking here for awhile. My daughter was born a month ago with a ton of hair and I said it looked like she had a really cool, modern hair cut. When I watched your interview, I realized that you and my daughter have the same cool hairdo. I love it.
Great interview by the way. Thanks for saying how many hours your work…I think people don’t realize how much time it actually takes!
January 26th, 2008 at 11:00 am, Sister Sassy Says:
My sister wants to be you
January 26th, 2008 at 11:07 am, amy Says:
Yay for you!
January 26th, 2008 at 1:15 pm, MommyWithAttitude Says:
Susan you are fabulous! As is Lisa.
I would say that I wish I was you, but then, it’s no secret that I don’t know the first thing about shoes, so I’ll have to figure something else out!
January 26th, 2008 at 2:56 pm, blackbird Says:
You
are
my
hero.
January 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pm, Suebob Says:
You are amazing.
January 26th, 2008 at 5:03 pm, arduous Says:
OH MY GOD THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!
Congrats, Susan!
January 26th, 2008 at 8:58 pm, Sarah Says:
You were great! And of course I recognized the dress right away! And taking your advice: Are you hiring?
January 26th, 2008 at 9:30 pm, Y Says:
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude.
You’re so awesome.
January 27th, 2008 at 6:49 am, cherylp Says:
sooooo fabulous! Very inspiring interview…and I only *wish* i looked that good when I was sick!
January 27th, 2008 at 8:10 am, crazedparent Says:
Yay Susan! Was great to hear you story too.
January 27th, 2008 at 10:21 am, dani Says:
Susan - you looked lovey and poised. Congrats!
January 27th, 2008 at 10:48 am, becky Says:
I’ll repeat what I said on Twitter: you looked great and sounded articulate & calm. I would have said “um” a lot.
PS) Hire a fellow English major? *grin*
Congrats, Susan. Well done.
January 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm, Lori Says:
Hey! Writing is the only career where you don’t get crap for being paid next to nothing. I’m so glad you found an outlet for your thoughts. Thank you so much for being an awesome and willing writer.
Wonderful job!
January 27th, 2008 at 1:16 pm, kat Says:
ups! ohmigosh! i went to ups! i graduated in 04! english grad! WOW! small world ‘eh?
awesome interview. i’d say blogger AND writer!
January 27th, 2008 at 1:55 pm, Margaret Says:
Is it possible to hear too many times that you looked beautiful, sounded wise, and said helpful things? I don’t think so. You looked beautiful, sounded wise, and said helpful things.
FWIW, telling people you’re a writer won’t get you any more points for intelligence, skill, insight, or ambition than telling people you’re a professional blogger. For those things, you have to say, “I’m a brain surgeon.”
January 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pm, Stephanie Says:
Well done. Articulate, beautiful, inspiring, informative.
Expect an email from me. I will be asking for a job, per your suggestion.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:30 pm, Stephanie Says:
Well done. Articulate, beautiful, inspiring, informative.
Expect an email from me; I will be requesting employment opportunities, per your suggestion.
January 27th, 2008 at 9:09 pm, Lisa Milton Says:
You looked lovely, of course.
Congrats!
January 27th, 2008 at 10:23 pm, Gin Says:
If that’s deathbed, sign me up. You also sounded great and were very informative…now you’re conquering TV!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:02 am, educat Says:
You know how I know you’ve been in Oklahoma a while? The way you say “sheeews”.
And I love it!!
…and you make more by blogging than I do by teaching. eigh.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:29 am, Meegs Says:
Always reader, seldom replier… but had to post one today to tell you that I loved the clip. Looked great, and your smile is the cutest.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am, Tara Says:
Susan - you handled the on-camera with professional aplomb! Many props to you. This is a fantastic testimony to your talents. Stacy London - watch out!
January 28th, 2008 at 12:05 pm, EZibbets Says:
What a great interview! You could rock a video thingy casting gig!
January 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm, angela Says:
You did such a great job, Susan!!! And you looked very lovely.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:59 pm, Amy Says:
That was a great interview and very informative. I am in the very early stages of your story. I had a career in non-profit management and I stopped working about 13 months ago to stay home with my two babies. I love writing, but I am VERY rusty. I really developed my technical writing drafting and reporting on grants. I have a new year resolution to blog every day this year (…that is going okay). I am hoping to try to develop some discipline and try to figure out what area’s stick out as subject matter. Any suggestions?
Amy from OKC
January 28th, 2008 at 4:12 pm, leigh Says:
Susan you did a great job! You sounded so professional (you are anyway) and looked so pretty (as always).
January 28th, 2008 at 5:13 pm, Nothing But Bonfires Says:
You looked so pretty! And you sounded so put-together. I bet there are now thousands of women all over the country, wishing they were you.
January 28th, 2008 at 5:58 pm, Mara Says:
Wow, that is fantastic!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:31 pm, Sheryl Says:
Darn it, wouldn’t you know Aaron took the computer that had sound when he left. now I’m going to have to go to the library to listen to your interview, but you look smart and pretty.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:59 am, Kathy Says:
well done!
January 29th, 2008 at 8:29 pm, Isabel Kallman Says:
TV is tough and you looked and sounded great. Congratulations!
February 4th, 2008 at 11:25 pm, halloweenlover Says:
I thought you looked great! Congrats!