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I’ve Been Writing Full-Time For 3 Years. Here’s What Has Surprised Me.

Some reflections.

Sean Kernan

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Editorial rights purchased via iStock Photos

Right after I quit my job, I took a flight up to my family’s farm/vineyard in Virginia.

I’ll never forget staring out the airplane window and thinking, “Have I just made a terrible mistake?” There was so much uncertainty.

I just passed my 3-year mark as a professional writer and things have gone great. But a few things have surprised me.

People look at you like you’re a unicorn

Back when I was a financial analyst, Laura (my GF) and I would occasionally go to social events and chum it up with people.

They’d ask what I did for a living and I’d say my finance answer. They’d be cordial, say it was cool, but not follow up with many questions. I never told them about my hobby of writing at night on the side.

They’d turn to Laura and ask what she did.

Laura would explain that she was an archaeology professor at USF — and without fail, they’d be super fascinated and forget I was even in the conversation (it was all good — I’m proud of her).

They’d usually ask her what she thinks about that show Ancient Aliens (it’s a bad…

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Sean Kernan
Sean Kernan

Written by Sean Kernan

All my articles are 100% human. No AI involved. Also, I'm a nommer. Submit to my publication Corporate Underbelly and I'll try to help you get boosted.

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