The Bacon Job

The first time I ever heard that saying, I thought it was positively perfect. The Bacon Job. Most writers have one- the job they do that "brings home the bacon". And I too used to have one. It used to be my dream job, actually.

I went to a vocational high school and took horticulture. I wasn't so much into landscaping or greenhouse stuff, but I really loved floral design. My senior year I did an internship at a local flower shop. I really loved it, but even then I knew I never wanted to own my own flower shop. But I did want to work in the floral industry. I got my associates degree in Floriculture Merchandising and my senior business project was a business plan for a wedding shop, all kinds of wedding -related items plus a floral service only for weddings. No day to day business. I honestly had no desire to do funeral work or everyday birthday arrangements. I loved wedding work. It's safe to say that back then, it was a passion!

After that I worked in the floral business, a couple different places until I settled at one. I worked there for five years and held many high responsibility positions: I did most of the shops window displays, I did most of the wedding consultations and in turn, most of the wedding work. I helped with book keeping and inventory. And I'd started doing weddings on the side. Running my own business had always been my goal. When I became pregnant with my first child, I gave my boss the news that I would not be staying on after the baby was born. It was probably one the of toughest things I've ever had to do.

I thoroughly enjoyed my business for a few years. I loved bringing so much joy to people on one of the most special days of their lives. But it wasn't without it's stress. There was tons. And it slowly started to eat away at my enthusiasm. I'd started writing by that time and I found myself wanting to do that more and more.

I'd decided to give up my business, way before I had a publishing contract. There were many reasons. One of the main ones was money and my business really wasn't bringing in much. So even though it did bring in some bacon, it wasn't enough to keep doing it if I really didn't enjoy it anymore. My husband and I decided together to end it so I could focus on my writing. His salary was enough to support us, though not in the lap of luxury. But we've made it work. And we kinda of had this agreement. I had 5-1/2 years after baby #2 was born. That's how long I had til he would start kindergarten. I needed to be bringing in some kind of money by that time or I would go out and get a job when he went to school full time. He just turned 3 this week, so I have 2-1/2 years to go. So far I think I'm off to a good start. I am bringing in money from my writing, slowly but surely.

Do I miss my bacon job?? Yes...sometimes I really do. When I hear that someone is getting married and I can't say "Hey...do you have a florist??" I loved being a part of so many people's wedding days. But I am so completely happy with where my career is now. I don't regret my decision at all.

So what do you do to bring home the bacon?? Do you plan on doing it forever...or will you someday move on to something else??

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