Full-Time Job and Writing Full-Time
How I Make It Work
There was a time when I used to daydream about what it would be like to be a full-time writer. I pictured a cozy little nook—maybe in a sunlit cabin in the woods or a chic apartment above a bustling coffee shop—where I could spend my days crafting stories, sipping tea, and patting myself on the back at sunset for a day of productive creativity.
But then I actually tried it.
And then I realized that I didn’t like it. At all.
There’s a strange pressure that comes with having all the time in the world to write. There’s no urgency. There’s no structure. Every day blurs into the next. And instead of writing more, I found myself doing less. I’d get distracted, spiral into creative ruts, and end up resenting the stories I once loved.
So, I went back to work. And weirdly enough, my writing got better. It also provided stable income which I very much enjoy.
The Truth About Writing While Working a Full-Time Job
Working and writing isn’t an easy combination to juggle—but once you develop a system and embrace the structure that comes with a full schedule, it’s possible. I currently work between 40 to 60 hours a week. That’s a heavy load. Yet I still write daily and make steady progress on both personal and professional projects.
The key? I treat my writing time as sacred, and I organize everything else around it.
Here’s how I do it.
1. Writing Is My First Priority
My alarm goes off at 5 a.m., and from the moment I wake, the day is already in motion.
I start with a workout to shake the sleep off and get my body going. It doesn’t have to be intense—a light run or shadowboxing session is enough to clear the fog and put me in the right headspace. Then it’s coffee with my husband, a few quiet moments together before the grind begins.
And then, I write.
This hour—just one hour—is my time. It’s all I get, so I make it count.
Some days I only manage 1,000 words. Other days, if I’m on a roll, I’ll knock out nearly 3,000. The number doesn’t matter as much as the discipline. I don’t have time to second-guess, to self-edit, to wander aimlessly on the page. I sit down, look at my outline, and go.
That outline is critical. Having a roadmap means I don’t waste precious time trying to figure out where the story goes next. I already know. I’ve planned for it. I’ve thought it through. I just need to bring it to life.
2. Only Write What You’re Obsessed With
Time is limited. Energy is finite. So I don’t waste it on things I don’t love.
That includes client work. If a writing assignment doesn’t interest me—if it’s not something I can see myself getting excited about—I won’t take it on. Or I’ll push it until I can find a hook that excites me.
Because here’s the truth: if I’m not into the idea, I’ll procrastinate. I’ll stare at the screen. I’ll write half a paragraph and then give up.
But if I’m invested—if a scene is eating away at me and characters are talking to me in the shower—I will find time. I’ll sneak in notes during lunch breaks. I’ll wake up earlier. I’ll write on my phone if I have to.
I only write what I’m itching to write. That passion is what fuels my consistency. Every scene matters. Every word is a thrill. And because the story has taken root in my mind, I’m always thinking about what comes next. That anticipation builds momentum.
3. Write Alone and Without Distraction
My writing space is my sanctuary. It’s quiet. It’s distraction-free. No notifications. No tabs open. No people wandering in to ask questions.
Just me, a comfortable sofa, and my laptop.
The setup doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be consistent. That consistency signals to my brain: it’s time to write. No multitasking. No noise. No social media. I use a single screen, a minimalist writing app, and a pair of noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
That physical separation from the world helps me mentally step into the story. It’s like opening a door to another reality—and once I’m in, I can stay there until the timer runs out.
4. Structure Your Day with Priority Lists
After my writing session, the rest of my day belongs to work. And like my writing, I structure it with intentionality using three lists:
Must Do:
This is the one non-negotiable task of the day—the thing that must get done no matter what. Usually, it’s a result-driven task that someone else is waiting on. I knock it out early so it doesn’t hang over my head.
Have to Do:
These are my top three priorities for the day. They’re not optional, but they’re not as time-sensitive as the “Must Do.” These often include high-impact projects that move the needle forward—whether that’s a work deadline or a personal milestone.
Get to It If You Can:
This is the catch-all list. It includes requests from colleagues, minor errands, and things that pop up throughout the day. If I have time and mental energy, I tackle them. If not, they wait—unless it’s an emergency (like the website breaking or a major client fire that needs putting out).
This system gives me clarity. It prevents overwhelm. And it ensures I’m always focusing on what matters most.
Time Management Tips That Make a Difference
Even with structure, energy is a limited resource. You have to manage your time—and your attention—like gold. These techniques help me stay on track and make the most of the day:
Use Calendar Blocking
At the start of the week, I block out chunks of time on my digital calendar for everything: writing, work meetings, workouts, admin tasks, even rest. It sounds rigid, but it actually creates freedom. When I know what’s coming, I don’t waste energy making decisions.
My morning block is for writing. My afternoon block is for deep work. My evening block is reserved for decompression or low-effort tasks. These boundaries give shape to my day and reduce decision fatigue.
Embrace the Pomodoro Technique
When I’m dragging or find myself procrastinating, I break the work into 25-minute sprints using a Pomodoro timer. I work with intensity for that block, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, I take a longer 15- to 30-minute break.
It’s a small psychological trick, but it works. It forces focus, breaks down large tasks into manageable pieces, and builds momentum over time.
Batch Your Work
Grouping similar tasks together helps reduce context switching. I’ll batch emails, meetings, and administrative tasks into one part of the day so I don’t spend all day jumping between headspaces. The same goes for writing—brainstorming, outlining, and drafting each have their own time slots.
Know When to Rest
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. If I’m exhausted at the end of the day, I give myself permission to rest. Watching anime, reading a novel, or just zoning out with my husband helps reset my mental state so I can start fresh the next morning.
If I force productivity when I’m depleted, the quality of my writing and my work suffers. Rest is part of the process.
Final Thoughts: Writing Doesn’t Need to Be Your Day Job to Be Your Life’s Work
You don’t have to quit your job to be a writer. You don’t need eight uninterrupted hours of solitude, a cabin in the woods, or a sabbatical from reality.
What you need is commitment. Passion. And a system that works for your life.
I’m a full-time worker and a full-time writer. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’ve found what works for me—and that’s all any of us can do.
So if you’re dreaming about writing but worried you don’t have time, take this as your permission slip: carve out the hour. Make it sacred. Write the story that keeps you up at night. And know that your day job doesn’t diminish your art—it can actually deepen it.
Now go write.