How I became a writer “overnight!”

Photo by Bridget Powers

I have a confession to make. I am an expert in structured procrastination. When I have something important to do, I suddenly become highly focused on completing projects that have been looming on my “to do,” list for months. While an undergrad, the night before I had a big assignment due, I caught myself repairing a mirror frame which had been broken for months. I was never the student writing a bit each night. Instead, I would gather information along the way and then cram it into a sensible paper at the last minute. When I auditioned for a regional dance program in high school, I improvised my entire audition (sorry Kathy).

I thought procrastination was a character flaw. I was not like other students and this didn’t show any signs of stopping. Yet, my grades indicated quality work. And I was chosen above others to participate in unique opportunities, ie biology research assistant, regional fine arts program, and tutoring other students in courses which I was actively enrolled. I always met deadlines by the skin of my teeth (whatever that means). In fact, the pressure from an upcoming deadline has sparked some of my best work.

At the beginning of July, I read an e-mail from Nerd Fitness stating they were looking for a full-time researcher/writer for their website. As I read the job description, the excitement level within me began to rise. Not only had I been looking for a full-time position, but I was sulking at the idea of returning to a skilled nursing facility setting with 90% productivity requirements, ie no time to think or write effective documentation.

I enjoy teaching in an academic setting, but I am limited to teaching 18 credits per year as an adjunct. I am still paying for my Master’s degree, so the cost of getting my doctorate degree (in order to apply for a full-time position at the University) seems out of reach. I felt stuck. However, as I read the Nerd Fitness job description, I had a resurgence of hope at the possibility that I might be able to apply my strengths to my work, be a part of something personally meaningful to me, and get paid to do it! Where do I apply?!

But I did not apply. The deadline for submission came and went. I let my fear of writing inexperience and self-doubt seep into my thoughts and get the better of me. I have never used WordPress and had not even heard of some the recommended prerequisite programs. What I did have was years of research experience, a lifelong dream of becoming a writer, and the opportunity to take a risk and apply for my dream job without having to give up a full-time permanent position (since I do not have one).

Fast forward to the end of July; my mother asks, “Have you applied for the writing job you wanted?” When I start making the excuse that it’s too late, she replies, “But Rachael, maybe it’ll be like that Indeed commercial. Maybe you are their Oscar!” As a woman without cable, I have no idea what she is talking about and a quick Google search has left me empty-handed (I am not sure my mother’s details are accurate). However, I am told the gist of it is; an employer is searching for a certain type of candidate using a specific set of criteria, but upon hiring Oscar, realizes what he really needed to fill the role was “an Oscar.”

So, I have spent the last 24 hours updating my resume, writing a cover letter and 2 blog articles, and creating a website (for the first time) using WordPress. I plan to submit an application to Nerd Fitness for their writer/researcher position, and I am hopeful they will both read and love my work. Worst case scenario, they don’t. Either way, I have taken the first step toward my dream of being a writer; I started writing. Best case scenario, they recognize that I am “the Rachael,” they need. Thanks mom for encouraging (forcefully pushing) me to apply.

Photo credits to Bridget Powers. Thank you my friend.