Jobs give
structure. Especially the 9-5 variety. Times are clearly defined. Get up at
time X. Lunch at time Y. Leave work at time Z. Free time until you must get up
again at X.
I’ve never
been much for that kind of structure, though. I find that there are too many
times when the mind wanders and I’m unproductive. Likewise sometimes there’s
not enough work to fill the day or there’s too much work to fill the day. I’ve
found that I’m more productive in pursuing my own schedule.
Of course
there are times when I’m definitely procrastinating. But I’ve found in my
writing schedule that I can (when there are not ten billion other things
happening) maintain a strict discipline even among various activities.
Over the
course of the past year, I’ve engaged in half a dozen different projects nearly
simultaneously and maintained my other job as well. I’ve also had times when I
needed to finish on deadlines, too, especially with multiple projects. I think
that I’m up for the challenges of a more independent structure.