A little over 30 years ago, I struggled to find a decent job after college. I ended up stocking shelves on the overnight shift at the Wal-Mart opening in my hometown. It was demoralizing work, and I knew I was meant for more.
A few years later, I returned to college and studied meteorology. Two years after that, the National Weather Service hired me. I couldn’t have been more thrilled . . . except the closest job to my girlfriend (now wife) was in Taunton, MA, a six+ hour drive. Though I eventually transferred closer to home, I always felt like someone else was pulling my strings.
It didn’t help that I’m an introvert. I became close friends with many coworkers, but I always felt I was meant to steer my own ship. It didn’t help that I’m an introvert. I became close friends with many coworkers, but I always felt I was meant to steer my own ship. It didn’t help that I’m an introvert. I became close friends with many coworkers, but I always felt I was meant to steer my own ship.
I spent my days staring at computer screens, analyzing data that would help predict the weather. It was fulfilling work, but it didn’t feed my soul. I needed something more, something that would allow me to express my creativity.
Creativity Saved Me
Just like my first “real job” at Wal-Mart, I spent several days a month working the overnight shift for the National Weather Service. One quiet night after completing the forecast, I searched for information about writing and happened upon Stephen King’s book, “On Writing”.
Because I’m a creative, writing seemed like the perfect outlet. A few weeks later, I settled behind my home computer and wrote the first chapter of a vampire horror novel that would become “Storberry”. And I never looked back. I got a late start on my career, but I’m so grateful I accepted that challenge.
Yes, writers tend to be introverted. But did you know some of the most successful people are introverts? People like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Elon Musk, and J.K. Rowling are all introverts. And just like them, I found my passion and my voice.
Introverts are also perfectly capable of being around people and leading. Many of us even enjoy speaking in front of audiences. Get me around friends, and I can talk their ears off. Stick me in front of a crowd, and I’m in my element. Weird, isn’t it?
If you’re an introvert, never limit yourself. The more time you spend around others, the more you’ll enjoy their company. Believe it or not, you have all the tools to lead. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone, and remember that when you’re developing your author career, you’re really running a business, and a business requires you to interact with others and drive opinions.
Anyone capable of conceiving an idea and turning it into a 80,000 word novel is a born leader. Get out there and make a difference.