Is Being a Writer Worth It? The Truth About the Struggles and Rewards

So, you’re thinking about becoming a writer? Or maybe you’ve already jumped in and are wondering if it’s all worth it. I get it. Writing seems like the dream job—sitting in front of a laptop, typing away your thoughts, getting paid to create. But is it really as glamorous as it sounds? Let’s dive into the question that often pops up: is being a writer truly worth it?

The Dream vs. Reality of Being a Writer

Ah, the dream. Writing can seem like the perfect job. You set your own schedule, work from home (or a cozy café), and get paid to express your thoughts. At least, that’s what we imagine when we think of writers. But let me tell you—it’s not always like that. In fact, the reality can be far more frustrating.

The Long Hours and Low Pay

Let’s be honest for a second. Writing isn’t always a cash cow. Many writers work long hours, often for very little pay. I remember a conversation I had with my friend Sarah, who writes freelance articles. She was telling me how she spent days working on an article only to be paid a few bucks. Sure, it wasn’t all bad, but the inconsistency of work and the pressure to deliver can be tough.

And it’s not just about the money—it’s about the effort. Writing takes time, thought, and focus. Some projects, especially novels or complex pieces, can take months or even years to finish. I mean, is the payout worth it when you compare the hours spent versus the actual earnings?

The Constant Struggle with Motivation

There’s also the mental toll of writing. It sounds so easy, right? But then, you sit in front of the screen and the words just won’t come. Every writer has had that moment where they stare at the cursor blinking, wishing they could think of just one sentence. It’s one of the most frustrating experiences, and it's something we all face. Even seasoned pros have off days (trust me, they do!).

And don’t get me started on self-doubt. You question whether your writing is good enough, whether people will care, and if you’ll ever make it. It's a vicious cycle.

The Perks of Being a Writer

Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. Sure, being a writer has its frustrations, but there are rewards that make it worth it—at least for most of us.

Creative Freedom

One of the best things about writing is the creative freedom. Whether you’re writing a blog post, a novel, or even screenplays, you have control over your content. You're the one who shapes the story, the characters, the ideas. You get to explore new worlds, both real and imagined. This is the part I absolutely love. I can create anything—from futuristic cities to small-town dramas. There’s a certain thrill in that.

The Joy of Helping Others

Another rewarding part of writing, especially in non-fiction, is knowing that your work is helping people. It could be anything from offering practical advice, sharing experiences, or telling stories that others can relate to. I remember getting a message from a reader after writing an article about overcoming writer’s block. They said it helped them push through their own creative block. Moments like that make it all feel worth it.

Flexibility and Independence

One of the reasons many writers choose this career is the flexibility. You don’t have to clock in at 9 AM, you don’t need to follow a strict dress code, and you can work from wherever you want. I know some writers who travel the world while working on their books, which sounds like a dream come true.

That level of independence is priceless. But, here’s the catch—you need discipline. Working from home (or wherever) means you have to be your own boss, and that can be tough for some people.

The Financial Side of Writing: Is It Sustainable?

Okay, let’s talk about the money. As much as we’d love to say that writing is all about passion, the reality is, you need to make a living. But how much can you really earn as a writer?

Freelance Writing: The Income Rollercoaster

Freelance writing can be unpredictable. One month, you’re making a decent income, and the next month, you’re struggling to land any clients. The key is to diversify—try writing for blogs, magazines, or even corporate clients. But even then, the competition is fierce, and prices can vary drastically.

I’ve personally been on that rollercoaster. Some months, I make a great income, but then there are dry spells. That uncertainty can be a dealbreaker for some.

Traditional Publishing: The Dream or a Myth?

What about traditional publishing? Well, if you’re hoping to become the next bestselling author, it’s not as easy as it sounds. The reality is that only a small percentage of writers ever see their books published through traditional publishers. And even then, book deals often don’t pay as well as you might think—especially for first-time authors.

You might be lucky enough to get a big advance, but most of us end up with modest earnings, unless we strike gold with a hit book. It’s frustrating, but it’s the truth.

Is Writing Worth It? The Verdict

So, after all that—what’s the answer? Is writing worth it?

For me, it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right path for everyone. Writing is hard work. It’s full of ups and downs, and not every moment will be inspiring or rewarding. But there’s a certain joy that comes from creating something that resonates with others.

If you're doing it for the love of writing, then yes, it’s worth it. But if you’re just chasing money or fame, it might not be the best route. Writing isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re passionate about it, and you’re willing to face the challenges, it can absolutely be worth it.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.