This was such a great interview, and I love Nell’s answers!
Something that has helped me decide between two choices has been to have someone sell me on one and then really tune into my reaction— does it feel like permission or does it make me bristly?— and act accordingly!
That first question re: career in writing vs. job was mine - and Nell raised the questions I've been mulling over, so I appreciate knowing my instincts here on the framework are right. I should have clarified that my 12 mo sabbatical was for my health and I fully left my previous job so no matter what life ahead will be a big change....but I have no income from a s.o., or safety net other than my own savings. I could do one or two consulting gigs in q1 of 2024 and have enough to give myself another six months of time for writing a book, so that feels like a possible path forward. But actually I love love love this notion of a portfolio career. I haven't figured out how to explain that to people so far but I have said often that my hope is to have a podcast/speaking/writing/consulting career and it sounds like portfolio career might reframe how I've been thinking about the choices.
ah, I'm so glad this was helpful for you! I found her framing of portfolio career so helpful--I think there are so many writers/thinkers/creators in lots of areas who are facing the kinds of choices you are, and sometimes having a name for something helps it feel more solid as a choice.
so smart, right? such a good example of seeing a niche, knowing what you're good at, and just making it happen. and as soon as I got her answers, I emailed her back to say--I can see why *you're* the Decision Coach! such clear, helpful advice!
What a fun and helpful read!
Thanks! I was so thrilled when Nell sent her answers back!
This was such a great interview, and I love Nell’s answers!
Something that has helped me decide between two choices has been to have someone sell me on one and then really tune into my reaction— does it feel like permission or does it make me bristly?— and act accordingly!
ooh that's good--like, to really imagine one particular outcome and see how it feels!
Thanks - This is all so great!!
That first question re: career in writing vs. job was mine - and Nell raised the questions I've been mulling over, so I appreciate knowing my instincts here on the framework are right. I should have clarified that my 12 mo sabbatical was for my health and I fully left my previous job so no matter what life ahead will be a big change....but I have no income from a s.o., or safety net other than my own savings. I could do one or two consulting gigs in q1 of 2024 and have enough to give myself another six months of time for writing a book, so that feels like a possible path forward. But actually I love love love this notion of a portfolio career. I haven't figured out how to explain that to people so far but I have said often that my hope is to have a podcast/speaking/writing/consulting career and it sounds like portfolio career might reframe how I've been thinking about the choices.
ah, I'm so glad this was helpful for you! I found her framing of portfolio career so helpful--I think there are so many writers/thinkers/creators in lots of areas who are facing the kinds of choices you are, and sometimes having a name for something helps it feel more solid as a choice.
I am so impressed that Nell created her own job of Decision Coach--genius! I just subscribed to her newsletter
so smart, right? such a good example of seeing a niche, knowing what you're good at, and just making it happen. and as soon as I got her answers, I emailed her back to say--I can see why *you're* the Decision Coach! such clear, helpful advice!
Oh my gosh I LOVE all of this advice. Thank you, Nancy, for finding Nell. This was great.
So glad! 😊
Great frameworks for thinking through tough choices!
I love all these answers and tips! I definitely tend to fall into the "try everything" camp with writing-related things.