I Was Fired For Writing On Medium

Summary

The author was fired from a part-time job for writing on Medium during work hours, but later realized it was a dream, reflecting on the importance of balancing side hustles with a 9–5 job.

Abstract

The narrative begins with the author recounting a scenario where they were caught using a work computer for personal writing during work hours, leading to their termination. The twist comes when the author reveals that the entire experience was a dream, prompting them to acknowledge the importance of maintaining focus on their primary job while pursuing side hustles. Despite the dream's warning, the author remains committed to their goal of making money online, albeit with a renewed intention to keep their professional and side activities in balance. The author emphasizes the value of their current job in the context of the job market and expresses a desire to continue their 9–5 job while also maintaining their publishing schedule on Medium.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the inappropriateness of using work time for personal activities, which in this case was writing on Medium.
There is a recognition of the potential consequences of not maintaining a balance between a side hustle and a primary job.
The author values their full-time job and is not willing to risk it for their side hustle, especially given the current job market.
Despite the dream's cautionary message, the author is determined to continue their side hustle of writing on Medium, indicating a strong commitment to their passion and long-term goals.
The author advises others with side hustles to keep their engagement levels in check to avoid negative impacts on their primary employment.

Heed this warning

IT was fixing our computer systems. I was at my workstation, chatting with a co-worker, generally not getting work done.

The manager pulled me aside, along with the IT guy. It had become clear that I was using the work computer, during work time, to do an unacceptable amount of non-work activity.

I collected my things and said goodbye to my co-workers. I couldn’t argue, the evidence was right there in front of all of us.

I was upset, of course. My writing isn’t a full-time income by any stretch. But I wasn’t too concerned, after all, this was a part-time job. I really made my income from… what was it…?

Oh yes, my full-time job.

Something seems strange here. Shouldn’t I be there now?

Turns out, I was dreaming.

I quit that job more than 10 years ago to pursue a career in the field I got my graduate degree in. The field I work in now.

Still, it’s a good warning. I need to log off Medium and keep my focus on my 9–5. Side hustles are good, but siphoning off work time to do them is not. Especially since keeping my 9–5 is my plan for at least the next 5 years.

I like my job, and I do not want to go looking for another one in the current market.

Don’t worry, I’m still committed to publishing 1–2 times per day. Making money online outside of a regular 9–5 is still my long-term focus. But my engagement levels are probably going to go down a bit as I make sure this particular dream doesn’t come true!

Keep hustling, hustlers, but remember to keep things in balance!

I Was Fired For Writing On Medium

Heed this warning

Read or Die — Publication Rules

Updated January 2024 Guidelines

Why I Plan To Keep My 9–5 As Long As Possible

Even if I go viral, I won’t be putting in my two weeks’ notice