Article One: What do you want from a new career?

Article one of five in the series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming a Copywriter".

We all know the things that we need to survive and be healthy without having to really think about it. Food, Air, Water, Sex (for survival of the species), Shelter, Rest, Exercise, etc.

But when beginning in a new direction for your career, you also need to know what you want as a result of obtaining that career. This takes a little thinking, internal exploration, and honesty.

So, you want to be a copywriter ... Let's work with that dream.

First, be realistic with yourself. Why did you choose copywriting? Take a pen and paper and list your reasons why you want to be a copywriter.

If your only reasons are "to be rich" and "to not have to work any longer", stop here. Becoming a great, or even a good, copywriter means you must be willing to work for it, and you will need more motivation than just the money.

If you can come up with other reasons to desire a career in copywriting, then let's have them on that paper.

Some common reasons for seeking a career in copywriting are:

• You enjoy writing (or would like to learn how to write better) and would enjoy doing it daily as part of your job.
• You wish to work for yourself and you are tired of answering to 'the man' for every little thing you do.
• You desire a flexible career that can survive economic turns.
• You desire a career that helps people find the things that can make their lives easier.
• You love working on a variety of subjects instead of the same thing over and over.
• You know you're worth more than what you're being paid and it's high time you claimed the recognition you deserve.
• and on and on ...

Your reasons may also include your motivations:

• Workplace stress is endangering your health and sanity.
• Money is tough to come by and you're tired of living from paycheck to paycheck.
• Your job is becoming obsolete.
• You're faced with the prospect of having to work from home and need an income capable of maintaining your lifestyle and schedule.
• A family member has fallen into ill health and you need a career that will allow you to pay for and deal with the situation.
• You're experiencing dissatisfaction with life and work, and desire to take a different direction that works for you.
• You desire to make a living helping your favorite charities with fundraising copywriting.
• You have a passion and wish to copywrite within that passion's niche to help people find those products and services. (Think finance, health, medical, etc.)
• And so many more possibilities...

Write down at least 5 reasons you choose copywriting as your career choice, and 5 motivations in your life that influences your decision.

Tomorrow's article "Creating a Timeline For Achieving Your New Career in Copywriting"