Juggle the struggle is real

The Juggle Is Real: Life as an Indie Author with a Full-Time Job

Being an indie author is one of the most rewarding—and overwhelming—things I’ve ever done. The passion behind writing a book is fierce, but once the final words are typed, that’s when the real work begins.

Unlike traditional publishing, indie authors wear every hat. We’re not just writers—we’re editors, designers, formatters, marketers, and social media managers all rolled into one. And for many of us, like me, this all happens after hours—after the 9 to 5, after dinner, after life has already drained your energy for the day.

Balancing a full-time job with writing and marketing a book is like living in two different worlds at once. In the daytime, I’m focused on my career and responsibilities. By night (and sometimes during stolen moments at lunch or weekends), I’m brainstorming scenes, creating graphics, writing blurbs, or planning promotional content.

The pressure to constantly show up online is real. Social media thrives on consistency, but real life doesn’t always allow for that. There are days when I feel creatively drained. Days when I wonder if anyone even sees the effort I put in. Days when I just want to write—but I can’t, because I’m stuck scheduling posts or researching hashtags.

The truth is: it’s hard. Really hard. There’s guilt when I’m not productive. There’s burnout from doing too much. And there’s the constant reminder that if I don’t push the book, no one else will.

But there’s also pride.

Pride in knowing I finished a story I believe in. Pride in learning new skills that I never imagined I’d need. Pride in showing up for a dream that matters deeply to me, even when it means late nights, early mornings, and sacrificed weekends.

Being an indie author with a full-time job is a juggling act—and some days, the balls drop. But it’s also proof of resilience, passion, and dedication.

So if you’re in the same boat, feeling overwhelmed or unseen: you’re not failing. You’re doing something incredible. And every small step forward counts more than you think.