When to Pivot: Knowing if Writing Is Still Right for You

You've been writing for years. You've finished manuscripts, collected rejection letters, celebrated small victories, and weathered creative droughts. But lately, something feels different. The excitement that once carried you through difficult revisions has faded. The dream of publication feels more like an obligation than a passion.

You find yourself wondering: Is this just a rough patch, or is it time to consider a different path?

This is one of the most difficult questions a writer can face. We're often told that persistence is the key to success, that giving up is the only real failure. But what if continuing to pursue something that no longer serves you is actually the more harmful choice?

Knowing when to pivot away from writing, or when to dramatically change your approach to it, requires honest self-assessment and the courage to prioritize your well-being over external expectations.

The Difference Between Rough Patches and Fundamental Shifts

Every writer experiences periods of doubt, frustration, and creative stagnation. These are normal parts of the creative process and usually pass with time, rest, or a change in approach.

Rough patches typically involve:

• Temporary loss of motivation or inspiration
• Frustration with current projects or rejection
• Feeling stuck on specific creative problems
• Burnout from overwork or external pressure
• Comparison-induced discouragement

Fundamental shifts typically involve:

• Persistent lack of joy in the writing process itself
• Feeling like you're forcing yourself to continue out of obligation
• Consistent dread when facing writing time
• Complete disconnection from why you started writing
• Realization that your values or priorities have changed significantly

The key distinction is duration and depth. Rough patches are temporary and usually resolve with self-care and perspective. Fundamental shifts persist despite efforts to rekindle your passion.

Valid Reasons to Consider Pivoting

Your Relationship with Writing Has Become Toxic

If writing consistently makes you feel:

• Anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed
• Worthless or inadequate as a person
• Isolated from meaningful relationships
• Disconnected from other aspects of life that bring joy

These are signs that your relationship with writing has become unhealthy. No career or creative pursuit is worth sacrificing your mental health.

Your Values Have Changed

People grow and change. The person who started writing may have different priorities than the person you are now. Valid reasons for pivoting include:

• Wanting to focus on family or relationships
• Developing passion for a different field or cause
• Needing more financial stability than writing provides
• Discovering interests that feel more aligned with your current self

Writing No Longer Serves Your Goals

Your original motivations for writing may no longer be relevant:

• You wanted creative expression but now crave more collaborative work
• You sought fame or recognition but now value privacy
• You hoped for financial independence but need more predictable income
• You wanted to tell stories but now prefer other forms of communication

The Industry Has Changed in Ways That Don't Align with You

The publishing and writing industries continue to evolve. Changes that might prompt a pivot include:

• Market shifts that devalue the type of writing you do
• Technological changes that fundamentally alter the profession
• Industry practices that conflict with your values
• Economic conditions that make writing financially unsustainable

Questions for Self-Assessment

Exploring Your Current Relationship with Writing

Joy and Fulfillment:

• When did you last feel genuinely excited about a writing project?
• What aspects of writing still bring you satisfaction?
• Are you writing for yourself or for external validation?
• Do you miss writing when you're not doing it?

Energy and Motivation:

• How do you feel when you sit down to write?
• Are you writing from inspiration or obligation?
• What gives you energy, and what drains it?
• How much effort does it take to motivate yourself to write?

Identity and Purpose:

• Is being a writer still central to how you see yourself?
• What do you hope to achieve through writing?
• Are your current writing goals aligned with your broader life goals?
• What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail at anything?

Exploring Alternative Paths

Adjacent Careers:

• What other careers use similar skills (editing, teaching, marketing)?
• Are there ways to stay connected to writing without making it your primary focus?
• What roles in the publishing industry might interest you?

Completely Different Paths:

• What else has always interested you?
• What problems do you want to solve in the world?
• What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
• What would you do if you started over today?

Types of Pivots to Consider

The Temporary Pivot

Taking a break from writing to:

• Recharge and gain perspective
• Explore other interests or opportunities
• Address mental health or personal challenges
• Develop other skills or income sources

This doesn't mean abandoning writing forever, but giving yourself space to gain clarity.

The Scope Pivot

Changing your approach to writing:

• Shifting from fiction to nonfiction (or vice versa)
• Moving from books to articles, scripts, or other formats
• Changing genres or target audiences
• Adjusting your publishing goals (traditional vs. self-publishing)

The Balance Pivot

Reducing writing's role in your life:

• Making writing a serious hobby rather than a career goal
• Pursuing writing part-time while developing other income sources
• Focusing on personal writing projects rather than publication
• Using writing skills in a different career context

The Complete Pivot

Moving away from writing entirely:

• Pursuing a completely different career
• Focusing on other forms of creative expression
• Dedicating energy to family, relationships, or other priorities
• Exploring interests that have been neglected

The Emotional Process of Pivoting

Grief and Loss

Pivoting away from writing often involves genuine grief. You may mourn:

• The dreams and goals you're releasing
• The identity you've held as a writer
• The time and energy you've invested
• The stories you may never tell

This grief is valid and necessary. Allow yourself to feel it without judgment.

Fear and Uncertainty

Pivoting involves stepping into the unknown, which naturally creates anxiety:

• Fear of making the wrong decision
• Uncertainty about your abilities in other areas
• Worry about others' opinions or judgments
• Concern about wasting your writing experience

These fears are normal but shouldn't prevent you from making changes that serve your well-being.

Identity Reconstruction

If you've identified as a writer for years, pivoting requires reconstructing your sense of self:

• Exploring what else defines you beyond writing
• Discovering new sources of meaning and purpose
• Learning to value different aspects of your personality and skills
• Accepting that identity can evolve throughout life

Making the Decision

Give Yourself Permission to Change

Many writers struggle with pivoting because they feel like they're betraying their past selves or admitting failure. Remember:

• Changing direction is not failure. Rather, it's growth
• Your past experience with writing still has value
• You don't owe anyone consistency in your career choices
• Your well-being is more important than others' expectations

Consider a Trial Period

Instead of making permanent decisions, try:

• Taking a six-month break from writing
• Exploring an alternative career while maintaining writing as a hobby
• Reducing your writing commitments to see how you feel
• Trying a new approach to writing before abandoning it entirely

Seek Support

Pivoting is easier with support:

• Talk to trusted friends or family about your considerations
• Consider working with a career counselor or therapist
• Connect with others who have made similar transitions
• Join communities related to your potential new interests

What to Do with Your Writing Experience

Transferable Skills

Your writing experience has given you valuable skills:

• Communication and storytelling abilities
• Research and analytical skills
• Self-discipline and project management
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Understanding of audience and market needs

These skills are valuable in many careers and contexts.

Maintaining Connection

Even if you pivot away from writing as a career, you might:

• Continue writing as a personal practice
• Use writing skills in your new career
• Maintain relationships with the writing community
• Keep open the possibility of returning to writing later

Honoring Your Journey

Your time as a writer has value regardless of traditional measures of success:

• You've developed self-awareness and creative skills
• You've likely touched others through your words
• You've learned about perseverance and resilience
• You've explored important questions about life and humanity

When Pivoting Might Not Be the Answer

If You're Experiencing Depression or Anxiety

Mental health challenges can make everything feel hopeless, including writing. Before making major life changes, consider:

• Seeking professional mental health support
• Addressing underlying health issues
• Taking time to stabilize before making big decisions
• Exploring whether the problem is situational or systemic

If You're Facing Temporary Setbacks

Recent rejections, criticism, or failures can create the illusion that writing isn't working. Consider whether:

• Your discouragement is proportional to recent events
• You're in a temporary low point rather than a fundamental shift
• External support might help you through this period
• A small change in approach might resolve the issue

If You're Comparing Yourself to Others

Social media and industry news can create unrealistic expectations. Before pivoting, consider:

• Whether your dissatisfaction comes from comparison
• If your definition of success is realistic and personal
• Whether you're valuing the right aspects of your writing journey
• If adjusting your goals might restore satisfaction

The Long View

Remember that life is long, and career paths rarely follow straight lines. Many successful people have:

• Changed careers multiple times
• Taken breaks from their primary pursuits
• Combined multiple interests in unexpected ways
• Returned to abandoned interests with new perspective

Your relationship with writing may evolve throughout your life. A pivot now doesn't preclude returning to writing later with renewed passion and perspective.

Moving Forward

If you decide to pivot, approach it with:

• Compassion for yourself and the difficulty of the decision
• Gratitude for what writing has given you even if it's time to move on
• Excitement about new possibilities rather than just escape from current dissatisfaction
• Patience with the process of building something new

If you decide to continue writing, approach it with:

• Renewed intentionality about why you're choosing this path
• Adjusted expectations based on your honest assessment
• Commitment to your well-being within your writing practice
• Openness to continued evolution in your approach

The Courage to Change

Pivoting away from writing takes courage, especially when you've invested years in developing your craft and pursuing your goals. But staying in a situation that no longer serves you also takes a toll.

Trust yourself to know what's right for your life. Honor both your past dedication to writing and your current needs and desires. Remember that a life well-lived often includes multiple chapters, and each chapter can be valuable in its own right.

Whether you continue writing or pivot to something new, you deserve to spend your precious time and energy on pursuits that bring you joy, fulfillment, and genuine satisfaction.

What aspects of your current relationship with writing feel most challenging? Sometimes honest self-assessment is the first step toward making decisions that truly serve your well-being.