Down Which Path Lies Sarah's Success?

Hi, I'd love a reading! I’m a little lost as to what path I should take next on my career. 2007 was a really good year for me: I consistently made an income from my writing, broke into a series of good markets, landed a few ongoing clients… This sounds all nice and good, but still feels like no major breakthrough.

If I sit back and think about it, I don’t feel any more successful than I did two years ago. Should I change my writing focus in 2008? In what way? Should I work harder on what I’m doing right now or should I focus on something else (for example, working on books rather than freelancing only)?

Where exactly is that major breakthrough in my career and how can I get there?

Thanks so much for doing this!
Sarah


Wow, Sarah, your concerns sound so much like those of many writers! If Miss Michele may "editorialize" a bit before turning to the cards for the answers.

These are the marks of a successful freelancer: 1). consistent income, 2). breakthroughs into good markets and 3). steady clients.

Miss Michele, and her freelance writing alter-ego, is impressed. Remember, freelancing, like so many things in life, is not about that "one big breakthrough", but about small, daily victories.

Keep acceptance letters, compliments from editors, bylined articles, pay check stubs and other reminders of your success in front of you daily. If it helps, add up your monthly or annual pay and post it in your office.

Let's see if the Tarot agrees or if Sarah's "big break" is truly right around the bend.

The King of Swords in the past represents the professional, logical way you have approached your freelance writing business, which has led to great success. However, you are disregarding your success simply because you don't *feel* successful. Maybe you feel it's come too easy and are disregarding the hard work you've done. You've gotten where you are by following the rules and using good business sense, but you want to break the mold, break the rules, and experience that one, indisputable victory that tells the world, "I am a successful writer!"

The Five of Pentacles, in the present, shows not financial poverty (although you do often wonder where all that money you made has gone) but the fact that you are unfulfilled in your work. You had this dream and vision of a "freelance writer" and now that you're there, it doesn't live up to your own expectations.

The Queen of Rods shows the Hidden Influences in your situation. The hidden influence, in this case, is none other than you, Sarah! Only you can write your own path to success. This reading includes no Major Arcana, which means matters are in your hands. Change your thoughts, change yourself. (Save the cheerleader... oh wait, wrong blog!)

You are an enterprising, business-minded career woman with an extroverted personality who also knows how to have fun. Your enthusiasm for life takes you far. Editors hire you not only because you are talented, but because you are FUN to work with.

Should you decide to publish a book, your personality will help you build your platform. You are vibrant and energetic and are sure to be successful in *whatever* you try to do.

Having said that, the Tarot Advises you to keep going with the appearance of the Five of Wands. Persevere. Don't change the path you are on, but set priorities. Focus on a few projects.

This is odd advice for a freelancer-- and not the career advice I would personally offer-- but the tarot is saying don't diversify too much. "Divide and conquer" is not the path to success. Focus your goals like a laser beam and your big break will come. Is it a book? Is it glossy, $3/word magazines? Only you can decide.

Maybe this means dropping lower paying clients to concentrate on the goals you really want to achieve? It means doing what makes you happy. It won't be easy, but prioritize and continue to work hard, and success is around the corner.

The Six of Wands says this is so. In the Outcome slot, this is the card of Victory, success and triumph. You will receive recognition for your work, and, judging by the raw materials you have at your disposal (a winning personality and tons of talent), that recognition will be huge.

Hang in there and come back and visit after you're on Oprah. ;)