This morning, I woke up before the sun, drove through the morning traffic to the trains station and boarded Train 1514 northbound.

After months of resumes, cover letters, applications and interviews, I was offered a job last week. And I said yes. As much as I would love to continue freelancing full-time and trying to make a living on that alone, I took the job. I took it because I enjoy paying my bills, the position was interesting and the company seems like a good place to work.

I think every writer has that moment when they’re tempted to quit the 9-to-5 altogether. At this stage in my career, I’m not ready to do that.

On my first day, I set my alarm for “pm” instead of “am” and would’ve been late without my girlfriend coming to check up on me. The rest of the day was a blur of driving, confusion and itchy non-iron dress shirts. But I’m slowly settling into my new routine.

Yet, my writing days are not behind me. Just as Batman had to be Bruce Wayne by day, I too have a secret identity. I’m writing this blog onboard a speeding passenger train. After work, I’m still writing my freelance articles at a local coffee house. And on the train ride back, I’ll work on a short story.

I have a good feeling about this next step. I’ve opened myself up to new inspiration, new experiences, a new field of work and I even carved out some dedicated writing time. It’ll all be in my novel someday, you’ll see.

— 30 —

Jonny Eberle is a writer and marketing assistant in Tacoma. You can follow his locomotive adventures on Twitter.

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