According to Beth Adele Long, Associate Editor of the Young Writer's Scene website, it is imperative for young writers to plan a second career. Writing alone, she argues, will not provide a large enough income for writers to support themselves, let alone any family they may have. Moreover, even if a writer's novel is successful and sells, and is followed by more successful novels, it will still take a long time before these books generate enough money for the author to live on. However, Long argues that a day job is "more grist for the mill" in the world of a writer, and can only be beneficial in aiding the development of literary ideas.
Long advises young writers to ensure that their second career leaves enough time for them to write in their spare time. Conceding that some occupations are more demanding of one's time than others, Long suggests that young writers be "realistic and practical" when considering their career choices. For instance, although teaching can be a demanding job, the long holidays it promises are an incentive for many individuals keen to write in their spare time. Jobs which allow young writers to experience "real life", without depriving them of too much time and energy, are ultimately necessary if writing success is to be achieved.
Although Long is quick to illuminate the financial difficulties that a writing career may present, she is also adamant that young writers not lose sight of why they have chosen to write. She argues that a writer's financial success is not always a measure of their writing ability. Citing "need,...will and determination" as fundamental to the plight of any writer, Long maintains that individuals who remain faithful to their purpose as writers will be undeterred by the harsh realities of the publishing industry.