I am considered too old to be hired now -- 58 -- so I can't get a day job. I spent most of my career in newspapers, working like a dog. I did raise two kids and write on top of my newspaper editor job, but I have more time to do it now that they're grown. I make this work by doing a shitload of (excruciatingly boring) freelance writing and publishing a lot here and on Substack. I have genre books under pen name and my new book, The Trailer Park Rules, under my real name. I'm working on another book. I do have a husband with a job that is modestly paid but has the all-important health insurance. That is key! I can't be without insurance at my age. I understand I'll be chained to my laptop for the rest of my life, although I do plan to give up the freelance stuff when I'm 70 and start drawing SS.