In 2009, I made the decision to quit a good, stable job, move cross-country, and pursue an MFA in Creative Writing. To most of my friends and family, what I was doing didn’t make a lot of sense. But here’s what I knew at the time:

• I wasn’t writing.
• I believed that my job and lifestyle did not permit me the time I needed to write.
• I wasn’t motivated or inspired where I was.
• I wanted to write.

In the weeks to come, I will outline the pros and cons of an MFA program, along with the benefits you can expect when working with a personal writing coach. But first I’d like to explain the expectations I had when pursuing an MFA, and some hard truths I would come to face.

In 2009, I saw no other way to accomplish my goal of writing and publishing a novel than to pay the enormous price tag of an MFA, hoping complete immersion into the writing culture would give me the time and motivation I was searching for. I thought I would go to grad school, finish my novel, and be well on my way to publication after those two years.

Of course, I didn’t finish my novel in grad school—I did not even come close. And though I do not regret getting my MFA, I didn’t know that my expectations were completely unrealistic going in. I have learned quite a few things along the journey that may help you, whether you’re thinking about pursuing a graduate degree, or just struggling to find the time to write, as I was.

Perhaps the most important thing I would come to realize is that even in an MFA program, it was still hard to find the time to write. With multiple books of required reading a week, I quickly found myself in the old habit of pushing my writing aside for other demands—same old tired story.

The truth was, it all came back to me. I had to decide to prioritize my writing. I had to say no to a night out with friends because I needed to work on my novel. I learned that when you say you don’t have the time, you’re stating a priority, not a fact. When something is important, you make the time.

That is one of the many reasons I currently work with a writing coach. There are days I just don’t feel like writing. But knowing I am being held accountable, that I have a deadline, helps me do what I really want to do—finish my story.

I am still growing, both as a writer and as a person, and I hope to never stop. I have found that above talent, consistency and discipline are the most important keys to success in writing, and in life. If you struggle with these like I do, I recommend hiring a coach before you shell out tens of thousands of dollars on a master’s degree. It may be just what you need to get to that next level in your craft, and save you a lot of money in the process.