Abstract:
This qualitative research aims to explore work stress management experiences among writers. The study involves nine participants, consisting of three novelists, three screenwriters, and three cartoonists. Each has a minimum of five years of professional writing experience. The data were collected via semi structured in-depth interviews and were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. The research findings were encapsulated into two main themes. The first main theme Stress Causes resulted in four subordinate themes, which were 1) Self-identification with work, consisting of receiving criticism and hatred, urge to express their artistic identity, and feeling unqualified and worthless 2) Lack of control, consisting of writers block, unpredictable sales, and precarious employment 3) Heavy workload, consisting of time management challenges, being emotionally consumed, and health issues 4) Limited opportunities for career growth, consisting of lack of government support, limited earnings, and being exploited. The second part Stress management resulted in four subordinate themes, which were 1) financial management, consisting of getting a second job and saving money 2) managing time 3) dealing with negative emotions, consisting of distraction, venting out, positive self-talk, writing therapy and studying psychology, 4) changing mindset, consisting of accepting hate, overcome perfectionism and lower sales expectations. The relevant findings were discussed. The research provides better understandings about work stress coping and work stress management among writers and contributes to knowledge advancement of counseling.