Big Career Arcs
Update: Ian: Students invariably develop various skills as their writing develops that are sought after. These skills can be used to build careers that can sustain their writing life. These careers may involve writing directly, such as content writing, managing social media, or technical writing. Other careers such as teaching and editorial work may depend on one's writing even if their actual job descriptions are not writing intensive.
Writing careers have their own demands, some more specific and others not so much. Writers can be quite versatile when it comes to filling various roles and often engage one or more of these careers. Having a basket of roles can help a writer enhance their employability and credibility, which can help to sustain a writing life through changes in the industry. However, this is not to say that students should spread themselves thin...specializing is also a highly successful path for some just as diversifying is for others. Everyone's path is unique and it is important to know opportunities in the various industries just as it is to know one's skills.