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Everyone will have a different definition of success. You don’t need to be a full-time writer to be successful. It depends on your goals.

I hate when people say “you’re not a published author, so you’re not a success.” I’ve heard that when I’ve said I’m a writer. I’m a full-time writer, and I’m still not viewed as a success by some because I’m not a traditionally published author.

Guess what; my opinion of success doesn’t align with theirs. Just because they say I’m not a success doesn’t mean that I’m not.

It all depends on our goals. So, if you’re not a full-time writer, it doesn’t mean that you’re not a success. Here are factors you need to consider.

Do you even want to be a full-time writer?

Not everyone wants to write full-time. And if you don’t, that’s fine! You don’t need to pigeonhole yourself into someone else’s idea of success.

What if you just want to write part-time to supplement your income? Go ahead and do that! I know a lot of websites that make it clear that you’re not going to make a full-time income from them. Even I don’t rely on one publication or client to make a full-time income. That’s not the way freelancing works.

If you don’t want the hustle of being a full-time freelance writer, then don’t be it. Have that stable job and enjoy the work that you are doing.

Do you have the ability to write full-time?

Maybe you would love to be a full-time writer, but you simply can’t. There are a lot of limitations to people. Disabilities—visible or hidden—affect a lot of people.

I have a friend who has a severe disability, and people will continually tell her that she’s not a success because she can’t write eight hours a day. She is still a success, though. Her name is published, she’s proud of what she does, and she makes the money that she wants and needs. So, why isn’t she a success?

For some people, just getting out of bed on the day makes them successful for that day. Do what you can. Don’t listen to others.

MORE: Why private clients remain the best to make money writing

What do you want to achieve with your writing?

Now you need to think about your goals. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a published author. That was all I dreamed of being. That hasn’t happened, though.

My goals changed as I got older. They actually became goals and not dreams. Sure, I would still love to be a published author, but I don’t see that happening any time soon. Instead, I’m focusing on goals for my writing.

I want to make a full-time income. I want to be a good role model for my children. I want to be able to write articles that I’m passionate about and that help to bring some sort of social change or help others with their needs. Having my name remembered isn’t the bit that’s important; I want people to remember the message and be inspired by it.

If that happens, I’m a success. It doesn’t matter how many hours of the day I write. Some of those hours, I’m not doing the work that I want to. I’m literally writing to keep a roof over my head. Other hours, I get to do the passion pieces. As long as my goals are met by the end of the day or the end of the week, I’m a success.

Our success is for us to determine. If that means you want to be a full-time writer, when that will determine your success. If it doesn’t, then don’t look at the hours that you write. Look at what you’re achieving instead.

MORE: How many clients should you have as a freelance writer?

What determines your success? Let me know in the comments below.