Bloggin’ Ain’t Easy: How to Balance Two Careers
I’ve had this fantasy for a while: I’m sitting at a cafe, sipping mochachinolattefrappiatos, studiously working on my laptop. Someone strikes up a conversation with me inevitably leading to the question, “So, what do you do for a living?” To which I nobly reply, (hand to chest) “Why, I’m a Blogger!” But I soon came to find out that, Bloggin’ Ain’t Easy.
The fantasy invariably ends with the person smiling appreciatively and me feeling ever so pleased with my achievements and position among the citizenry of the world.
It’s a small, indulgent fantasy that I sheepishly admit harboring from time to time.
In reality, I jumped into the Blogging World utterly blind to what Blogging was all about, assuming it was going to be “fairly” simple. Please don’t laugh at me, I know I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I WAS IGNORANT TO THE LESS GLAMOROUS ASPECTS OF BLOGGING
In hindsight, I’m thankful; otherwise, I might’ve done myself the disservice of never venturing forth, never trying. An unkind attribute we Women of Many Hats place on ourselves – last priority.
We’re given 24 hours in a day and unfortunately, many things we yearn to do out of love or curiosity get pushed to the back burner, or filed under, “I’ll do this tomorrow.”
Add to this a certain level of hardship, and they get filed under, “Forget About It”.
If I'd known then what I know now… I know for a fact I never would've pursued Blogging. But I'm so happy to have been clueless, because even with all the hard work, I LOVE IT, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Share on XWhy would you have to trade it, you might ask. Let me take you to the beginning…
UNEMPLOYMENT
I was unceremoniously fired 18 months ago, without notice or preamble. That’s the long, sordid story made short.
What I can’t seem to forgive myself for is that I loved my job but dealt with condescending, passive-aggressive bosses. And, I’m ashamed to admit: I didn’t have the courage to quit because I didn’t want to ruffle economic feathers and lose my income.
Well…God took care of that for me, didn’t He!
While searching for “gainful employment”, I decided to finally start my blog and freelance writing career. I also need to point out that I had my husband’s full, financial and emotional support.
That being said, we struggled. But, this story isn’t about the struggle.
IT’S ABOUT SUCCESS
In the past 18 months I’ve taught myself simple coding, child/parent themes, Woocommerce, honed my writing skills, simple graphic design, photo-editing, social media aspects, affiliate marketing, promotion, all things WordPress (Gutenberg didn’t scare me after all I’ve done).
I’ve started an Accountability/Networking group with two of the most wonderful Blogging Ladies I’ve ever met – true Kindred Spirit(s) – Sandy Hogan from Tech Girl Help Desk and Lise Galipeau from Cruise Obsessed.
I’m a published author for a small, community magazine/blog. The acceptance of a writing piece gave me the confidence to keep putting myself out there, which led to my Court Reporting client, (I supply transcribing services) and second writing client!
And, I’m finally going back to school to earn my degree! My transfer credits from Forever Ago are secure, and I’m on my way.
Let’s just say, Cynthia got her Mojo back!
I remembered I’m fearless. Despite emotional upheaval, I realize I had to break myself down to build myself up again, properly.
The difficult 18 months, affecting all aspects of my life, was my chrysalis period. After which, I emerged, butterfly wings intact, albeit reminiscent of my old self, who was in there all along.
Getting her back, wiser, was nothing short of a miracle, and Blogging did that.
BLOGGING SET IT ALL IN MOTION
Today, I’m at the cusp of living the life I dreamed of. So what’s the problem? Let’s come back to the present…
I’d given up on the “regular” job search a while ago, however, an opportunity seemingly dropped onto my lap. It was one of those weirdly, serendipitous moments that prove Fate is alive and well.
The position is in my field of expertise, for (very) decent pay and I’d work from home.
How could I pass that up? I didn’t.
But here I am, having completed my first day, and I AM SCARED TO DEATH!
How in the heck I’m I going to manage it all! How do I balance my Regular Job life with my Blogging Life? If there’s one thing that I’m not going to do is give up my Baby, 385 Life.
I’ve earned a tiny amount from affiliates, it’s not much but it’s something, and more importantly, it’s concrete evidence of my Blood, Sweat and Tears. Hard Proof that perhaps, with a little more effort and a bit more luck, I can really get somewhere with this…hopefully…definitely…maybe.
385 Life is a true, material representation of who I am and what I’m capable of, and I’m seriously nervous I won’t be able to juggle my Blogging Life with my Regular Job Life.
Plus, I love it and I shouldn’t have to give up something that brings me so much joy. That would be shameful.
Yet…I can’t spit in the face of a Bread-and-Butter income I can earn at home, and it’s most definite, positive effect on my family.
But, again, we only have 24 hours in a day. Such is my conundrum…as they say, The Struggle is Real!
IF BLOGGIN AIN’T EASY, WHAT TO DO?
I honestly have no idea. Without stating the obvious, of course, proper time management playing an extreme role.
How to apply Proper Time Management Ideals is the Nugget of Knowledge, and I’m not entirely sure how to go about it.
Step 1
I think my first step, the first step for any Blogger who find herself in the same boat, is to take a deep breath, cut myself some slack, and Go Slow.
However, there’s a morsel of truth about this that’s stuck in my throat. 385 Life is finally out of the foundation stage, onto the promotional stage, aka The Fun Part, and NOW I have to go slow. Damn.
[Pause for deep, cleansing breath]
I can’t ignore the fact, though, so I’m going to have to Suck it Up Buttercup and give myself the time to incorporate my new Regular Job Life into my Blogging Life, and focus on the Glass Half Full of it all.
Let’s be honest, the new salary is going to take care of things around the house, leaving residual income for fun; which, after living in the thin lap of austerity for 18 months, will be most welcome indeed.
Step 2
The second step is to get my emotional head on right and Not Stress (anymore than I already have).
I have to appreciate the gift of 18 months time to learn the game, because I don’t think I could’ve educated myself or given myself the time to come out of my shell without it.
I’m a very different person today, and I get to bring that to the new table.
Step 3
The third step is to live in Gratitude for a moment. I’ll be thankful for the gainful employment and give myself the time I need to assimilate.
Step 4
Support. I’ll ask for it when I need it which will be substantial, I’m sure. After which I’ll take it take it day by day.
I’ll put my best effort into it, # 2 in The 385 Guide to a Happy Life, and I know I’ll soon have my A-Ha moment, that day when I’ve seamlessly incorporated Work and Blog Work in cohesive motion.
Wish me luck!
Be Well.
Cynthia
385Life
Live · Love · Learn
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