I’ve spent the last three years focused on my presence in social media and blogging. And frankly, I’ve loved almost every single minute of it.
I never had a passion for anything professionally until I moved into this space. I fell in love with blogging, and writing, and the entire community. I also felt welcome in this space. But to what end? What’s been my hope all along?
I’ll admit, I’m not much of a planner when it comes to laying out long-term roadmaps. Sure, I can do it for software release or a marketing campaign, but when it comes to my personal and professional life, not so much.
Maybe I did dream of book deals and a talk show and a cameo in an Oscar-award winning movie that eventually led to the character role of a lifetime and my very own Oscar and then…
Yes, sometimes I fantasize a little too much. But I knew all along that I was on the right path. And I love doing everything I’m doing. But sometimes you have to admit that steady income is a necessity in life. And sometimes, blogging doesn’t pay the bills.
So I’m going back to work.
Working doesn’t look too bad on me, does it? I once had a business trip to London. Those were the days.
Actually, it feels wrong to say I’m “going” back to work. Even though I was laid off over three years ago, I don’t feel like I’ve ever stopped working. I just stopped bringing home the modest paycheck I was receiving.
But I am moving back into a more formal working career and I’m pretty scared about it.
I can move fluidly in the social media and marketing space. I love communications and project management and community-building. Without even realizing it, I’ve built up all the qualifications for exactly the types of jobs I would want. I’m just struggling because these aren’t just jobs – these are J-O-B-S.
If you’ve never experienced it or in case you’ve forgotten, jobs require you to be at work at set times. Jobs have a commute and a lunch break and, gasp, a dress code. Jobs have offices and breakrooms and co-workers. And if you’re like me, it’s terrifying to go back to that world.
Blogging has given me a sense of freedom and creativity and belonging. And I worry about losing everything I’ve worked for.
I’m not leaving blogging. I’m just going to have to prioritize how I spend my time online.
On the brighter side, when I started blogging, I set certain parameters for myself. No cursing or swearing. No profanity or vulgarity. No religion or politics.
Well, I might have messed up that last one a little.
I have always written knowing that a potential future employer could be reading what I’m saying. And I’ve learned that interviewing for a job in social media means you are on display. Your blog, your oldest posts, your latest rants, your tweets, your videos. You may submit your resume but your entire portfolio is online.
While I may gulp hard thinking about an employer watching one of my wine review videos, I can’t think of anything that leaves me embarrassed, ashamed, panicked, or screwed. I know I’m on display every day any way but the real world can and does look at everything you do.
Next steps for me are to figure out balance. Not only do I have to plan to not be available for my son every day after school but I have to figure out how to balance my online world with my professional world with my family life. I guess that’s what truly frightens me.
I know there are so many bloggers out there that do it all and do it with grace. And I love some advice on trying to have it all.
I’m not ready to relegate blogging to simply a hobby. It’s a passion of mine and I love feeling the sense of community it brings me. And the paid gigs are kind of cool too.
Here’s to many more days of blogging and working and family and hoping the lines continue to blur.
32 comments
Best of luck at your new job. I have no doubt you will figure it all out soon and be giving us tips.
Hoping, trying. Thanks 🙂
Great news and I totally get it! It is hard but you will rock it! Are yiu going to tell what you are doing? I would love to know! Congrats congrats congrats!
We need to chat in person and I’ll give you all the details!!
Congrats Fadra!! I don’t have any advice for you I’m not great with balance myself and I don’t work outside the home…yet. But I know you can do it. We can always make it work when it’s what we want. 🙂
“what we want”… Hmmm. Once you figure all that out, then YES you can make it work! I’m a work in progress so I’ll let you know if I find the magic formula!
Congrats!!!! 🙂
Thanks!
I’m excited for you 🙂
I’m going ot admit it – being a blogger & working full time is tough. Not just the balance, but also the realization that you’ll get passed over for opportunities because companies figure you “won’t have the time” or “can’t get off work.” The worst part? They’re right. Priorities shift.
BUT. It can be done. I write for Babble & they know that while I adore writing for them, my freelance job with them is not my top priority. If a post needs fixing, it will have to wait until after I’m home. I think the key to being a successful blogger with a full time job is to be up-front about what your limitations are, while reminding folks that you are still relevant & appreciate the space to creat on the internet.
Anywho.
You’re going to do awesome, friend. If anyone can do it, it is you. xoxo.
Limitations? What are those?
Thanks for the vote of confidence. My heart is in the blogging and writing world and it would crush my soul to give it up. So I’m still keeping some skin in the game.
Good luck, Fadra. I have no doubt you’ll rock the non-blogging working world in a unique way, a way that works for you. Bringing in a bit o’ money is, unfortunately, necessary, and blogging sure as heck is not the easy way to do it. Cheers to you for doing what must be done! Again, good luck!
Thanks, Lisa. It turns out that it’s not as devastating as I thought it would be. And yes, I think the paycheck will definitely help make it all worthwhile 🙂
Good luck Fadra. Good luck to your new colleagues learning to correctly pronounce your name. LEt me know how that working and blogging thing turns out for you, because I am failing at it right now. 🙂
Oh, man. It’s never easy, is it? Balance is what we’re all searching for. Finding what we love to do and then being able to make our way in life doing that exact thing. Sometimes it’s love, sometimes it’s money, and it a perfect world you get both.
And they ALL have gotten my name right!
Best of luck on your new endeavor! I know you’ll find your way as you embark on your job hunt. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you’re up to!
Thanks, Nicole! I’m still trying to figure out my “new normal.”
Good luck Fadra, I entered the job space a little over a year ago and I have struggled with it ever since; from wanting to put more time into what I love to wanting to spend more time with my kids which was what blogging and working for myself brought me, the balance of it all and making peace with it have been a struggle.
I hope you find great success back in the job world. I on the other hand am looking to leave it again because while the bright and shiny of the regular paycheck (and the ability to still do social media in my job role) lured me in, it’s my sanity, the aspirations I originally had for myself when I became a work from home mom and how being at home benefited my family that is causing me to take pause and put the wheels in place to get me back there.
Best of luck Fadra and I’ll be here cheering you on as you make this move!
Nichole – I feel like I’ll never find the one place I’m supposed to be doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. But I *am* trying to roll with and live in the moment knowing that things can change in a heartbeat.
You’ll be great, as always. Congrats!
Thanks. You’re next!!
Your new employer is lucky to have you; your work ethic, care in what you do, and your passion are all so clear here. Congratulations & Good Luck!!
That was such a nice comment. And I read it on a day when I wasn’t happy with my situation. But I am thankful for people like you!
Congrats and good luck!
Thanks!
Good luck on the new job! I had a very time trying to manage both when I was working, I’m currently so to speak “in between jobs” which has given me more time to dedicate to blogging. I still feel like I don’t have enough time though. I wish you the best of luck in trying to do both!
For some reason, I find it’s easier to be productive when you have a job that makes you productive. Sometimes, I would wander around the house wondering what I *should* be doing. I’m hoping maybe this will up my energy on all counts! And thank you! Hope you enjoy your “in between” time before it slips away.
Good luck with the new job, I can imagine it is going to be a huge shift but I’m sure you will be amazing.
I’m trying. I miss my WAHM life but I’m hoping to keep a foot in it still.
Congrats on your new job, Fadra. I wish you the best. E-mail me when you get the chance, and let me know what you are up to these days. So glad E is doing well in kindergarten.
I would love to catch you up. Are you doing any conferences next year?
Congratulations on the new job! I’m sure with time and patience you’ll all be able to adjust to it all very well. Good luck!
Slowly adjusting. And I think it will be better once that paycheck comes in 😉