I’m not writing this to discourage you from starting a blog. I’m really not. In fact, I would say that I make a decent, livable income from my blog. But for those of you that think that it gets easier the longer you blog, I have some disappointing news for you. It doesn’t.
The struggle is real and unrelenting
Things are always changing. Nothing about blogging is a set it and forget it type of process. We are constantly updating everything. From something as simple as your about me page to your strategy for promoting yourself and your blog on social media. Everything is in a state of flux. All. The. Time.
Balance that with constantly having to publish new content, learn new concepts and find new readers, subscribers and customers/clients, and you can see how there is never a moment of rest or feeling of security.
I was chatting with a blogging friend today. Ok. Truth time. Not chatting but whining about never feeling on top of things as a one man show. And how there never seems to be enough time or money.
I guess this is the life of a self employed entrepreneur. Whether you are online or have a brick or mortal store. This fact doesn’t make it any easier to go through, other than knowing that we aren’t alone in our struggle.
Self employment is awesome
But the key here is to remember is: it’s still employment. Which means work. And sometimes a lot more work than a regular 9 to 5, 40 hours a week job.
I am currently on a month long vacation in the UK. But I still have to work. That is the reality of my life. And no matter what I do, or where I go, my blog and what I want to do with my business is always there inside my head.
Sometimes I feel like it’s an obsession. And I do think there are times that I work an unhealthy amount of hours and devout an overwhelming number of brain cells to it. It’s my baby. And I need to nurture it.
And other times, I feel guilty for neglecting my blog and my readers. But if I don’t take, and I mean take, time for myself, I get burnt out and feeling like I want to walk away from everything.
I’m sure there have times in your life that you felt like running away from everyone and everything. You will feel that way with blogging too once in awhile.
Recognize when you are getting close to those feelings and take a break. It’s a sign to step back.
Often you will feel like you are going backwards. And other times you will feel like you are quickly advancing without any effort at all. It’s a dance really.
Two steps forward, one step back
But in the end, the connections we make, the breakthroughs we have and the opportunities that arise from blogging are all worth it. Because there is nothing more satisfying than reflecting on your journey and knowing, I did this. I shaped this blog, this business. Me.
That is why I push through the struggle. And I hope you do too.
5 comments
Great post Elena, I totally relate! I don’t have the income burden but I’m a one woman show and it is certainly constant and draining! Aside from promoting myself (with minimal success) I’m always searching for relevant topics! I appreciate knowing I’m not alone out here! Thanks for the honesty!
So interesting Elena, as always. We don;t blog for a living but still find the blog a struggle on occasions and you are so right about it always needing monitoring and updating. Never stops does it? always somewhere on your mind whatever you are doing. Hope you’re having a great time in the UK.
I think it all depends on what you blog for. If it’s for an income, then I can understand it sometimes being a struggle. However, if you blog for the pure enjoyment and fun that blogging brings, then it doesn’t become a struggle. Sure, I’ve taken blogging breaks, but if it ever does become a struggle or lose its fun and enjoyment, then it’s time to either change the way you blog or move on to something else.
I know a lot of these feelings very well myself. But it can be so rewarding at the end of those long days (or weeks!)
Absolutely!