Eighteen Months ago I made a decision to blog “full-time.” I was never comfortable with that title because I didn’t sit at a desk and churn out blog post after blog post. I didn’t even revise a post 100 times like some other full-time bloggers. I would read a lot more, network more, explore other outside interests, and all the other things that happen behind scenes of blogging. Recently, a new opportunity came into play – the money is good and the job is interesting. In this economic environment, I couldn’t rationally turn down an opportunity that I’m sure many would love to have.
Of all the bloggers that I’ve known to go “full-time”, I’m probably the first to go back to a regular job. While that seems like a surprising ratio, I think few personal finance bloggers switch to “full-time” on a whim – they make sure they have their emergency plans in place. Being the first to go back, I thought I’d warn others of a couple of things in case they were thinking of taking the same route.
Spending More Money
When I was blogging, I spent next to nothing. I cooked every meal… often far in advance. I spent little on gas because I didn’t have to drive anywhere. Now it seems like I’m rushed and more apt to head into Subway for a $5 foot-long sub. I have to fill up my tank once a week now instead of once a month. Beyond that, I’ve gotten a new itch. I feel that I’m justified in spending more money because I’m making more money. It’s good old Parkinson’s Law looking to bite me. I thought I was above such psychological things as I have pushed that into my conscious, yet I can feel that draw.
Becoming More Efficient
I feel like I’m so far off from where I was before I moved to full-time blogger. It’s like Rocky in Rocky III when he learns he’s been carried by Mickey. I don’t have the eye of the tiger and sadly real life is not a four minute training montage. Necessity is the mother of invention, and I need to be more efficient to balance work, blog, new puppy, etc. I’m becoming a little more efficient at everything, but I’m not there yet.
Who knows, the job could take another twist and I’ll be back blogging full-time before you know it. I have to admit that’s not a bad situation to fall back to.
Congrats on the new job! Hope you find the time to fit everything in!
You are still young and a little free spirited go out and challenge yourself!!!!!!!
No one can do the same thing forever
That’s great. Good for you… when an opportunity comes, you have to take it. And it sounds like this is a great opportunity.
And don’t you just love those 5 dollar foot longs?! :)
I’d suggest “independent freelance writer” as your title instead of “full-time blogger”. That’s what I call myself (when nobody is around to laugh)
I am with the last four comments… Nothing wrong with expanding your horizons. And recognizing that you’re overdoing it and stretched too thin, well that’s better than finding out only after you dropped the bal.
While it’s a tad mortifying for us alleged frugal folks to have consumerist leanings, hey we live in a materialistic society. And when we earn more — and work more — we get tired and our thoughts turn to rewards. Totally human, totally understandable. What’s important is that you saw it and are figuring out how to deal with it in a financially responsible way.
you are a slave to the man, man. you were gonna change the world, man, and now you’ve sold out, man. what happened to you, man? what a hypocrite to being a lazy man, man ;o)
HA!
Before I even clicked on the “some other full-time bloggers” link, I knew it had to go to me. It’s not that I revise a post 100 times. It’s that I revise posts for hours on end. It is a PROBLEM, and I know it. Just think of how much free time I could have if I didn’t do this. I could even write for Get FIT Slowly. :)
Believe it or not, I’ve actually thought about getting a job, too. But I want something low-key, like working in a bookstore or herding goats. Then I could come home and blog about it…
@JD: herding goats is not low key at all.
Good luck with the new job!
So what kind of job did the lazy man get?
we are all curious :)
Alex P
I don’t think that there is anything wrong with changing your spending habits if your incomes levels have shifted. After all, most of us would reduce spending if were suddenly to earn less money. What’s wrong with increasing the amount of money you spend if you have more coming in?
First, congrats on the new job!
There’s nothing wrong with taking a shot at something you’ll enjoy a great deal. That’s what’s so great about being a freelance writer, you have the freedom to do whatever motivates you.
With regard to spending habits, it happens. Just because we’re pf bloggers doesn’t mean we’re immune to the psychological pull, we just realize it’s there. Sometimes we overcome it, sometimes not. But, the fact is, there is a learning curve when external forces come into play. I think once you get a routine down, you’ll be able to cut out those trips to Subway. Gas will still be up there, but that’s not so bad in the grand scheme of things, especially since you’re making more money.
Look at it in a positive light. You’ll have more interaction with real people, and might make some new friends. I’ve changed jobs several times, and I can usually find something positive to take from it. I just started blogging, and I don’t think that I could stand working from home full-time. I don’t think that I’m that disciplined.
Best of luck to you! Hopefully you will settle into a bit of a routine and not have to rush and spend so much.
Good luck with the new job; you’ll have to tell us more about it. It sounds like there’s more than a little curiousity about what you’re doing now.
Great pointers! The gas one was a big one for me. Savings of almost 500 per month. Since I am new to the site what made you decide to go back to work even though this is a older post?
Sometimes the money is just too good to pass up.