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.