How good is this reminder, you guys? Truth time: I've thought about quitting blogging 1,000 times. More probably. There are days I've wondered what I'm doing this for (other than to connect with amazing like-minded people like you) and convinced myself to throw in the towel. If you blog as well, you know that this "hobby" takes a lot of time. It's a part time job. You give up a lot to do it. And in the beginning it's pure joy. You're sharing your passions, giving yourself an outlet, building an audience, making new friends (real life ones even!), learning about yourself and honing your aesthetic. Awesome people that you have long admired start recognize you. What the heck could be more fun?? But then all of a sudden "the chase" sets in. You need to build a brand, improve your numbers, make career-building connections, get sponsor deals, make MONEY, and do it all while maintaining that carefree passion that you started with.
Shit can fry your brain. Make you crazy. Make you a little bit ugly even. And, eventually, sort of make you want to quit.
But I have to say, blogging is something that I truly love. It's part of who I am. No, I'm not 100% (or even 50%) professional about it, I don't have my shit together and I don't promote promote promote. Maybe I should? I don't know. Honestly, that aspect of blogging still feels really icky to me and and I'm so glad I've waited until just the right brand alignment opportunities have come along. In my mind, NOTHING is more important than integrity when it comes to blogging. I make a bit of money with affiliate links and the like, but I honest to goodness do it featuring things that I sincerely think are awesome.
Whew. Tangent. All of this to say that things are starting to happen around here. Four years later, I've begun to gain some clarity about who I am, what I want out of this space (out of life!) and I'm so so grateful that I didn't throw in the towel. So if you've thought about quitting something important to you that really brings you joy, I encourage you to think hard about your decision. Often, the moment we quit is right before things are about to get really really good! And, on the flip side, if you're doing something that is hijacking your joy, give yourself permission to leave it behind. Life is honestly too short.
Happy weekend, friends! ox
* I wrote this post last Sunday, but came across these inspiring words from Megan Gilger yesterday on a very similar topic. Worth the read!
11 comments:
Definitely my fave post by far. I started a blog about 3 years ago but did absolutely nothing with it. Then I woke up one day and decided that I needed an outlet from my busy day job and told myself that I was going to work on it part time. Holy Shiz does it take up a lot of time...but I love it. There have been a few times now when I bitch to my boyfriend and want to quit but I stick with it because I love meeting new people with the same passions. I love your blog and glad you are sticking with it :)
ps. sorry for the long comment.
And this is why I love so much Tobe! I really hope we can meet in person one day!
I loved this post and especially that last line...
if you're doing something that is hijacking your joy, give yourself permission to leave it behind. Life is honestly too short.
So many times people hold on and it's rarely for the right reasons. Good perspective here.
This post is awesome. And really hit home. You aren't the only one who feels like this!!! Heart you, lady!
I'm so encouraged to see more posts like this cropping up. I've felt the exact same icky feeling as monetization seems to have become the ultimate goal in blogging.
Of course it's nice to be compensated because as you said, it's pretty much a part time job, but I never want to forget that I started blogging simply to share things the things that I love.
Thanks for the important reminder!
xx
I needed that! I've written it down. G.x
I really REALLY...like REALLY loved this post! But I'm so glad you continue to blog the way you do :)
xoxo
This has come at the perfect time as this is just what I need to hear right now. Thanks for this and thanks for your blog! Keep it comin' sister!
Amazing, as per usual. You always seem to hit on the exact feeling that I am feeling! So glad you're excited about the future. Does that future perhaps include a trip to Alt in SF this summer? :) Do it.
Tobi,
It's refreshing to see this kind of honesty. As a new(ish) blogger, sometimes I too wonder if blogging because I enjoy it and only because I enjoy it is worth it. But I keep coming back!
So glad that you keep at it, and that you keep it real re: branding and partnerships.
Dude. Blogging is HARD. I have had countless friends tell me they want to consider blogging and I always encourage them with the caveat that it takes up a lot of time, to be patient and it will reap rewards. But there's no blogger out there that wouldn't agree that there are times you think, 'why the heck am I doing this to myself?' I'm so glad things are turning a corner for you and yes, it's hard to decide how/when/if making money out of this hard work is the next step but I know you have integrity and whatever you do will be right for you and for your future. Keep fightin' the good fight my dear! xxx
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