Since 2016 I have been running my blog, BooksNest, alongside social media accounts with regularly uploaded content. I also work a full-time weekdays job and somehow manage to balance the two. Here’s what it’s like to work full-time and run a successful blog!
Do I ever have any free time?
Yes, I definitely have to make time for free time, but I know it’s important to do, so I make sure I do it! I like to leave at least half a day at the weekends free to just chill and enjoy myself, maybe by reading a book, playing Xbox, going shopping or seeing friends. I’m motivated to work hard, but I think the reason I can work so hard is because I have struck up a good balance between dedicated work time and Beth time.
When do I have time to work on my blog during the week?
I do this insane thing where I wake up at around 6am during the week, which is a full hour before I actually need to wake up. I do this so I can start my day productively and work on my blog for a solid hour before I get up. I really like this time in the mornings, it makes me feel like my mornings are my own and not just time to prep for my day at work.
How do I have enough brain left to come up with content ideas?
I work in social media and content marketing, so my brain is thinking up new ideas all the time. Sometimes I do struggle to come up with new content ideas, but because I love the topics I write about so much, it seems to flow naturally for me. I have a notebook that I always have with me for writing down any new ideas in and then I’ll create them as post drafts to write at a later date. I find that to be majorly helpful!
Do I have time to read?
I make sure to read a minimum of 50 pages a day so I don’t fall behind on the books that are jumping off their shelves and into my lap. I have so many books I’m desperate to get to and as reading is what fuels most of my content, I find making time for books is never and will never be an issue. Also because I love reading so much, I always make sure to dedicate time to it.
Do I struggle to feel motivated?
I have been blogging for over four years now and over those years I have started to see results and views from the content I produce. That is my biggest motivator when people are reading what I write and talking to me about my posts. To know some of the things I have written have really helped someone else or made them laugh or made them feel less alone. My motivation 100% comes from these moments, so whilst I am very busy, I rarely find myself struggling for motivation.
Is it possible to run a blog and work full time?
Yes, it definitely is. I may at times struggle to make time for everything, but it is most definitely possible. I think you need good planning, dedication and a love for what you’re doing. If you’re thinking about giving it a go, I’d say start now and you’ll be thankful you did in a few years time!
This a such a motivating post. My blog and instagram has suffered a lot since i started post-grad, it took me a while to figure out how to manage both of them and reading this post has made me realize that I can do better.
I suffer with inspiration or lack of creativity at times which is something I struggle with the most when it comes it blogging and bookstagram
Such a wonderful post! It is definitely a balance on one that I am still struggling with. Thanks for writing.
This is such a great read. I always struggle to have some sort of consistency between my job and my blog but this have definitely motivated me to try and find some.sort.of order!
I clicked on this post to motivate me to write more posts, especially since I also have a full time job.