Y’all: I’ve successfully been blogging full-time for about 6 months now, and I still can’t believe this is really my life at the moment. Overall I absolutely love, love love it and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s truly amazing to wake up and do what you love everyday and be your own boss!
If you’re thinking about making the leap, or just curious about what life is like as a full-time blogger, here’s the five most important things I wanted to share about this huge career jump.
Save As Much As Possible Before Making the Jump
So, I was kind of thrown into blogging full-time after getting laid off from my last job. I always wanted to do it, and I had started saving up a bit, but as soon as I got laid off I knew I just had to do it now rather than getting another full-time job and being stuck in that position for another year or so. Ideally, I think you should save up 3 months of income just as a cushion — it’s a huge lifestyle change to go from two jobs to one!
You Don’t Have Benefits or Sick Days
One word, my friends: healthcare. Honestly, paying out of pocket for health insurance is one of my least favorite things to do as a self-employed person. I have some pre-existing conditions as well, so I personally can’t go for the cheapest health insurance plan since I do have to go in for check ups pretty regularly. Needless to say, I’m paying a pretty penny for insurance at the moment.
You also don’t have the luxury to call out sick for blog campaigns either. I’ve dragged myself out of bed for shoots when I was feeling under the weather because I had deadlines, and this is literally my job. Unless you’re insanely sick with a fever or in the hospital, if you don’t finish your work, you don’t get paid.You’re Going to Work More Than 40 Hours A Week
You know what was cute? I really thought I would have so much more spare time when I left my full-time job. In reality, I wake up pretty early, and I’m on my email by 8am at the latest. Since I don’t have a proper office and work either from home or coffee shops, it’s hard for me to stop working and end my workday at times. Often times, I find myself on the couch at 9pm still answering emails, editing photos and drafting posts. It’s rare that I only work 8 hours a day, and I still have a bad habit of working on projects over the weekend.
Consider Adding Other Freelance Projects
Since I’ve started blogging full-time, I’ve actually taken on a few freelance photography, social media and writing assignments. Those are my three favorite things to do, so I’m happy to do them for another brand on a case-by-case basis. Just be careful to not take on too many projects: know what workload is manageable for you!
It’s A Great Decision
Guys. I love my life. I never really found a full-time job in marketing that fit all of my career needs, and blogging does it for me. Yes, sometimes it sucks when you don’t land a campaign, or if a company is taking forever to pay you, but overall it’s pretty crazy to have stumbled into my dream job and become my own boss at the age of 27. Pinch me!
I’m so happy you love it! That’s amazing!!
Congratulations lady . I’m so happy for you’re and I know you’ll do fine !
X,abril
The color palette
It has been such a joy to see you thrive at full time blogging Alicia! I worry too many girls rush into it these days, but I know your decision was well planned. Cheers to what’s to come for ya!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Good tips! And congrats on making the leap to full time blogging!!!
Love these tips! I am working towards blogging full time over the next year or two, so these are super helpful! Congrats!!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
Great post! Love your tips for blogging full time. It’s a ton of work but so very rewarding! Congrats on the benefits of your diligence and persistence.
I wish I new these before I became full time
This is such a helpful post! Definitely some things i never thought of!
Neelofar | The Loveliest Lily
http://www.theloveliestlily.com
Amazing tips Alicia!! I hope to blog full time some day and appreciate this advice!!
My number one goal at this point in my life is to make blogging my full time job. It’s so inspiring to see people doing it, and being successful as well! Keep up the amazing work đ
You are literally goals in every way possible! The savings thing is so important, so thank you for that reminder! I hope to be full-time one day!
Love your insight on working full time on the blog! You are killing it, girl!
This post is amazing! Love following along your successes now that you’ve taking AT full time! xx
Pink Champagne Problems
Your outfit is goals. Love the tips!
http://www.thevagabondwayfarer.com
Great tips! I’ve been blogging full time for a few years now, but I wish I had this advice when I made the big leap! đ
Firstly, congrats on going FT! That is amazing especially at 27!! And great tips. Thanks for sharing đ
Lauren
http://www.basicbabelauren.com
So cool! Congrats! I never considered going full-time with blogging for a few reasons out of my control, but I’m so happy for you that you’ve done it! Awesome!
I would love to work full-time once I decide to stop working on cruise ships. I’m trying to even juggle blogging more on the ship during my limited downtime. Do you have any advice or posts on how to find freelance jobs? I’m particularly interested in learning about freelance social media and writing assignments.
Congrats on this awesome journey of yours! I’m absolutely envious and hope to be writing a post similar to this in the upcoming years.
Love this post! So honest and inspiring đ I guess lots of people think that blogging doesn’t involve much work.. they are so wrong! X
Congrats on your 6 month mark! I need to definitely add some freelance to my list. I just suck at finding it. Send help. Also, send rich handsome husband with great healthcare benefits my way too.
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
These are the best tips!! I REALLY want to take the plunge, but I think your tip about saving $$ is what I need to do!
Maggie @ Polished Closets
Yes! I think the tip about a money cushion is the most valuable one. A LOT of people are using blogging as a way to be their own boss (which is great) but is also making the market so, so saturated. It definitely isn’t an easy way to make money, so it is great that it is working out for you! Get it, girl!
This is really awesome. Im not sure Ill ever fully take that plunge.. but I do want to make my blog a main focus again and this was just the inspiration I needed!
This post was so informative and thoughtful. As soon as I saw the title I clicked on it immediately. Definitely food for thought as I begin to enter the blogging world. lol! Such great tips!
-Noelle
Elle-no.com