*Outfit Details with affiliate links: Basic Long Sleeve Top (H&M), Black Mules (Ouiga), High Waisted Pants (ASOS), Backpack (TopShop)
Now that I am self employed, I have the freedom to make my own schedule which is the best part of my job. However I know it’s not for everybody since it takes a lot of discipline to stay on track and not get distracted since I have the privilege of working at home. No two days are exactly alike but I thought it would be a good idea to shed some light on what a typical day can look like for me. Of course it depends on whether I have certain appointments or projects but I will share all of the varieties that make up my workday.
I usually take the mornings for myself so I start off the day with a workout from 8-9 am. Fitness is part of my lifestyle and I love the feeling I get afterwards so I never miss a workout since it’s part of my daily routine. For me, it’s also my way to jump starting my day. After my workout, I come home, shower and make my breakfast. I use the first hour starting at 10 am to check emails, respond to blog and Instagram comments, and plan my editorial calendar. My day afterwards vary because I might go to showrooms, press previews or events. If my day is quite slow, I normally will go to a cafe and do work or meet up with a friend or brand manager for coffee.
I always make an effort to leave my apartment because it prevents me from being distracted and I honestly feel more productive when I actually get dressed and go outside. I like the division between home and work as it helps train my mindset to separate the two. Just to give you some background, my computer work includes planning and drafting blog posts, managing my social media and blog, scheduling photo shoots, returning client emails, pitching to brands, etc. I also shoot at least one time a week so that usually fulfills one whole day.
I’ve noticed that many events happen on Tuesday- Thursdays from 5-9 pm so my evenings are often occupied as well. It is common that I have multiple events to attend so I often am hopping from one place to another. I never complain though because I enjoy meeting new people, seeing new product launches and being immersed in the whole blogging and PR world.
A lot of people and some of my friend still don’t understand how blogging is a full time job but as you can see there are a lot of behind the scenes and tasks that happen before a post goes up. It might seem all glamorous, fun and easy but you have to work to be able to experience all of that. I am blessed to be able to do this full time and I ever take that for granted but I also remind myself that it can all be taken away in an instant which is the driving force of my hustle.
Since I am my own boss, my income depends on how much work I put in. Unlike a steady job with a consistent paycheck, I need to look for work and pitch myself to brands since I can’t rely on the industry itself even though I do get work from brands often. I just finished reading ‘The Four Hour Work Week” and the messages really resonated with me because I actually feel like I can do more in less than. You don’t need to work 40 hours a week to accomplish everything you want. I’ve come to the realization that it’s not about working more or harder, but smarter. This idea has really solidified and reassured me that I made the best decision in being my own boss.
I have to admit that it is hard to be self employed because sometimes I do question my work schedule or what I should do that week. I overwhelm and stress myself since there’s no guide on how to succeed in blogging or self employment. But I also remember why I do this and why I enjoy it which helps me relax and take a step back to look at the bigger picture. If you are a full time blogger let me know how you manage your schedule and if you are working a full time job while blogging, let me know how you are balancing both!
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Thank you for sharing what the life of a blogger is truly like. It really is a full time job!! A lot of people don't understand that and think that it's just hanging out and taking cute selfies. Haha.
katetik.com
There's so much more than just taking pictures. I hope to shed light on the behind the scenes of a blogger more and hopefully this can make people be more aware of what we do.
It's so nice to get a peek inside another blogger's daily life. I myself struggle with accepting my schedule, or my lifestyle. It's hard pushing yourself sometimes when you just don't have the energy. And everything may seem glamorous, but it is a lot of hard work. I think the hardest part is figuring out how to do something you've never tried before, but there's also a lot of fun in that.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
I definitely agree Yasmin! There is a lot of freedom, but sometimes that freedom can be overwhelming. I think I just need to give it another month or so to get into the groove of things.
I'm not a full time blogger, but my schedule can be similar to yours sometimes! Even in Tokyo, most parties fall between Tues-Thurs and I notice myself party/event hopping often haha. I do love a good morning workout to start out my day too :)
http://www.samanthamariko.com
I love that we share similar schedules! It's always changing, but it's great to be able to pick and choose which events to go to and how you want your day to look like.
This whole post is so spot on! I get pretty overwhelmed sometimes too when setting my own schedule and being my own boss. It's funny, the more freedom I have to set my own schedule, the more I seem to fill it up with work! My friends think it's the most marvelous thing to have a more flexible work schedule. What I always tell them is, it is and it isn't. There are positives and negatives, as with anything. It really is important to remember to work smarter. I'm starting to implement that more nowadays and my work/life balance has been better.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
I am so glad you can relate! I definitely agree that there are positives and negatives to everything. I love the freedom to create our own schedules, but like you mentioned, we need to be disciplined in structuring our day as well.
I enjoyed reading this post so much girlie! I also love the color of your top in your outfit... so chic! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/stacked-in-dylan-lex/
Thank you Jessi! So glad you enjoyed it :)
I have to admit I'm jealous of bloggers that get the opportunity to go to events and showrooms. Living in RVA, there's very little for the blogosphere to actually revolve around, so in order for me to get any true "blogger life" activities, I'd have to take the drive up to DC at least or even further to NY to truly get to enjoy all that. But I'm glad you're getting the chance to do it for me hehe!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
I hadn't even thought about that. I am very grateful to be in NYC since this is a great place to be for blogging, but I think there are benefits being from a smaller city too!
Mariann sounds like your self employment and working from home is working out. I guess it requires a lot of discipline but don't you enjoy including your exercise to start your day. It really seems to motive you.
Love your pants & tee shirt.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thank you Gracie! And yes, I like to take the mornings to myself before I dive into work so the gym definitely helps with that.
my day sounds a lot like yours especially now that i've incorporated the gym into my mornings (finally)! haha. maintaining healthy habits is so important especially when you have the freedom to work on your own schedule and do the things you love. thanks for sharing babe!
xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/interior/wake-up-better-tuft-and-needle/
@stylelullaby
I'm so glad you incorporated fitness into your routine! Isn't it the best way to start the day?
Full time blogging is definitely not for the faint hearted, it takes so much self discipline. Will be checking out that book asap.
I'm loving the weather lately and you look amazing in the sun. That outfit suits you so well. You look amazing.
Thank you love! I am definitely enjoying the sun as well :)