At first, I didn’t think it was too much of a problem. I was lucky in a sense that I had worked so hard during my maternity leave that I didn’t need to do much promotion to keep my page view steady at 8-10k. The first few weeks of my return to work felt easy; I was enjoying being back at the workplace and I had loads of drafts ready, plus my weekly series was planned and scheduled until the end of August. I spent Tuesday evenings drafting new working mum blog posts, Living Arrows posts and writing any sponsored content or reviews that came along, while Dex was sleeping and Neil was racing.
Then it suddenly got harder. I started struggling with balancing blogging AND working full time.
I am guessing it’s the fact that being at work full time means I’m lacking not only time, but also experiences to write about. I spend 41 hours in my office every week, plus five hours (I recently halved this from ten) on the road. I prided myself on writing a new recipe each week for the blog; however I rarely have time to sit and eat dinner with my son now, let alone cook it. Meal preparation has been well and truly left to my husband who finishes work before me and ensures a hot meal is on the table ready for our return home at 6.30pm.
The weekends are taken up by me catching up on housework and trying to spend as much time with Dex as possible before Monday rolls around again. Instagram has even fallen by the wayside as I make a concerted effort not to be on my phone during the precious minimal time I get to spend with my baby boy.
So, what about the blog? I really don’t want to give it up after working so hard on it for so long. It will be Mummy to Dex’s birthday next month and I really want to get back on track with regular posting. I’m going to concentrate on writing about anything and everything and getting my drafts folder filled back up with half written ideas and memories and start spending my lunch break (yes, I am going to start taking my lunch break!) crafting them into posts.
I’m not going to worry about my inbox, or pitching, or social media. Time with my family is much more important at the moment. That doesn’t mean you can’t say ‘hey’ if you see me on Twitter, but I’m not going to obsess about picture perfect images on Instagram and making sure I use all thirty hashtags. For now, I’m just gonna enjoy writing and spending time with my little family.
Do you manage balancing blogging and working full time? Tell me your tips!
Hayley - Devon Mama
Tuesday 15th of August 2017
You're doing a great job Nic. The whole concept of blogging is to show real life I think, and that's exactly what you're doing. I find it hard enough and I'm not full time with a far shorter commute than you. Enjoy Dex and your family time, blog when the urge takes you and try and find some time to relax for yourself in there as well. We only get this time once! xx ps. Could Neil send some cookery tips this way for Dave please?!
Amanda
Tuesday 15th of August 2017
Do what you need to do! Family is so much more important than many things! You just enjoy your time!