WEARING: Anthropologie Wyatt Smocked Blouse | ZARA Denim Skirt (Similar Here) | Sam Edelman Boots | James Avery Pearl Earrings
I’ve had a full-time job along with my blog for as long as I can remember.
When I first started blogging back in 2011, I had just graduated from college and was looking for a creative outlet while attending grad school. I initially only planned to have this website for a little while, but as soon as I dove into blogging I immediately fell in love with it. I was making so many new friends in the space, connecting with other companies and entrepreneurs, and using my blog as a way to stay creative and escape from the everyday. It wasn’t until about a year after I started my blog that it began to gain momentum. I started to get noticed by brands that I had loved and admired for years, and soon began accepting collaborations and forming partnerships with them through sponsored blog posts as well as sponsored Instagram posts. Never in my life did I think I’d be able to make a living off of my website. My passion and hobby had turned into a side-hustle and a second job almost overnight. It’s amazing to see how big blogging has become since then, and I’m so excited to be a part of this fun space.
With that being said, my blog has always been a second job for me. I’ve always looked at it that way. 2011 was really the only year that I didn’t have a full-time job on top of my blog. I was doing a lot of traveling and wasn’t in the right place to have a full-time job. It wasn’t until 2012 that I started my first big girl job out of college, but even with my new 9-5 schedule I still kept the blog on the side. And since then, I’ve been doing the same. Here’s how I’ve been able to balance a full-time job with my blog since 2011 –
1. Stay Organized:
I’m that girl that buys a new planner every year! My favorites are from ban.do and I’m currently using this floral cutie. I always have it with me, and it’s the biggest reason I’m able to stay on top of everything that I have going on! Doctor’s appointments, photoshoots, work meetings, dinners, trips, you name it… I put everything in my planner and have been doing so since I was little. (Pro Tip: Make it fun by adding bright colored pens and pencils into the mix! Stickers help too!!)
2. Have a Schedule:
The only way that I’ve found I’m most productive and organized with everything that’s on my to-do-list is #1. Keeping spreadsheets and documents for everything, and #2. Sticking to a block schedule. This means I’m blocking off certain hours of the day for everything that I need to do. If I have to be at work at 9 or 9:30, then my mornings are dedicated to a workout, breakfast, and an hour or two of emails. After work, my evenings are blocked off for dinner with my love, events, writing for the blog, and everything in between. I also like to set a little time aside for blogging on the weekends every now and then too. (Make sure to stick to a schedule that works best for you.)
3. Utilize Planning Tools:
Make the most of the many planning tools and scheduling options that you have at your fingertips. Right now, it’s easier than ever to schedule and draft posts for Instagram without having to be on the app 24/7. This in turn, frees up time for other tasks! My favorite scheduler is Planoly. (I might be biased, but it’s the most seamless and beautiful interface out there!) I use it for all of my scheduling needs with Leopard Martini, and have been since I lived in NYC!
4. Use Content Calendars:
Creating a content calendar with scheduled blog posts and Instagram posts is the best way to stay on top of everything you’re working on as well as plan out the next few days, weeks, and months ahead. (Planoly is great for this too!! You can check out their many content calendars here: Planoly Content Calendars)
5. Create a Master Doc For Your Blog:
I have a BIG excel doc that holds everything and anything related to my blog. From brands that I’m currently working with and will be working with soon, to PR agencies that I’m constantly collaborating with on sponsored posts, to travel companies, photographers, and everything in between… Keeping everything in one spot for LM has been the easiest way to navigate among open campaigns and ongoing partnerships.
6. Prioritize Events:
Don’t say yes to everything. It’s okay to not make it to every single blogger event or trip that your asked to attend. Sometimes saying no to some things can open the door to other opportunities. While networking is always amazing, you never want to get burnt out. Make time in your schedule for the events that you’ll get the most out of, and say no to the rest.
7. Take Breaks, and Don’t Overwork Yourself:
It’s so easy to get in a creative rut every now and then. Often times we need a little break from the space in order to come back to it with fresh eyes. In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with information left and right, and it honestly can feel like an information overload most of the time. Find balance in everything. Talk walks, step outside if you need some fresh air, look away from the screen every now and then, listen to music, and always remember to never be too hard on yourself. You’re doing amazing!!
8. Be Consistent:
The more you do something the easier it becomes a habit. Find ways to stay consistent with all of the above. (I’m always working on this one!) This past year was so busy for us with getting engaged and planning a wedding, to several work trips sprinkled in-between, and now planning a move. Sometimes things or blog posts can fall through the cracks and you know what…that’s okay. Do what you can when you can, pick it back up when you have time, always meet your deadlines, and find ways to outsource deliverables if needed.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post on balancing a blog with a full-time job! My goal for LM is to share more career and advice content like this with you in the weeks and months to come. And as always, please feel free to email me (adriana@leopardmartini.com) or comment below with any blog post topics that you’d like for me to cover! ❤️
If you’d like to see more tips on blogging,
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photography by Madeline Harper.
location: Elizabeth Street Cafe
