Another week of self employed, girl bossing life is drawing to a close, my goodness do these weeks seem to be getting faster and faster!
Many times this week, and more or less every other week I am left feeling like there isn't enough hours in the day.
Time is quite literally flashing before my very eyes and sometimes I'm struggling to stay afloat with it all.
I started my blog four and a half years ago now, back when I was on my placement year at university and never did I imagine that I'd be sat here, at home, writing this kind of post at 2:23 in the afternoon. I've learnt a lot in the last 4.5 years and I thought I'd divulge you with some of the things I've learnt, that they don't tell you when the thought of turning your hobby into your career arises.
The question I get asked the most, whether it be from you lovely lot or from journalists and brand's a like is "How did you get into blogging" and whilst many a bloggers story is different, I find that mine seems to shock people the most, purely as it was totally by accident.
I was at university, on my third year in which we went into industry, interning at various different fashion brands and businesses. Half way through the year I remembered that I was supposed to be returning to uni with a diary for my tutor. A diary that documented the ups and downs of interning and exactly what I was doing and in-turn, learning.
On this realisation I crapped my pants and frantically Googled "Online Diary" 'cause if I was going to note down the past six months of diary entries I sure as hell wasn't about to do it by hand.
That's when Blogger was introduced to me, the answer to my internship diary prayers. I innocently tracked back through my time interning, documenting every little thing I could remember and sharing every crap iPhone 5 (maybe even 4) photograph to support it. I'd interned at House Of Holland and ASOS thus far and was currently undergoing my final few days on the PR team at Alexander McQueen, so someway and somehow people began to read my blog.
When I'd finally discovered that people were reading my private diary and after the panic had worn off, I stumbled upon Lily Melrose's blog. From first read, I completely fell head over heels in love with her personal style and the way she wrote as if she was chatting with a friend. I instantly thought "I can do this" and that is exactly what I did.
The blogging world had been turning for around 5 or 6 years previous to this and I was completely and utterly unaware of what was going on, behind the scenes of my industry. But all it took was for 10 people to read my internship musings, for me to fall in love with the way Lily Melrose documented her day-to-day style and to get my hands on a tripod and I was off!
I spent the first two years of my blogging "career" at the end of my mum and dads driveway, snapping my daily outfits on a tripod at around 730am, before heading off to my internship of the moment. I'd then spend my lunch break drafting up my daily outfit post and catching up on my new found favourite blogs.
From there I went back for my final year of uni, taught my then boyfriend a thing or two about photography and began to experiment with how I shot and shared my outfits.
Once graduated, I juggled working at ASOS and blogging more or less full time and really saw my profile and my love for blogging soar! After two years in London I took the plunge into turning my hobby into my job, moved back to Manchester (the best thing I ever did) and now work on my platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and more recently YouTube, every single day.
It's something I never, ever(!) saw happening. It's something I completely and quite naively fell into, blogging wasn't something I'd ever heard of 5 years ago and it definitely wasn't a career prospect of mine. However, I feel so insanely grateful and so thankful that I spend my days doing something I completely and utterly love. Something I truly enjoy and something I hope will grow with me, and with you for many more years to come.
However, having turned my hobby into my full time job just 19 months ago now I've learnt the hard way what it means to transform something that was once an outlet for relaxation and peace of mind, into something that is a 24/7 career.
And with that rather bloody hefty intro (sorry), I'll now share 5 things I've learnt since turning my hobby into a full time job.
1. The Ups & Downs
So first up it has to be said that not every day as a blogger is full of coffee cup moments, surrounded by big fluffy white pillows and pink peonies... In fact, I really hate peonies (YEAH I SAID IT, ALRIGHT!)
Yes, there are insane, out of this world highs, that leave you pinching yourself that this has actually happened. But there are huge lows too, lows that involve not knowing if you're financially stable from one month to the next, lows about how you should be filling your days and not feeling quite as full-filled as you wish to be, and the lows of losing out on an opportunity to work with your favourite brand.
They are all lows that all together can seriously break your day, leave you feeling unmotivated and ready to pack it all in. However, you can't have a rainbow without a little rain now can ya? These lows, however irritating and hard to overcome as they may seem, they're all learning curves that will leave us feeling and being a stronger business woman in the end.
Sometimes all it takes is a little cry to my momma or to George and of course writing a good ole fashioned list (I'm big on the power of list writing) to leave me feeling back on top again, granted with my fingers, toes and everything else crossed that something turns up soon!
2. Your Hobby Ain't a Hobby No More
So you've turned your much loved and much needed hobby into your career and everything is hunkydory. You've turned something you love, into your full time job and that is pretty much the dream right!?
RIGHT!
However, what they don't tell you is how you inevitably lose that one thing that you loved to do, you lose your outlet, the activity which allows you to unwind, to switch off and to relax after a hard days work.
I love my blog, I love everything about it, especially writing and creating beautiful shoots in the hope that I can inspire you and your wardrobes. However, it can be a labour of love sometimes and I have moments where I wish I still just did it for fun. Fast, fleeting moments might I add, but moments all the same.
It's an easy problem to fix, I just haven't quite found a hobby I love as much as I do my blog. I'm trying to read more, but it doesn't take much for my mind to wander off into content creation or outfit planning, I'm also seeing a personal trainer which, even just two sessions in is helping a lot.
I think, in the new year I'm going to start a course, a course totally unrelated to my blog that I can get my teeth stuck into and hopefully fall just in love with as I have my little space on the internet.
DRESS- c/o TARA JARMON, SUNGLASSES- SAINT LAURENT c/o SUNGLASSES SHOP, SHOES- GUCCI c/o NET-A-PORTER, BAG- c/o MULBERRY
3. The Work Life Balance
I touched upon becoming a workaholic in this post here and I have to say, I think I've learnt a little bit on how to best tackle this to get more balanced on the work/life scale, however this is something that has probably been my most trickiest of learnings since becoming a full time blogger.
Being a blogger is a 24 hours a day 7 days a week kinda job. If it's not writing then it's shooting, if it's not shooting then it's planning, if it's not planning then it's admin including inboxes full to the brim with emails and if it's non of the above then it's being constantly on the hunt for the perfect backdrop for today's OOTD. It's a relentless kind of job, that involves a lot of brain power. Much more than people on the outside realise.
I'm learning, the slow and hard way that I must give myself and those around me a day off. Sometimes Instagram can wait and sometimes if the words 'aint coming to you then you simply cannot force em. Being a style blogger is 80% reliant on somebody else to help you take those much needed snaps and that is my biggest motivation for taking some time off.
George is great, and I would never want him to come on board this train full time. It just doesn't suit us and my goodness does that boy have enough of his own stuff going on, so for now, I'll try and balance out the scales with one full day off a week where we can go out or stay in, sans camera.
Sometimes I wish I could keep my work brain at home on an evening or a day out but sometimes that isn't overly doable. It's a tricky thing to get right but I'm working on it and it is definitely something to consider before taking the full time plunge.
4. Knowing Your Worth
Making money in the blogging industry isn't something that we are taught and, like many career choices, it isn't something that is spoken about openly.
It's something we learn through trial and error, testing the waters and essentially winging it. I'm not a natural born business woman (as my accountant knows all too well) and I'm extremely British in the sense that discussing money terrifies me. For the first two years of my blogging career I didn't earn a carrot, 'cause I simply didn't know you could. When my first big break came, in the form of a television advert for a HUGE hair brand, I sold myself short... Extremely short! Something I only learnt I'd done since having a strong supportive team around me in the form of Gleam.
But it's all learning and I wouldn't change it for the world. The more we try it out the more we can gage and get to know our worth as a credible full time blogger. It's still something I am getting to grips with and something I will try and share as much as possible with you guys, should you be interested?
5. One Size Does NOT Fit All
And finally, the one piece of advice I would give any blogger is that when it comes to blogging, one size does not fit all.
In the past, I've spent many an afternoon reading blogs that are telling me to post consistently every single day, to do this and to do that, blogposts that instead of inspiring me have left me feeling deflated, like I am not good enough, like I could do more and work harder, which creates a huge cloud above my head that comes with a HUGE amount of personal pressure.
In the past year or so, I've personally blocked out these specific blogs and made the decision to not read them anymore, which is a shame, but it just wasn't doing anything for me, and I bet for many of you too. Instead I've learnt that when it comes to becoming a successful full time blogger, there isn't just one formula that works, it's different for every blog and for every blogger and you really can't compare yourself and your workload to others.
It's not a one size fits all community and thats what makes it so brilliant! You simply have to do you and do what works for you and the rest will fall into place.
So there we have five of the MANY things I've learnt since taking the plunge into full time blogging and becoming a business woman. I really hope you will read these and you will note just one or two of them down when deciding on whether to take the leap. I really hope you do take the leap, as there is room for all of us in here but if you don't take anything else from this post, please do listen to point number 5 and just do you.
Please let me know your thoughts on this in the comments below. I'd really love to hear what you think and whether you have any learnings yourself either as a blogger or as a business woman/man.
Lots of Love
x M
Ahhh love this Megan! I recently just went full time on my blog and it’s been so scary. This post really helped me realize that everyone does have their up and downs. I’ve been following you since your ASOS days and have loved what you’ve turned your hobby in to!! Congrats on the amazing work love ???
-LEX
Lexicon of Style
Congrats gorgeous girl, hope it all goes so amazingly well (I’m sure it will) x
Megan, you are so amazing. This was written beautifully and described oh-so-well, thank you for sharing.
You’re a huge inspiration of mine, your style and your attitude. Point 5 might have just pushed me to finally publish my first official blog post that’s been sitting in my drafts for months now.
Keep doing you lady!
Oh Hannah thats really so lovely of you to say, thank you so much! HUGE congrats on publishing your first blog post… If you did it (I REALLY hope you did) x
Thanks so much babes, yeah, I really did do it – https://hmmhannahmary.blogspot.com/
x
Dear Megan, what an inspiration and refreshingly open and honest. I have thoroughly loved reading your writings.
I’m in my 50’s, worked as a fashion buyer for many years and now setting up my own online business.This is in the early stages and with its own ups and downs. It helped me reading this, showing that at every stage of your life……it takes courage and conviction, to do what you love doing.
Thank you !
Caroline x
Oh Caroline wow, thank you so much for the oh so lovely comment, it really means a lot! xx
I’ve been following your Instagram for a whiles do he been considering doing my own blog (albeit, food rather than fashion as I have a great pallet but you’d get that from my dishes, not my wardrobe).
Point No. 5 I think has been something else I’ve personally come across, but your right, there isn’t a set way and every blog is different.
Reading this has persuaded me to do it – thank you x
AWESOME! Good luck girlie xo
erm… could you look any more amazing in these photos? that first photo is so BEAUTIFUL!! I’d love to go full time on my own blog and design work one day, but for now blogs like yours continue to inspire me to create… so THANK YOU!
Laura | roseandweston.blogspot.co.uk
Oh Laura wow thank you so so much x
Love the choice to do graphic black and white photography with this look! Perfect for the mod vibes. So different and special from your normal content. Beautiful as always 🙂
It’s crazy how this started out as an accident. I think it’s incredible to see your journey at how your career flourished simply from a deadline you had to meet, and then you built it from there. Thanks for the tips!
Natalie | Natalie’s Alchemy
I know, mental isn’t it, I still can’t believe it! Thank you so much lovely, your comment means the world x
Really really REALLY appreciate you wrote this post. As a fresh start blogger, these things are what I need to hear right now. And you just inspire me to keep moving and learn, learn, learn. Thank you ?? you’re the best, Megan!!
Oh babe! Thats so amazing, I’m really thrilled that it’s inspired you girlie. Good luck with the new blog, how very exciting indeed! xo
This is an amazingly insightful post! I would love to know about the “knowing your worth” bit – how do you ever start to know how to set your prices? You don’t have to divulge anything personal but some guidelines would maybe make a great post or video! And yes, keep doing you and take those days off! Xx
Oooo okay Isabelle, thanks so much for that, I’ll have a think in how I can work something into a post, thanks boo x
Oh Megan I loved this! I never thought I’d want to blog full time but in the midst of a career/life crisis I have to admit it’s crossed my mind. Seeing how far you’ve come is defo inspiring me, keep going gal!
tie dye eyes blog
Oh wow, how very exciting indeed Allie babe! Totally give it a go if you think you can do it, I have all the faith in you! GO ON GIRL, DO IT FOR THE NORTHENERS! xo
What a beautifully written post!! Would love to read more posts along these lines. Good on you girl for achieving everything that you have, you are such an inspiration – thankyou for brightening up my day with such reassuring words x
WOW Danielle thanks so much for the really lovely comment, it means the world. I am SO glad you enjoyed this post and I’ll be sure to continue them! xo
Absolutely loving this post Megan! Just kept reading through it going “Yes…” “Yes!”, YES!!!” 😀 ? – Yaya
Oh youuuu!!!! x
I loved this post Megan! I’m such a workaholic too and it’s definitely tricky when the thing that started as a hobby, becomes your job! I always have to remind myself to chill out every now and again.
Also, I love hearing about how you started blogging! It’s so interesting to hear how everyone got to the point that they’re at today, because everyone’s story is different!
(Ps, I sometimes still use my camera and tripod in my garden to shoot my photos… #oldschool haha) xxx
I adore hearing other peoples stories too, it’s so wonderful to hear isn’t it as they’re all SO SO different.
I LOVE that you still use your tripod sometimes… Bloody wish I did! xoxox
That’s exactly why I keep coming back here. You’re always so honest! 🙂 And for the awesome outfits of course 😉
In those low moments just keep in mind how much you’re giving to others through your work. It may not be obvious all the time, but you’re inspiring so many people daily and that’s something really amazing!
xx,
Catia
♥ The petite Cat ♥
Hi Megan,
Thank you for this post, I love it! It’s very inspiring for those (like me) who are trying to become a blogger. I have a full time job in shop and I’m a wife (Second job at home) hahaha. So I don’t have too much time left to really consecrate to my new blog, plus I need to figurate out how to take my own pictures with my tripod when I have my day off at work. It’s not easy at all… So I felt very identified with you…
I would love to ask you how did you deal to book a photographer (cause they are not cheap) when you were not that successful yet and you didn’t have a full time job as a blogger to earn enough money to afford that?
Thank you!
Cecilia
Hi Megan, I discovered you via Youtube and I absolutely love your style! I loved your blog so much that I have started my own and along with my fiancé. I hope to one day be able to go full time even though I’m finding it hard to post consistently, I’ve had writers block for a MONTH! These tips definitely helped me and I will try to get back in the gist of things. Wishing you the best!
That is such wonderful news, but don’t force it babes, it’ll come when it’s ready! It’s easy to look at others and seek advice from those who tell you to do this and do that, but you’ve just got to do you. It’ll come. HUGE good luck xo
I loved reading this post Megan – it’s so interesting hearing how bloggers’ began blogging and hearing about their journey x
Jenny | LuxeStyle
Ahhh Jenny, I am SO glad you enjoyed reading this post, it means a lot x
loved reading this, really helpful for someone (me) who’s just taken their hours down at work to focus on blogging/instagram more!
WOW that is SO exciting, huge good luck babes! Really glad you found this useful x
so interesting hearing your point of view on this topic. I think not that many people talk about it, so thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would love to hear a bit more of point number 4. I agree with you when you say that the big *money* topic is not discussed enough, but I think it is a very interesting one and worth talking about.
Again, thanks for sharing 🙂
Giovanna
Awesome, thanks for the feedback babe, i’ll give it a go x
That’s so beautiful post I’ve ever read. Thank you for sharing these tips! All are useful to me now. I really love the number 5. I read a lot about the advises when you want to become a blogger. But this post just touches my heart. And that’s so great when you sharing with us about your story and your experiences.
I actually love reading your blog, because it likes to read a story every moment I come here and it feels so close to you. I love your blog and also love your outfit ideas. I check your Instagram every day. And definitely, love every single photo of you.
xoxo
Anh || ontrend
Thank you ever so much for your lovely comment, it really, truly means so much! I’m SO glad that you’re enjoying my musings and really love that you feel you get close to me through what I share,thats really truly awesome.
Thanks also for keeping in the loop with my Instagram, it all really does mean so much! Lots of love girl x
The photo at the top of this post is like something out of a high end magazine, so glamorous and put together. Absolutely stunning! Really interesting post too xx
This was such an encouraging and insightful post Megan! As a newbie blogger, it really helps to hear that everyone is different and everyone can make it if they put in the time and effort. Hopefully one day I will be able to make my blog my career, but for now I’m still at uni trying to find my way. Wish me luck!
Georgie x
Absolutely whole heatedly adore you. I follow a few blogs (mainly on interior design rather than fashion because they tend to be out of my league price wise!) but YOURS is the best! You are a complete natural – you’re funny, beautiful, creative and modest and that’s so refreshing. You inspire me to be more daring and just do me! It’s subsequently got some funny looks on my now more daring choice of footwear; but I feel great wearing them!
The other thing that’s so refreshing is how natural you are – you still come across as a proper down to earth northern lass and I love that about you. I hope you stay northern based and don’t flee south again!
You deserve all the success you’re getting, and more!! Keep sharing Megan – it would be a darker internet world without you ???
VIC!!!! You have absolutely NO idea how big you just made me smile! Honestly, your words mean the world to me when sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re doing a good job in this online world. Thank you for reading, for being inspired and rocking those shoes… GO ON GIRL!
And please no, I will NEVER EVER EVER flee to the south ever again, Northern forever more! x
Great post Megan, I’m relatively new to the blogging world but absolutely love doing it and it has been something I wanted to do for some time now, so I was chuffed when I actually built up the courage to take the plunge. I read many pieces about how to blog best and was left more confused if anything. I now set myself the task of blogging once a week, with a full time job I find this manageable.
So true that we just need to do it for ourselves. I’m hoping to up my posts and grow my following but so far I’m just enjoying doing it for me.
Thanks for the info! 🙂
xx
Thank you for sharing your tips. It is very inspiring <3 I don't follow a lot of fashion blogs since I run a music/travel blog, but I love your style and how vibrant it is. I enjoy reading your posts and watching your vlogs. I feel like I learn about fashion styling from you 🙂
Turning blogging into a full time thing is something I've also always wanted to do, so every time I see someone who's able to achieve it, it's so inspiring! Am definitely interested in you posting more about 'knowing your worth as a credible full-time blogger' as you said in your post. I can relate to what you said about reading blogs and how sometimes it can be demotivating/discouraging instead of inspiring. What are your favourite blogs to read for inspiration/learning? It would be awesome if you could share a post on that as well 🙂