Choosing to Work? What am I NUTZ?
May 1, 2009
For those that missed the announcement I was offered a job! Not just any old job but an amazing opportunity at a state university to be an Online Interactive Media and Information Designer. The hours are flexible, the pay is good and the benefits are amazing. This is the type of job I always wanted. A small creative group, working with students and faculty on interesting, creative projects using my skills and experience as an Instructional Technologist and Web Developer. It will be challenging and (I hope) interesting.
But what about the blogs you say? Well not that long ago, about a year if you remember, I was teaching full time at the community college and blogging. At the time I was NOT (in the least bit) enjoying teaching the way I used to and I saw an opportunity to turn the blogs into a business. My logic at the time was simple, I’m making a little money doing it part time, let me try it full time. Full time effort may equal full time income? No??
It’s a year later and I’m still making a little money. I’ve been consulting here and there to supplement the blog income. So in essence I went from a women with a full-time job that blogged part-time to a women who is blogging full time and working part-time. And what did I get along with that shift? Less income, no benefits, more stress (albeit self inflicted) and a crazy schedule.
Don’t get me wrong it’s been fun and the money hasn’t been that big of an issue (luckily I have a husband with a full time job who survived many layoffs). But I miss working. Yikes, did I just say that? I did. I must really be nuts.
But it’s true. Blogging is fun but since doing it full time it feels different. I’m tired of worrying about increasing revenues, and finding new readers. I just don’t want to look at my stats and make business type decisions with the blog anymore. I want it to be the way it used to be… Me.
Me just reacting to life. Me sharing my day, my ideas on how to stay active and live healthier. Probably from your perspective that’s what I’ve been doing but behind the scenes I’m making decisions about ad networks and researching ways to make more money with the blog (so I could stop the part-time work.) I’m worrying about keeping up relationships with PR firms and constantly looking for opportunities to get more exposure. I just don’t want to worry about it anymore, I just want to blog.
When it comes down to it. I’m tired of selling myself and feeling like my livelihood is dependent on whether or not people want to continue reading what I have to say. I much rather the reward be the relationships I make online not the income I can generate from the sites.
What does all this mean? Nothing really. I’m just giving you a bit of what’s been swimming in my head the past few days. I don’t plan on shutting down the blogs. I have no intention to stop blogging. I may have to slow down a bit, of course, but really I think it’s about time. My initial goal with blogging was to journal my weight loss experience. I’ve reached that goal. The blog, in a way, served it purpose. Now my goal is to journal my experience with maintenance, NOT to generate an income. For me, that’s a good change and much more of an exciting prospect.
GreenLiteBites? It will NEVER die. :) It’s my place to share my food ideas. However, I have to admit I’ve been having fewer and fewer of them recently and the pressure to come up with new recipes has been getting to me. I actually hope my return to work will spark some creativity as I’ll have to react to cooking with less time, the way I used to. I’m relieving myself of the pressure of coming with ideas for the sake of coming up with a ideas. I actually had more fun reacting to my pantry, whipping something up and sharing it with you. That’s when I do my best work anyway. :)
The cookbook? It’s still full steam ahead. I now have even more motivation to finish it before I start the new job! So if anything this may be the push I need to get my butt in gear!
The conference? It is also still full steam ahead. It is the only thing I will be doing above and beyond my blogs from this point forward. I know I will not have any time for anything else anyway. (I made more announcements about this on twitter earlier and I’ll be giving more updates later.)
I won’t be starting the new job until June, so I’ll have some time to adjust. I plan on enjoying my last month of self employment and spending even more time with the toddler who will, consequently, be graduating to the kid (or is it the child? the boy??) before the new job official begins.
Writing this has me even more excited about the future. I’ve always been one to enjoy change. I like mixing it up, challenging myself and seeing where opportunities take me. In a weird way it makes me feel alive. If everything stayed the same I’d be bored out of my skull. ;~)
Off tonight to see Wolverine with the husband! Gotta run and get ready.
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On May 1st, 2009 at 6:28 pm WannaBeSkinny said:
Good for you! I’m excited for you!
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:31 pm deb said:
I went back to work, just for the Sanity!
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm Dani said:
So cool… you sound super excited. I”m really happy for you:).
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm Christine said:
Congratulations!! You will do amazing at your new job!! Though I’m glad you will still be around because I love your rants and recipes!! Greenlitebites was one of the first blogs I found that inspired me to learn to cook (I didn’t know healthy cooking could actually be easy!) and I want to thank you a thousand times for that!
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:37 pm KUrunner said:
That’s so great Roni! As far as the blogging goes, I think a lot of people will be able to relate to your stories about trying to maintain your weight loss and get in workouts while working a “real” job and dealing with a family.
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:43 pm FatFighterTV said:
Congrats on the new job, Roni! :)
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:43 pm Kathy said:
I’m so happy for you, Roni! I understand perfectly what you’re saying about the difference between blogging because you want to and blogging because you feel you have to. Look forward to following you here and on Twitter. And, yeah, it’s probably time to find a new moniker for the Toddler. I cast a vote for The Boy or The Son!
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:47 pm Alison said:
Sounds like you are doing a great thing for everyone, I am glad you will haev some stress relief. :-) Enjoy the movie!
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:48 pm Holly said:
Congrats Roni! To be able to find a job, let alone a wonderful job, in this economy, is awesome! Good for you!
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:51 pm Arlene said:
Congratulations on the new job … but I’m glad you’ll still be blogging. (I’m selfish that way. I don’t remember how I found your blog in the first place, but now I can’t imagine life without it.)
On May 1st, 2009 at 6:59 pm Becca said:
Congrats on the job! And Wolverine Orgins is AWESOME!! :c)
On May 1st, 2009 at 7:00 pm Ericka said:
Wow Roni! Congratulations.. and im happy u wont stop your blogs.. im on all of your sites.. love them and I think that you are pretty amazing. :-)
On May 1st, 2009 at 7:12 pm Dani said:
Congrats Roni! I’m so happy for you and I’ll continue to read all the blogs you decide to post! Thank you so much for everything you put into them. My vote is for “the child”. :-)
On May 1st, 2009 at 7:17 pm Alex said:
I totally get what you mean about the different between blogging for income and blogging for yourself…even though I am not a blogger. In dissimilar situations I have come across the very same conclusion- it seems to be a life lesson. Another one I’ve learned is that you really do have to have patience to get what you really want. I’m not sure if you are patient or not, but if I read you right you are a multitasker like me and like to get things done…so this isn’t a lesson that came easy (for me at least).
I too like to work and really get that you miss it!! When I don’t work I get a little depressed :/ It is a great form of earned gratification and definitely good for a healthy self-esteem.
On May 1st, 2009 at 7:31 pm Priyanka said:
Congratulations Roni, I am so excited for you! I think what you do should make you happy and give you satisfaction at the end of the day!
On May 1st, 2009 at 7:51 pm Marisa (trim the fat) said:
congrats, roni!!! I understand your feelings about “blogging for dollars”. I have been toying with the idea myself as a way to supplement my family income, but I struggle with the thought that I may lose myself along the way. On one hand, I would like to use my blog as an avenue to earn a little money, but on the other hand, I want to be as authentic in my intentions with the blog as the day I started.
Have a great evening with the husband! You have lots to celebrate!
On May 1st, 2009 at 7:53 pm Lauren said:
Congrats on the new job! I totally understand where you are coming from….I will be going back to work full-time next week, after having worked part-time from home for the past year and a half! It was great to be home with my daughter for all her firsts, but we are both ready. She enjoys going to school and I miss all the adult interaction!
On May 1st, 2009 at 8:56 pm Annette said:
congrats! I’m a little jealous :)
On May 1st, 2009 at 9:00 pm allijag said:
Congrats Roni! That’s great news and it sounds like the perfect opportunity for you right now!!!!
On May 1st, 2009 at 9:20 pm Laura Brandon said:
I’m so excited for you, Roni! And I love that you love change! There are so many people who hate change and avoid it with all their might, but not you, and I think that is so great. You just charge full steam ahead, and I so admire that. Be sure to keep us updated, I know you will!
On May 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm Adi (oatonomy.com) said:
This is exciting, Roni. Congratulations! Way to embrace the next chapter. I love your for-real-ness. It’s so refreshing in blog land!! :)
On May 1st, 2009 at 9:34 pm Sherri said:
Congrats on the new job. When I first read your posts of going to work, I was like “Is she insane?” Having the chance to stay home with the toddler and work from home, she must have been breathing in too much gym air. But I have been in your situation before. I tried staying home with my two kidss and having a home based business, but it isn’t always in the best interest of the children/family. Something about us getting out there and having a career and doing what we love, really impacts the family. Being able to balance it all, and you do, is such an impression for the family. Im not sure impression is the right word. Ok, enough of my silly babling and spelling errors. Good for you. Go for it.
By the way, I have referred to my son who is now 14, as The Boy, for as long as I can remember. I come home and say “Where is the boy?”
On May 1st, 2009 at 9:42 pm Michelle in CA said:
Congrats! Sounds like an exciting future ahead! :-)
On May 1st, 2009 at 10:29 pm workout mommy said:
congrats Roni, it sounds like the perfect job for you!
and I totally get the blogging stress/issues. It’s sad how a hobby can quickly become like a chore.
have a great weekend!
On May 1st, 2009 at 11:49 pm Christine said:
Sounds like the best decisions are the most natural…CONGRATS! your integrity always shines through:)
On May 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 am Debra Graybeal said:
Congratulations! It sounds like a great opportunity! Glad you’re still going to be blogging, though!
On May 2nd, 2009 at 3:12 am Sally said:
Congratulations! =D
On May 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 am Ellen said:
Roni, congratulations! Just speaking for myself — as long as you are blogging, I will be reading! No matter how frequently or infrequently you blog on any of your three sites, bloglines will tell me when something is new :) I’m looking forward to some GLB ideas for those “I’m too exhausted to cook, what’s in the fridge/pantry that can become edible and delicious quickly” recipes. Yay!
On May 2nd, 2009 at 6:22 am Jan said:
Congratulations!
On May 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 am Nina said:
Congratulations from me, too!
I totally know what you mean! If making a business out of it kills your creativity and the spirit you put into it, make it a hobby again. You can’t stop blogging anyway ;), it’s so part of you!
We live in times in which you normally don’t do the same job for 30 years, and if it’s time for a change, so it is. Don’t worry too much and go ahead with it!
Love,
Nina
On May 2nd, 2009 at 8:49 am Wendy said:
Congratulations on your new job! I just discovered your blog, so please do keep us posted from time to time. The good news for me is I have many archives to comb through. I’m loving the GLB site, too!
On May 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 am Andrea said:
How about “the son”? “The Husband and the Son”
On May 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 am Michele said:
Congrats Roni! It sounds like a great opportunity that you can’t pass up and it sounds like you are really going to enjoy it. In my opinion, if you really love what you are doing it doesn’t feel like work anyway. You know that feeling every morning of “ugh, do I really have to get up and do this today?”. Kind of like how I feel about my job, lol! :) I look forward to your blogging whenever you have time to do it and I wish you the best of luck in your new job.
On May 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 am Susan said:
Roni, Congrats on the new gig! It sounds as if your decision to re-enter the (non blogging) workforce is one that is well thought out, and truly the right decision for you at this point in time.
Kuddos, kuddos, kuddos to you for being open to new opportunities! It took and incredible amount of courage to leave your job to begin with and just as much to make the decision to take advantage of what seems like a perfect opportunity.
On May 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 am Agnes said:
Congratulations! I totally understand where you’re coming from. It sounds like you’ve found a great mix…fantastic job and blogging for you (not just for an income). I work in higher ed myself (started at a state university and am now at a community college) and I love the atmosphere! Good luck and keep us posted!
On May 2nd, 2009 at 9:14 pm lunzy said:
Congrats Roni! I totally get the whole, HAVE to’s vs. the WANT to’s This sounds like such a wonderful opportunity and a perfect fit. Getting paid to do what you love still, but then still blogging cuz you love it, not cuz you are getting paid. Things always seem to fall into place. Now let’s work on some good House Selling Karma, shall we? ;)
lisa
On May 3rd, 2009 at 7:38 am Marília said:
Congratulations! I think you are right in every word you wrote. As for me, I used to enjoy your blog even more when you were not under pressure of making business. Also, It is always good to change things in life. Good Luck!
On May 4th, 2009 at 11:26 am Melissa said:
Congrats, Roni! Sounds like an amazing opportunity and a great experience for you.
On May 4th, 2009 at 4:32 pm Amy said:
Congrats. It sounds perfect. I’m delurking just to echo everyone’s congratulations. I think a lot of small business owners realize something similar: that when you turn a hobby into a job, with the pressure and constrictions that go along with that, it can contaminate the experience. My husband says that even being a fly fishing guide on the Snake River–a fantasy job for him–would eventually become work if he had to do it forty hours a week and if the family depended on the income. I sometimes fantasize about staying home, but I actually love the social interaction and professional challenge of working outside the home now that my kids are older. Your new position sounds amazing. You deserve it, and don’t worry about us, we will keep reading no matter what.
On May 4th, 2009 at 5:44 pm KK @ Running Through Life said:
Congrats Roni!!
On May 7th, 2009 at 7:39 am Tania said:
OMG, Roni, I’m just catching up with everything. Should be reading Roni’s Weigh more. I’m good at keeping up on Facebook and your podcasts, though.
Great news all along. I’m looking for a job (don’t have a kid) after studying for a crazy number of years (and I mean crazy!), and I am super excited for you!
Good thing about GreenLiteBites. Love them.
First time I heard about the conference. I might even attend; “might” being the operative word.
About Ryan: my mother never stopped calling me “child” (I’m 41 in October), although I really wouldn’t mind “daughter”.
Keep up the good work and good luck!
On June 4th, 2009 at 6:44 pm Marie said:
I been reading your blog since you started with weight watchen and I loved it, but there was a point a couple of months ago that it didn’t feel like before. I agree with you when you said “Blogging is fun but since doing it full time it feels different”, I as a reader felt it different too. I am happy for your new job and I can wait to catch up with all your good news! Congratulations!