*Disclaimer: These shots were taken 30 mins before I had to go into the office. Don’t worry, I didn’t wear this to the office. I wore THIS*

HAVING A FULL TIME JOB AND AN INFLUENCER CAREER

I mentioned in my IG stories a while back that I now work full time. While I am super grateful for the opportunity, initially, I felt a little apprehensive about entering the work force again. A little part of me felt that I was “giving up on my dream”. At a point, I thought that all I would be doing is blogging and influencing, and that would sustain me for the rest of my days. But what I’ve realized is that, I’m at a point in my life where a full time job will provide me with the extra security and stability I am wanting. I have a lot of responsibilities that have been knocking on my door for quite some time now.

SO WHAT DO I DO??

I work in paid social media management. Which I describe as the brainier version of being an influencer. It allows me to use my analytical side to develop and manage campaigns for clients advertising their goods and services across the various social media platforms.

Don’t let anyone convince you that you aren’t working hard enough, or that you are giving up. I somehow thought that working full time meant that I was no longer a full time blogger and influencer. I’m here to tell you that I still am! It just looks a bit different. I still dedicate days to shooting content, writing out each posts, planning outfits, and attending influencer events.

HOW DO I FIND BALANCE?

I knew that working full time would require a lot of energy out of me. Energy in making sure I was getting tasks done at work, while also having enough energy to shoot looks, edit posts, and be consistent online. Here are a couple of ways I maintain a sense of calm and peace both at work and while blogging:

1. I take daily walks around the neighborhood at job. At least 2 times I day, I stop whatever it is I’m working on and take a step outside and just walk. It’s so calming to just feel the breeze and breathe. This is my moment to not think about what assignments I need to complete. I’m just enjoying the fresh air. It’s so refreshing. I come back to my desk feeling a bit more relaxed, which helps me get things done more efficiently.
2. Leave work at work. I have set hours that I work, and that is when I get my work done. Once I come home, I am off the clock. There are times when I do check my work email, but I don’t respond to anything. I leave it for the next day. I’m not the type of person to “bring work home”. If I need to stay a little later at the office to get things done, then so be it. But once I’m home, that is ME time.
3. Only create when I feel inspired. This has helped me so much when it comes to putting out quality content that I would want to consume. It’s always noticeable when a post feels forced. I have been super guilty of that in the past. Now, I make sure that I’m in a headspace where I feel comfortable enough to let my thoughts flow onto a screen. This helps me to keep my content true to me.
4. I attend influencer events that fit within my schedule. Getting invited to these influencer events are amazing. They are perfect networking opportunities, and you also get the chance to meet some cool people in the influencer space. But to be honest, not every event requires my attendance. When I first started getting these invites, I felt that I had to attend every single one. Now, even in this stage of my influencer career, I’m learning when it’s ok to decline an invite.

Whether you’re a blogger, influencer, a combination of both, or you have a “side gig” that you do outside of your “9-5”, I recommend implementing the steps above (and obviously, tweaking where necessary). Give yourself time, but also a schedule, where you are still able to get it done. Time is of the essence. But so is peace of mind. And if you are jumbled and in a disarray, that will most definitely show in your work.

Until next time…

ShopAkira Wrap Dress | Ego Official OTK Boots | Zara Hat (sold out) | Thrifted Denim Jacket

All Photography by Kristen Ashley

“Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” 2 Corinthians 10:12