I was inspired to write this post one evening when I was running on 5 hours of sleep from the night before and frantically typing away while on the metro. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart working a full time job and maintaining a side hustle that takes up several hours a day, and I know I’m not the only one. I mean who doesn’t have some sort of side gig passion project these days?
(Side note: I’m wearing this faux leather jacket from Nordstrom that’s under $100)
HOW DO I BALANCE?
So, how do I manage it? It’s different for everyone, of course, but I’ve got a few tips for you today on how to attempt to balance a job, a side hustle, and a life.
- Utilize those down moments in the day. For me, on the days I don’t work from home, I spend 2.5 hours commuting. While most people get on the train and plug in their headphones, I see that as quality time that I can devote to planning and writing. I don’t have any cell service for most of my commute, so my attention can be entirely focused on photo editing, cranking out post outlines, and actually writing.
- Keep a detailed list of upcoming posts, sponsored posts, and post ideas. With this list handy, I can take full advantage of any found hours. When I find time in my day, I maximize it by referring directly to my list of what needs to get done, selecting an item, and getting to it.
- Take advantage of the early and late hours. I’m not trying to neglect my personal health and my quality time in the evening with my fiancé so I do try to work either early in the morning before I leave for the day or at night after Adam and I have both worked out and made dinner together. My general rule is that if he’s watching TV or scrolling through Twitter, I’m good to work. If not, I’d rather be focusing my attention on being present in my relationship.
- Prioritize. I wrote a post this week on How To Source Vintage Bedroom Furniture. I was super excited about it, loved the pictures I’d taken, and had lots to say on the subject. However, it had to be put on the back burner for weeks. I had sponsored posts that were a higher priority with someone else at the other end of the deadline. Remember, even if you’d rather write the fun post, sometimes you have to buck up and get the post with a contract riding on it done first.
- On weekends when I’m not traveling, I’d prefer not schedule blog photo shoots. However, I do need to take photos. My solution is to bring my camera wherever I’m going, make sure I’m wearing an outfit I would potentially want photographed, and squeeze in pictures if I happen upon a blog worthy backdrop.
- Take time for yourself and take time for hanging out with friends. Sure, I get a little anxious when I see other bloggers cranking through their Saturdays and Sundays working and staying up to date on the latest sales and gift guides for their readers, but I remind myself that shopping and generating sales isn’t my main vertical and I’m doing what works for me. My focus is lifestyle, and in order to write about my life, I have to live it.
- Realize you may never get it all done. I’ve accepted that sometimes I’ll have to highlight an item or two in my planner from one day and arrow it to later in the week or even the next week. Things come up and not everything can get done. It will all be fine.
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS?
Now, my question to all the other side hustlers with full time jobs out there – how do YOU get it done? Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments below! I’m dying to know how everyone gets through their days – plus, we all have to remember we’re in it together!
