Things are never familiar to me for too long. I have officially quit my day job, and until I graduate with my MA degree in spring of 2012, I will be solely working for myself.
Yes, after a year of working a day job, with a blog (and some side projects) and a full graduate school load of classes, I think the candle (having been burnt on both ends) finally burned out. My previous job worked for a time- I got it before I started blogging, before I started to get a grip on my personal finances and I needed something just to help me pay for life in Chicago. Hours at that job were sporadic- after getting my work schedule emailed over on a Friday evening, some weeks I would work at 6am (then go to class that evening) and other weeks I’d work from the mid afternoon to 12am. I also came to realize that I would never get paid a dime more, no matter how long I worked there or how well I did. Even after graduating with an advanced degree and working there for two years, I’d still make the same- I’d just get more hours.
Look, I’m always a bit snarky. I have an odd sense of humor but I’m still typically pretty chipper. At work, when I began to loathe my life and the people that came into the office, while simultaneously working my tummy into knots that I didn’t get my homework done and it’s currently 10:30pm and I’m still at the office. I was getting antsy, aggravated and began to realize that if I wanted to move forward it was time to loosen up the strain…
So before I completely went berzerk I put in my notice, hoping my blog could help me get by, I mean, it’s a frugality blog right? If there was ever a time to practice what you preach, it’s now!
You may have noticed there are ads in my sidebar among a few other changes in the blog. I am able to generate a small amount of money by monetizing my blog, and your presence here helps me pay my bills. It is such a gift that you, my reader can light up my life by reading my blog and leaving your delightful comments but that your support of my blog helps me gain traffic that helps me better leverage my writing skills to advertisers and get me noticed by others who further this blog (getting featured at BlogHer has been pretty darn snazzy!)
I get so many kind compliments, comments and emails about the blog- thank you! Every time you visit my page, leave a comment, share my link or share my blog on your social media networks, you are supporting what has become not just a passion, but my income. Granted, times are tight- but I love what I do. THANK YOU for being a part of this.
Some people take issue with employing ads or other monetization strategies on your blog. While I can totally understand their standpoint- ads can be annoying and at times you have to question the motives of the blogger who “sells out,” to ads or monetization opportunities. I can promise you that I keep as transparent as possible. (Did you know that blogs are regulated by the FTC when you monetize them? You legally have to have a disclaimer page or disclose on posts when a third party gave money or products!)
Truth be told, it has been such a blessing to be able to make enough money to buy groceries with my writing. Honestly, getting paid to interact with readers, write what I love and grow my little labor-of-love over the past year has been tremendously powerful and a totally motivating!
You may have noticed I am now doing giveaways. Some of the gifts have been out of my own pocket, but I’ve been getting some wonderful offers from companies to collaborate in reader giveaways- (yes, that means you and yes, that means free stuff! Woot!)
I hope you know how much you mean to me as a reader of this blog. Posting as been cathartic and has transformed me as a person, thank you for being a part of this. With your support I’ve been able to talk about so many personal topics- love, loss, growth, health and dreams…not just frugality or saving money on groceries!
…but what next? I hope to continue to grow this blog and build a life around it. I love to write, am gaga for social media and love working on the computer. My next step involves growing this blog up and out and trust me, I plan on rewarding you along the way. You made this possible, and I promise never to forget it.
I'm so very excited for you, sweetie! I love hearing about my bloggy friends making their dreams come true, & it gives me hope of making mine come true too. Congrats & can't wait to see where this adventure takes you!
Congrats. This is a huge step. I am sure you will do amazing things.
Congrats on ditching the job! I'm still stuck with mine for a little while, but blogging does help my wife stay home and raise our child, soon to be two… so I can't complain!
As someone who went through a grad school + working full time = burnout phase of life, it's exciting to see you doing so well with your blogging! It's really cool to see a single girl, personal finance blogger who's on a path to success. Yay for you, Shannyn!
I also went through school and a job at the same time so I can understand how happy and relieved you must feel. I am really happy for you and wish you the best. 🙂 I found your blog on the comment you left on my budget blog group on IFB and I am now following on bloglovin and facebook. 🙂 Take care and happy blogging. ♥
This is great. I love posts like yours. They are not just inspiring, they are motivating and encouraing and show people what one person can achieve. Congratulations! I am a new old Yakezie challenger and I need to read more posts like this. 🙂 Loooove your pug! I have one too and I have to say pugs are the best dogs. Ever. 🙂
I really enjoyed this post, Shannyn, and it gave me hope that perhaps I might be able to quit my day job too, if I can get my design business off the ground 😛 It's given me a lot of motivation!
It must have been a great feeling to not have to do those crazy hours any more! I've been there, done that (two jobs though, rather than study), and can attest to there being a serious burn out point. I actually had a mini break down while out of town recently and pretty much just screamed about not wanting to go back to work for five minutes before finally calming down and deciding to do something about it.
Good luck with everything, I'm sure you're going to to great. Your blog is fab and your writing wonderful. you can't get a better combination than that.
<3
Kim
I have no problems with bloggers making a living off ads. In fact I'm glad they're able to do it. No one should be at a job that they don't care for or that doesn't pay them well. Good work gets rewarded, well at least at your blog it does. I'm sorry that you didn't get rewarded at your other job but it's nice that you were able to find your passion. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing that. Actually I hope it inspires people to go out for what they want. A lot of people think blogging is silly or that you can't possibly make a living at it, but I think anything is possible if you do it right.
Congratulations, Shannyn! I'm so proud of and happy for you!
Congrats, Shannyn! That's awesome!
Respect! Even though I run a site called, "Don't Quit Your Day Job", I respect your decision to quit yours. Your ads don't bother me at all – they are well placed.
You go girl! I think you are making a great investment for your future happiness and the wealth building will quickly follow. And I will be there the whole way, supporting you.
CONGRATS! This is great news. Anyone who has issues with advertising can just ignore them. 😉 So excited to see where this new chapter of your life leads you!
Congratulations, Shannyn! I'm glad you have the opportunity to be more "you."
Congrats Shannyn! You are doing such a wonderful job with this blog that you deserve being supported by it:)
OMG congratulations!! I'm so excited for you!!
As someone who will shortly be joining you in a similar fashion, I find it encouraging to see that it's working for you. Good luck!
Very courageous! It takes guts to quit your job and strike out on your own. I'm sure you'll do just fine.
I'm so proud of you!!
Congrats to you–best wishes!
Shannyn, I’m so proud of you!! Have I told you how amazing you are lately?
[…] consultant with a very big heart for giving back. Through her blog she has not only been able to quit her day job, she was also able to raise money (over $700 to be exact) to donate to the pug rescue that saved […]