Reality

Reality

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Sweater: Line Knitwear (similar here and here); Skirt: Zara (similar here and here); Boots: Alexander Wang

I consider myself incredibly blessed to have made a career out of doing what I love, but like every other profession, there are both upsides and downsides to being a blogger. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for 3 years now, and no matter which sector I’ve worked in, whether it be in publishing, PR, or blogging, there’s a tendency for people to think it’s all glamour and no work. So here’s the reality of what it’s like to be a full time blogger:

The Good:

  • My favourite part about blogging is the people it’s allowed me to meet. Some of my best friends are fellow bloggers who inspire me everyday
  • The opportunities I’ve gotten through blogging are incredible. I am so grateful to have been able to work with big brands, while also being able to discover new ones!
  • Having full creative control over my work without the constraints of someone else’s vision.
  • Being able to travel on a whim and being able to work with beautiful hotels in different cities.
  • The feeling of getting an email or personal message about someone truly appreciating something I recommended!
  • All the incredible stuff that’s sent to me on a regular basis – I haven’t bought makeup in 8 months.
  • Being able to attend the most elaborate, glamorous, and memorable events.

The Bad

  • The face certain people make when you tell them you’re a blogger. This is still not an industry that’s necessarily respected, but time’s are changing so I’m hopeful!
  • The complete and utter absence of work life balance: whether it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday, we’re always working.
  • The pressure of constantly being judged by your numbers on social media.
  • The need to remind myself CONSTANTLY that my worth and creative ability isn’t determined by the number of likes or followers I have.
  • The ongoing battle to explain to brands the fact that what we do is real work that we deserve to be compensated for.
  • Forgetting to live in the present and enjoy life in real time, as opposed to looking at it through a camera.
  • The shoulder-aches from carrying a DSLR + 2 lenses around with me like they’re a fifth limb (even on vacation when I’m out for 12 hours at a stretch).

So there you have it, the reality of life as a blogger. But with it all being said and done, I consider myself very privileged and wouldn’t change a thing!

Photography by Chris Smart

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40 Comments

  1. November 24, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    Your skirt is very lovely. Cute styling of the outfit. I’m not yet a full time blogger. Hopefully, one day. I’m inspired by this post, thank you.

    Inez | My Small World

  2. November 24, 2016 / 3:25 pm

    I totally agree with your point of view. When we’re commited to blogging we have no more weekends or free time. We’re always trying to create something, to shoot on a different angle, to produce great content, and so on. It is a never ending list.
    However the perks of blogging are way too good, and i really enjoy blogging. I hope i can turn it into full time soon.
    Talking about the outfit, it is awesome. I love this sweater.
    Have a wonderful day dear.
    lefashionaire.com

  3. November 24, 2016 / 3:57 pm

    Couldn’t agree with you more here. Although I still own my companies… I finally became a full time blogger this past February and couldn’t be more thrilled. Everything is going fabulous. I have always been my own boss (never worked for anyone else) so this was an easy transition, I normally never have any free time and only ever have to answer to myself. However there are some definite challenges, like you said there is still some what of a stigma that goes along with it.

    But it’s all fun! Who runs the world?

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

  4. November 24, 2016 / 7:03 pm

    You hit the nail on the head hun, its hectic being a full time blogger especially when you go through personal trauma or challenges, there is no down time…. xx

  5. November 24, 2016 / 11:25 pm

    Cool outfit! I love your jumper! 🙂 xx

  6. November 24, 2016 / 11:32 pm

    I totally agree with you 100% Great post babe!
    You look beyond gorgeous! Loving your hair and makeup here.
    Thank you for sharing beauty!! Happy Friday.
    Xx, Raysa

  7. November 25, 2016 / 1:43 am

    I love your honesty with this post. I feel the same way sometimes. I love the look! This skirt is so amazing and I adore the chunky sweater paired with it. One of my fave looks on you!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  8. Yiota
    November 25, 2016 / 9:00 am

    In my country, blogging is something new (!) and people don’t even know what it means. And when I try to explain what I do, they laugh! But I don’t care about their reaction, I do what I love and in 5 years, everyone will want to do it here haha! Love your skirt, so pretty! x

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

  9. November 25, 2016 / 8:39 pm

    I’m in love with those boots, every time I see them in stores I want to take them home with me. Carrying a DSLR is a nightmare sometimes. ahaha

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

  10. November 25, 2016 / 9:39 pm

    The need to remind myself CONSTANTLY that my worth and creative ability isn’t determined by the number of likes or followers I have. – this is KEY and we might all stuggle with it at some point!

    Lovely skirt!

    http://www.desiringsme.com/the-realest-outfit/

  11. Miri
    November 25, 2016 / 10:38 pm

    I totally agree with the pros and cons! There is nothing I would add. Thank you for sharing. You made me smile. 🙂
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

  12. November 26, 2016 / 12:39 am

    Love how you styled this entire outfit. I do have to agree with you on the challenging side to blogging, everything you’ve stated is true, especially the followers issue and explaining to brands we need to be compensated for the work we put out.

    xx
    http://www.thestylefanatic.com

  13. November 26, 2016 / 4:20 am

    It’s hard dealing with the pressure of SM. Numbers seem to mean a lot in the blogging world even to newbie bloggers like me, so I appreciate hearing from a senior blogger that you struggle with it too.

    On a side note, you look amazing! I love the ruffled detail on that skirt

    Carly at A Modern Mom Blog

  14. November 26, 2016 / 4:47 am

    I totally hear you girl! Right now my shoulders are aching from being hunched over my desk all day catching up on all the blogging work I missed for taking off two days to travel and celebrate Thanksgiving. Just a short break can wreak havoc on my blogging schedule haha! But as bloggers we understand and support one another. It’s so great to have blogger friends like you to keep us sane haha!

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

  15. November 26, 2016 / 10:16 am

    So true, blogging isn’t all fun and games all the time. I enjoy it so much and wish that was all I was doing for a living. Glad you are doing what you love!

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

  16. November 26, 2016 / 4:17 pm

    The skirt is fantastic! You wear it so well.

    ANOUK

  17. November 26, 2016 / 6:49 pm

    Beautiful outfit! xoxo

  18. November 26, 2016 / 10:15 pm

    That is such a unique skirt!! Love it!
    While I have no intentions of taking blogging full time (I love my full time job!), it’s such an amazing creative outlet, and I’ve met so many amazing people through it

    Kris | Window Seat Style

  19. November 27, 2016 / 5:09 pm

    OoooOOh I had no idea you were a full-time blogger, I think your Pros and Cons are spot on, I blog part-time and only began to do it seriously this year (and there are still so many things I need to do promotions wise before my blog really takes flight) and I know what you mean by everything being so reliant on figures and sometimes- not being able to enjoy the moment. Sometimes I think the people who clicked onto various SM platforms first are really lucky, e.g. Susie Bubble with blogging, coz when they started blogging was not a business and they could truly just enjoy the creative side of it, without having to deal with the business side. But then at the same time, the fact it is a business is pretty cool as people can pursue their passions full-time…Anyhoo, loved the comment about you not buying makeup in about 8 months, lucky you! ( :

  20. November 27, 2016 / 5:29 pm

    I really loved this post. I would love to be a full time blogger, but where I live that’s only for girls with a lot of money. I don’t lose hope though, I work very hard on my blog to make it grow.
    Thanks for sharing this and I love your outfit btw!
    Obsessed Fashion Blog

  21. Harija
    November 28, 2016 / 3:52 am

    Love the cons and pros of blogging. I started blogging to reduce my stress and continue my passion for fashion in another method. I didn’t have the courage to put up a video on YouTube but felt blogging was the best platform for me.

  22. November 28, 2016 / 6:32 am

    All. too. real!!! Thanks for letting me know – we’re not alone in this 🙂

  23. November 28, 2016 / 1:00 pm

    Love your look! Amazing knit and incredible skirt!

    Regarding the topics you mentioned I couldn’t agree more about real value and followers through the eyes of brands!
    Architecture student speaking with only two hands two legs and one head, trying to balance full time university, thesis and diploma project, portfolio building and blog posting. Guess the brands are not going to ask about your skills if your numbers are not satisfying after all!

    Keep up the great work beautiful!
    http://www.sanssouci.website

  24. November 28, 2016 / 5:14 pm

    Love your style! You look amazing!

  25. November 29, 2016 / 3:53 pm

    That sweater and skirt combination is so gorg. I love the little fishtail and netting detail on it.

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