She Strengthens

Balancing Act: How I Juggle a Corporate Career and Blogging

As I reflect on my journey, I’ve come to realize that maintaining a corporate career and growing a blog simultaneously is no easy feat. Despite the challenges, I’ve managed to make it work for over two years now. However, with my recent transition to a new social media manager role, I’ve faced a new set of hurdles.

The Corporate Life

Returning to the 9-5 grind was tougher than I anticipated. The commute, meetings, and onboarding process as a new employee were familiar territory, but I couldn’t shake off the doubts and anxieties that came with it. I felt guilty about not being able to tend to household chores, leaving them mostly to my husband. Moreover, I missed the flexibility of freelancing and blogging full-time.

Finding Joy in the New Job

Despite the initial struggles, I’ve grown to love my new role. The company’s supportive environment, impactful projects, and friendly colleagues have made a significant difference. As a bonus, I now supervise an intern, which has given me valuable insight and self-reflection.

What Drives Me

According to social psychologist Dan Pink, motivation stems from autonomy, mastery, and purpose. I’ve found that having all three elements in both my job and blog keeps me motivated. With a clear sense of purpose, I’m driven to continue pursuing both passions.

Blogging Amidst the Chaos

While balancing a corporate career and blogging can be overwhelming, I’ve developed strategies to make it work:

• Utilizing my commute: I use classical music to organize my thoughts and ideas during my daily drive.
• Planning ahead: I plan my content, photo shoots, and social media posts weeks in advance to stay on top of things.
• Accepting the new normal: I’ve come to terms with the fact that work doesn’t stop when I leave the office, and I’ve adjusted my routine accordingly.
• Slowing down: I’ve had to adjust my blogging pace, focusing on quality over quantity.
• Being selective: I’m more discerning about the brands I work with, ensuring they align with my values and limited capacity.
• Letting go of perfection: I’ve learned to prioritize content flow over perfection, recognizing that it’s okay to not have everything perfectly in place.

By embracing these strategies, I’ve been able to maintain my blog while thriving in my corporate career. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.