Life gets in the way sometimes and it's hard to get back to where you were. At certain points last year I felt like I was doing really well with blogging - I was providing information which saved people a lot of money and I actually enjoyed getting up and tinkering in this space every day. I was still freelancing and helping out with my radio job but my online ventures became my my main job and I loved every second. Then towards the end of 2012 I was given the opportunity to take my dream role in broadcasting, something I'd trained in and loved for years, I couldn't turn it down. I love my job, it's exciting, it challenges me and makes me endlessly happy.
However because I've thrown myself so deeply into my job I feel like I've let my blog slide, I've allowed standards to drop and I haven't been happy with that. I haven't been putting out my best work and I haven't been proud of my posts over here for a while. I haven't been able to reply to emails or comments like I used to - I'm managing 9 separate work related email accounts, plus 3 blog related along with my personal email. It all got too much. I actually feel better for writing that down.
Now I've got into the swing of my new job (whilst still balancing my freelancing and occasional radio gigs) and the puppy is settled into a routine which doesn't include constant eagle eyed watching in case he poops on the carpet, I feel ready to jump back into proper (in my terms) blogging.
A few things have changed here at Thrifty Towers, I'm taking steps not to allow my depression (which I talked about here) to take over and not to drown in work and blogging. One such step is hiring an assistant - Alice. She'll mainly be working with me on my day job and a few freelance things but in the interests of transparency she may do a few blog posts or reply to emails in time. That said she will always post or reply as her and never pose as me. Mostly she'll just be helping with the admin and research side of my job therefore allowing me time to blog and spend time with my family and friends which I haven't been able to do for a while when trying to juggle everything.
Readers have always been an important part of A Thrifty Mrs. The comments often contain much more useful and thrifty recommendations that my posts and you've always been so incredibly supportive, so I felt I needed to share I'm aware I've let things slide over the past few months and I'm now at a point where I can get back to putting out (hopefully) useful content again.
TTFN,
P.S. Thanks for sticking with me.
1) You are awesome
ReplyDelete2) I can't wait for more posts from you and Alice because see number 1
3) Please don't ever apologise for not posting because of life stuff. Your readers understand because they know number 1 is true.
4) See number 1 again damn it.
see above comment from hayley and these are my thoughts exactly !!!
ReplyDeletekasie x
Agree too! Don't beat yourself up about it. No one expects you not to have a life, or to sacrifice your dream job or anything else for the sake of a blog! I hope you feel more relaxed about it now?!
ReplyDeleteTo be totally honest I hadn't noticed things were 'that' bad content wise, so I suspect you are talking more about your own intentions. Over Christmas and New Year there is an inevitable change of pace for most bloggers, in my opinion, so I wouldn't worry too much. I have also noticed that when someone has a change in their life marriage/jobs/baby/health etc then their blog usually reflects that at least temporarily, but in the end they will resume to normal service lol. Good luck with you exciting new workload.
ReplyDeleteVal
xxx
Don't beat yourself up...Life is always chopping and changing and your posts are consistently great, interesting and helpful!
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes there is too much pressure on us to be super human if it's not possible to post one day or one week worry not, because there's always another day :)
& I must agree the first comment from Hayley is just perfect!
x
Mrs. Thrifty!
ReplyDeleteI continually admire your honesty whenever it comes to blogging - you don't try and gloss over issues or try to give us all the illusion that you're blissfully floating through life in a constant state of delight.
You are always real and honest and I feel like your blog is very much you but in writing. I always look forward to reading any of your posts as they are always useful and well thought out. The idea of you hiring an assistant is a brilliant one, I have no qualms about her answering emails or posting here, the more the merrier! Also, if having Alice gives you time to spend with your family and friends then that's even better.
I don't know how you aren't pleased with your blogging, your most recent series on organising was amazing!!
ReplyDeletehttp://thelittlekoala.blogspot.co.uk
Life can be so thoughtless sometimes can't it ;) I totally know how it feels when something you are so passionate about (eg blogging) takes an unwanted back seat. I still adore your blog and haven't noticed a difference in the quality of posts so don't be too hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteEm
x
http://www.emsmixedbag.blogspot.co.uk
Do we have perfectionist tendencies? I love what you're doing and so do others. Just relax and enjoy the ride. But thanks for introducing Alice. Who is she and what does she like?
ReplyDeleteI love your recent blog posts! You really helped me get organised with the 15 day series and looking forward to your spring clean ones.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog always have and I haven't found it any less awesome than i ever have. Totally agree with the first comment!! x
ReplyDeleteIf you ever need a third pair of hands, I would be more than happy to help : )
ReplyDeleteLove your posts xxx
http://insidemywardobe.blogspot.se/
To me you are the essence of the term "girl power". I love your posts even if they are not relevant to me. When they are relevant they hit the nail right on the head. Never put yourself down, you have a mountain of respect and you ARE worth it.
ReplyDeleteSounds great :) Can't wait to meet Alice! Hope things will start to look up for you!
ReplyDeletehttps://abundanceoferica.blogspot.ca
I agree with all the comments post above. I Love reading your blog and I thought the recent organisation posts were super.x
ReplyDeleteAgree with above, your posts are as good as always!! No need to apologise. As for hiring Alice, I'm sure she'll be great (not biased). x
ReplyDeletewww.teapartywithalice.com
I hope more people take a leaf out of your book and don't drown in life. I was in danger of drowning and was really ill last year. I'm just learning to live again now, but will never EVER allow life to get too much. I am very, very pleased to read you are back blogging, and equally pleased that you have help. Welcome Alice! FMx
ReplyDeleteLife changes & things need to settle into a different pattern. I did not think that there was anything wrong at all with the posts you have been putting out (I now have an organised wardrobe thanks to you!!) but your honesty is appreciated :)
ReplyDeleteHurrah on the broadcasting job btw x
Sweetheart, you are beautiful and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMind yourself hun. That's what's most important x
ReplyDeleteYou don't need to apologise for not blogging often.. I'm sure most of your readers ( including me!) understand that you have a life outside of blogging. We still enjoy the posts that you write! xxx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely no reason to apologise! Plenty to keep me occupied on here (about to make some homemade toner) - keep being amazing!
ReplyDeleteReally pleased that work has being going well for you and it sounds like lots of positive changes have been made so yay! :D
ReplyDeleteMaria xxx
Your content has been great as far as I could tell. :) No need to apologise, the Thrifty magic has never wavered out in readerland.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your career success, too. Careers can be a big challenge for anyone and especially for those of us who need to watch our MH, oftentimes though we end up making all the greater successes (so long as we take care). Onwards and upwards, innit. :)
You are fabulous and I am amazed you have time to fit in everything you do as it is.
ReplyDeleteYou are superwoman!
I simply love your posts,...... I am however, even more looking forward to the future ones now. You are so honest, it's beyond refreshing & very inspiring for the vast majority of us who have anything but perfect lives. You've certainly inspired me to keep moving forward through what has been a very difficult few months. Martina.
ReplyDeleteDepression is a constant battle, just remember many people love you and always put yourself first. :) x
ReplyDeleteHow you have enough hours in the day...it amazes me, it really does.
ReplyDeleteYou have a life to live outside of the internets, and though I can only speak for myself, I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that you should, indeed, be able to have that. And not feel guilty for being here!
We can wait. We may twiddle our thumbs (and we will certainly miss you, because you are a good writer, and you always have good things to share), but we will be back.
xoxo, Jess
I always love your posts! I think the most important thing is that you are happy, as it's your blog!
ReplyDeleteI've not been reading your blog for long, but to be honest I've never noticed any difference in the standard of your posts. However its clearly something that's bothered you, so to that end, good on you for being honest and admitting you're not happy with it.
ReplyDeleteLife is never perfect and in a way its reassuring to read posts like this as it reminds all of us that none of us have it easy all the time. I struggle at times with a day job, one blog and one email account, so I can't imagine how you find the time to do what you do! I hope having an assistant will take the pressure off and allow you a bit more free time :)
A. No need to apologise
ReplyDeleteB. You, your blog, your life, your readers are real - life happens!
C. Your blog is always brilliant, don't be so hard on yourself.
D. You rock.
E. Enjoy time with friends and family. We've monopolised you too much - they must miss you.
I think everyone reaches a point where they need to acknowledge that they can't run on four cylinders all the time. I know how frustrated I get when I can't seem to perform well at work, with blogging and in my personal life all at the same time. I think it's a great idea to get an assistant - definitely important for self preservation I think xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.queenieandthedew.com
I know how you feel! xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://jeminixlife.blogspot.com