Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Growing Pains


In my experience, once something fun becomes "work" it's no longer fun. Pretty simple logic right? Suddenly you don't feel in charge and all sorts of pressures start coming at you.

I began blogging a couple of years ago not for the potential money that it could bring but for the pure fun and challenge of it all. As I start to get advertisers and more readers, I'm also sensing a bit more stress. Believe me, I'm not complaining about the advertisers and readers - I'm very very grateful for that, it's just the inevitable byproduct (aka stress) that I need to deal with NOW before it starts to get out of control. Must nip you in the bud. And the annoying part? It's all self-imposed. Yep, the worst kind of stress. So what will I do about it? Step 1. Bitch about it (done). Two, trick myself into believing that nothing has changed? No, that would be dumb. You know what? I think I'm starting to hit the point where I need to decide whether it's a hobby or a job. Hillsy has been so helpful and has even volunteered to take over managing ad sales and other technical aspects that may soon need to change. Maybe by removing this from my equation it'll be easier to separate the two and I can keep doing the part that I love - the editorial "fun" part.

Sorry for the ramble, it's just one of those days.

photo: wikimedia

2 comments:

lisacitron said...

Your posting really resonated with me today.

You had a hobby - a whim which has evolved into a job. Your next evolution the one you are faced with now is "how do I make this job, a career".

In my career in technology sales and marketing I have days where it is a JOB... the worst "J" "O" "B" and I have had days where it is a fulfilling, exciting career. Many of the latter have been when I can work as a team with people I like --- you have Hillsy... Where I remember to smell the roses... go for a coffee or grab lunch.... and where I am feeling rewarded for the job I do.

As one of your newer readers... you are making a difference. I was a huge crafter / experimenter.. and somewhere a few years ago - lost my crafty mojo. Reading HeartHandmade has brought that back. I dusted off my hot glue gun last weekend!

So feel rewarded. You are TALENTED! Butterfly, your evolution to career has begun.

Marichelle said...

Hi Lisa!! Thank you so much for your comment. I think I definitely needed to hear that.

I guess a lot of it has to do with fear. When something is just a hobby, failure doesn't seem so bad. But knowing that there's a bigger audience out there mixed in with small businesses relying on you, expecting results - it becomes a much scarier place. Hillsy tries to remind me not to get so bogged down thinking about that stuff and to just keep doing what I'm doing - but you know that's easier said than done. So thank you for reminding me why I went down this path in the first place. It was to make a difference - to provide a unique outlet for artists/crafters and to increase overall demand for indie-produced products. So now I just need to figure out how to channel all this stress-ball energy that's been building up and refocus. (The 60+ degree weather this weekend might help.)

PS. I'm so happy you got your craft mojo back, can't wait to see what you end up making!! Thanks again for dropping by and saying hello!