Fun fact (that everyone already knows): I have two full-time jobs.
THE LOOK | dress, suede moto jacket, sandals (sold out; similar here, flat version here), handbag, celine sunglasses
Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I often get “praised” (for the lack of a better word) for having a full time job on top of Pink Champagne Problems. This actually didn’t start happening to me until this year, although I’ve had my blog for almost five years. I think a few things contributed to this: I was posting more, showing face at more events, landing more campaigns, and I was growing on social media.
Today I wanted to write more about why I feel like I am working two jobs, how I manage them both and a few pros/cons of them!
When I decided I had two full time jobs:
I’d say I started taking Pink Champagne Problems seriously at the end of 2015. I’d say I got REAL serious about Pink Champagne Problems in August 2016. That’s when I legitimately started looking at Pink Champagne Problems as a brand and a business. I don’t necessarily work 40 hours every week, but the number is pretty much up there every week. Throughout the process of thinking like a small business owner, I started learning tricks of the trade: Becoming an accountant, an SEO “expert”, a negotiator, and a strategist. Once I realized I wore many hats, I knew I was ready to take the plunge and make it official.
So in March of 2017, Pink Champagne Problems LLC., became a thing. It’s also when I feel like I began working two jobs, both full-time.
Why I do this to myself…
A lot of people ask me HOW I currently am working two jobs, but I really think it starts with WHY I decide to manage both and take on all of this work. There’s really only one explanation: I SERIOUSLY LOVE WHAT I DO. I love waking up every day and heading into my office. I love my coworkers. And I love my role as a Merchandiser. I also love coming home and working on drafts, coming up with contracts, and connecting with brands and readers. I love shooting on the weekends and I love that I’m beginning to create more travel content.
How I work two jobs full-time and manage both…
I know the easy answer would be to say I have excellent time management skills. No, mine aren’t the greatest, but they’re pretty decent. This really goes back to me just simply loving what I do. I make time for both of my jobs. I’ve fallen into a pretty standard routine as far as shooting content for the blog, which takes the most time to plan and execute. When it comes to answering emails and writing posts, I typically do this throughout the day and at night…really whenever I have the time. For social media, Instagram is usually set to post around 9:45pm. I have tweets scheduled to go out a ton throughout the day. I try to have some posts scheduled to Facebook too – usually linking back to older posts along with the latest posts. I need to figure out the right Pinterest schedule for me. I really can’t get into the groove of Pinterest (probably because there’s SO much that goes into it), but I hear of so many people who get most of their traffic from it.
When it comes to my actual site, I spend a lot of time making minor tweaks. I also have hired someone to manage my SEO strategy for each post. This helps alleviate some of the pressure when it comes to creating the perfect blog post. I’ve been trying to put most of my time and effort into my actual website, since this is really the only platform I have FULL control of.
I also need to manage my actual time. I say no to a lot of events and opportunities, simply because I don’t have enough time in a day to please everyone. Although I’d like to go to more events, I really just can’t. Oh, and a lot of events happen RIGHT after work (and even during the day), so I really don’t want to be social or look remotely presentable;)
Pros Of Managing Both…
Definitely the experience. At the office, I’ve learned such essential skills that will definitely be beneficial in any career path I take. I absolutely love working in the fashion industry, and I think my knowledge as a Merchandiser helps me with this blog as well! Trend forecasting really helps keep me on my toes when it comes to creating new looks to share with you. On the flip side, my knowledge of the social trends are really important when it comes to meeting with E-Commerce and Marketing teams.
Cons of managing both…
The cons of working two jobs? Definitely having to forfeit some really great opportunities because my career as a Merchandiser is my number one priority. Also, I could mention the lack of free time. This “con” doesn’t bother me as much as passing up some great opportunities. But sometimes I 100% dread having to write a post because I’ve had a long day/week at the office. Still, at the end of the day, I’m having a lot of fun doing both jobs – so I consider myself pretty lucky.
Will I ever take Pink Champagne Problems full-time?…
This is the toughest question to answer. And of course, I get asked it a lot. Have I thought about doing this as my one and only job? Yes, of course. Especially since so many others are. But right now, I’d have to say NO. I don’t think I could leave my career as a Merchandiser. I honestly love what I do. And yes, working two jobs is a lot of work, but I love where I’m at. And I love the success I’m having in BOTH of my jobs.
Then again, I never want to say never. Things may change down the road. But right now, I like the idea of my benefits, health insurance, and a consistent income. I’m not too much of a risk-taker, especially when I feel like I’m exactly where I should be at this point in time.
SHOP THIS LOOK:
It’s such a pain in the butt to manage both, but you’re killing it!! I really wish I found my “dream job” after school. I worked in marketing for 3.5 years before hiring full-time with the blog, and I just never found a job that I 100% loved (if I did, I probably would be juggling both careers right now!)
You do both jobs so well, and I think you made the best decision ??
I totally applaud you for taking the risk and going full-time with AT! You seem SO much happier right now, it really shows in your content! xx
Awesome post gal! You’re truly killing the game, all the way around. Super proud of your for kicking butt at both full time jobs! Keep it up.
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Love ya lady! And you know how I feel about YOU – I think what you’re doing is amazing! xx
I love this post Dana! It can be so challenging to manage two full-time jobs but you are killing it! I love what you have built with PCP! xo Bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
Aww, thank you, Bryn! I’m SO happy we’ve connected here – I love seeing you grow your brand! xx
LOVE this post! I just started my full-time job in NYC, and am trying to figure out the right balance between the two 🙂 It seems like you are doing a great job! Would love to meet up sometime.
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Thank you, Lauren! It takes some time and practice, but you’ll get into a routine and find what works for you!
We should definitely connect IRL – shoot me an email!
Great post my friend!! I hear you on pretty much every point above. As some one with the same 2 jobs as you I seriously love what I do in my 9-5 AND after hours! I only ever get bummed when I see my blogger friends brunching on a Tuesday and I’m at work not even sure if I’ll get lunch b/c I’m so busy! ha. You’re rocking it girl!!
Thank you so much, Gentry! I’m so glad we’re on the same page…I definitely get FOMO from time to time, but I’m so glad we both love what we do! xx
this is truly inspirational and educational. I’m extremely busy with my 8-6 job plus my blog whenever I get a free minute what means no time to play. Thank you for sharing and please stop by to see some of my latest posts.
http://www.elegantduchess.com/
Oh thank you so much! And yes, definitely not too much time to “play” but it’s still so fun! xx
Such a great post! Also, I’m totally in love with this look on you!!!
Thank you, Jenn! You’re definitely a huge inspiration when it comes to kicking butt at two jobs! xx
This is an amazing post Dana! I’m definitely going to have to pick your brain sometime about how you motivate yourself in the evening, since this whole transition to full-time has been hard for me!
Also, I’m obsessed with that dress/jacket combo – need!
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
Yeah, absolutely – WHEN WE FINALLY PICK A DAY TO GET DINNER/DRINKS!!!! 😉 I know you’ll be able to get into a routine and kill it from there! xx
Thanks for being so honest here! You are literally superwoman managing two jobs. It’s such an inspiration you’ve learned how to juggle both!
Much love,
Ashley | dearash.com
You MADE my day! I really appreciate this, Ashley! xx
The best part of this is that you are loving both of your jobs! When you have that then the cons aren’t that big. For sure that takes a lot of energy. You are amazing! certainly an inspiration for me.
xx, Melissa
https://elephantontheroad.com
Thank you, Melissa! I feel SO lucky that I love what I do, and on the flip side, I commend the ones who take risks and leave jobs when they’re unhappy! Your comment absolutely brightened my day! xx
Girl this is great! I made the change to blogging full time in Jan and also work a few contracting jobs. Girlbosses unite!
xx,
Lauren
Lauren Elyce
Thank you so much for reading, lady! I really appreciate the hard work we all do and how we crush it in our own ways! xx
That dress is gorgeous! XO, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
Thank you! xx
Loved this post! Blogging and working a FT job is really, really hard, and I don’t even dedicate a full-time schedule to my blog! I think in NYC too, where we have long hours, subway commutes, tons of events and social things, it’s especially tough. But when you love both it’s obviously worth it! (Also, benefits are GREAT.) So impressed that you manage both when your blog is at the size it’s at!!
x Diana // Pearl Girl
Thank you so much, Diana! I truly appreciate your kind words! xx
Yes, yesterday I was stuck on the subway for an extra 30 minutes -_- Small things New Yorkers gotta deal with really messes with our schedules!
YOU ARE FREAKIN AMAZING! Love that you are so good at balancing both, teach me your ways!!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
Thank you so much, lady! I really appreciate that! If you ever need to chat about balance, just shoot me an email! xx
Such an inspiring post! I too manage my blog and a full time job and I am still trying to find a good balance. Also, I am still new to the blogging world and I am trying to learn SEO and how to create my brand. I’m still working on growing my social following! Any advice on that?? Congrats on all of your success!! ❤️
Thank you so much, Julia! It definitely took me a long time to find the perfect balance and really just holding myself accountable for BOTH careers.
As far as social followings, I was lucky enough to grow mine a lot when Instagram and Twitter weren’t really as popular as they are now. But I continue to grow by REALLY engaging on other people’s content. I want to get to know them in hopes that they (and their followers) want to get to know me too! xx
Love your outfit! I am also balancing blogging and a full time job and it’s pretty challenging. Great post!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
You also manage two full time jobs while blogging! I can totally relate to you and I could incorporate some of these tips into my routine!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
What a well written post!! Even though I don’t work in your industry I can totally relate to the love you feel for your job! I think you are CRUSHING both things! 🙂
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com