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Blogging Isn’t A Real Job

October 17, 2019

…and other stupid statements.

I’m like, huh?

How many times have you told someone you’re a blogger and been met with a blank stare, or–even worse–snickering?

We recently came back from Italy and the U.S. customs agent asked both of us what we did for a living as he scanned our passports.


“I’m a blogger,” I said.
The man (probably in his early 60s) stared at me for a moment. “I don’t understand what that means.”


“Well, I have a website where I write about living a healthy lifestyle. I work with brands that I believe in to bring my readers products and services that could help them do that.” I said, or, something along those lines. At that point, I had been up for nearly 24 hours.


The man studied me for a moment with a look on his face I could only describe as condescending. Finally, he turned to my husband and laughed “Don’t ever quit your job!”

I’ve yet to perfect my elevator pitch when it comes to being asked what I do. I have a influencer/blogger friend who just tells people she does online marketing. She says it cuts back on the questions and eyebrow raises. What do you think about her response?

Sadly, most bloggers I talk to have a similar story. I gave him an eyebrow raise as I took my passport back, but it got me thinking how little some people know about blogging as a profession. I could fill a book with stories about weekends typing away while my family played board games and watched movies on the couch, or wee morning hours barely able to keep my eyes open as I Googled “how to place google ads on your home page” for the 20th time. Or even learning to get over my fear of being photographed in public because, dammit, I AM my brand.

I could also add that one Friday morning when my entire website crashed and I spent an hour crying and then another 4 on the phone with customer support. Or every time I logged in to see that my page views had dropped and sadly wondering why I was even trying to blog in the first place.

The many faces of blogging.

Whoever said blogging is easy was out of their damn mind.

Blogging is a business and as bloggers, we are small business owners. Even though we don’t have a brick and mortar building, we are the sole proprietors in charge of (and certainly not limited to):

•marketing–most of us take our marketing into our own hands through platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. We work to get our brand out in front of the audience we want to connect with. This means tons of copywriting, editing, picture taking/selecting, scheduling and advertising.

•marketing collaborations–a good blogger will not represent a product or service they do not believe in. When we partner with a brand, it is to bring our readers a product/service that will help them. We may or may not earn a small commission off of it. Some partnerships only pay us in product, some in a flat fee.

•sales–see those banners and links on our website? No, we are not ‘sell-outs.’ We have a business that people seek out for whatever we offer (fashion inspo, blogging help, recipes, etc). Because we have a steady stream of readers coming to our site, placing the right ads generates income for us and helps our readers find/purchase the things they are interested in. This happens at no extra cost to our readers. When you purchase something through a link on our sites, you are supporting us and what we do and helping us continue to do it.

•hiring–many of us may not have actual employees, but we do hire services such as graphics designers, virtual assistants, newsletter services, photographers/videographers and more.

•taxes–yep. We pay taxes just like any other business owner.

•content creation–the reason our audience comes to us in the first place. Most bloggers do not have any help in this area. We are constantly brainstorming & writing posts and articles. We are researching which keywords are being searched most and figuring out a way we can get in front of (and help) more readers by using them in our articles. We are Pinning like madwomen and men, because Pinterest is an image-based search engine that drives a huge amount of traffic to our blogs. We are meeting with partners and negotiating collaborations and contracts.

This is a rare picture of my desk looking remarkably clean. It never looks like this…

Sure, it’s hard, but it can be rewarding.

There is no clocking in or out when you’re a blogger. You must learn to juggle this role with that of being a friend, wife, mom, etc. Sometimes that means making hard decisions like saying no to a huge partnership because spending time with the family is more important.

Along with all the aforementioned requirements, as a blogger, you also get to meet some amazing, creative people and sometimes you get to travel to really cool places and eat incredible food. The blogging community I’ve found myself in has become a source of inspiration and admiration for me. I would never have had the opportunity to meet so many badass business women and creative geniuses, if not for diving into this profession head first.

Without the blogging community, I never would have met my blogger bestie, Ashley of Smashingly Ashley She is an inspiration and a HUGE support when blogging gets hard.

My heart goes out to each and every one of y’all that decided blogging was your profession of choice. You are brave and creative and a downright badass. The sacrifices you make on the daily do not go unnoticed.

I want to hear from you:

What are some hardships you’ve faced that you never dreamed you’d encounter when first getting into this business?

What are some of the dumbest misconceptions you’ve heard about blogging in general?

Tell me the worst response you’ve gotten from telling people, “I’m a blogger.”

7 Comments
Filed Under: Blogging, Lifestyle Tagged: job, jobs, real

sunnyjennadanielle

Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down when you need to.
⠀⠀⠀
So often I find myself focused on an end goal that I forget to pause. To  b r e a t h.
⠀
So here it is: take 3 minutes to close your eyes and take deep breaths.
⠀⠀
Ok, carry on. ♥️
(21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkboman (21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkbomani alcohol-infused cold brew! ☕️ Say whaa? #sponsored
⠀⠀
I just filmed myself trying this magical elixir for the first time and my thoughts are up in my stories now! 👀@drinkbomani has 0g sugar and is only 110 calories, making it the perfect accompaniment to your weekend brunch spread.
⠀⠀
What do y’all think? Does hard coffee sound like your kind of thing??
#bomani
Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly h Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly holidays. In fact, I believe the world could use a few more of them with the year we’ve had. 🍷
⠀⠀
Unless it’s a dry Prosecco or rosé, I’m usually a red drinker—I’m all about the Chiantis. So what’s your fav kind of wine?? #weirdholidays
🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... 🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... sometimes it’s even necessary! It’s no secret that I love my wine (and whiskey and beer and tequila). Heck, it makes me a nicer person and loosens up my flawless dance moves. 💃🏼
⠀
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean abstaining from imbibery. You can stay on track with your health goals and still partake every now and then. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Balance the fun 🥂 with the good 🥗 and try not to go overboard on either end.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s your drink of choice? I’m a wine 🍷 or whiskey 🥃 kinda girl.
Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back t Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back to @bluehoundkc at @palomarphx! We recently had way too much fun on a girls weekend in downtown PHX where @smashinglyashley_ and I were incredibly fortunate to be invited to brunch at @bluehoundkc. Y’all. Their avocado toast. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
Everything we tried was amazing—including the spam and egg sliders. Whaaa? Yep, I ate them and I’m totally sold.😍 If you’re looking for a chic, beautiful spot for brunch, @bluehoundkc cannot be beat. I’ll be back soon to try a bourbon flight!
#hosted #grateful
📸: @whcoles
Never underestimate the power of: •sunshine in a Never underestimate the power of:
•sunshine in a quiet place
•eating fresh veggies
•getting up 1 hour earlier than you normally do
•writing down your goals
•moving your body at least 3x/week
⠀⠀⠀
They’re little things, really. But taking the moments to do small things for yourself can ultimately create a healthier version of you (mentally & physically). Happy Thursday, friends.
The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the biggest day of the year for skipping work. It’s been estimated that today costs American employers over $3 BILLION every year. Whoa.
⠀⠀
Regardless if you’re calling out or dragging yourself into work today, or even if you're just moving a little slower than normal, I know you’re going to make something of today.
⠀⠀⠀
You’re stronger than any hangover. You’re ready to start this week fresh! Pour yourself another cup of coffee and dab some extra concealer under those eyes. Let’s make this week the best 2021 has seen!
I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and embrace the stillness in the moments. I’m one of those people that has trouble slowing down. What about you?
⠀⠀
I am learning patience in the painfully slow moments. I am learning that my to do list will survive without my persistent attention. I am realizing that I am constantly learning.
⠀⠀
Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty for slowing down?
I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years ago, my Vitamin D levels tanked. I was dizzy, fatigued and it felt like my skin was vibrating. 🤯
⠀⠀
Did you know Vitamin D was that important?
⠀
I’m happiest in the sunshine (preferrably on a beach, mountain or some other beautiful vista) and it’s no wonder my husband calls me solar powered. Anytime I’m feeling stressed (like lately), I know I need to reconnect with the outdoors.
⠀⠀
I’m planning an entire day in the sunshine soon, who’s with me?!
I recently did a few polls in my stories asking wh I recently did a few polls in my stories asking what y’all would like to see more of. I like to think I can read my audience pretty well, but I love to get your unfiltered opinions.
⠀⠀⠀
𝙈𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚. I’m still figuring out my style at 33 (lol) but I love where it’s headed and I’m willing to bring y’all along. I am by no means a fashionista or a style blogger... most days I’m texting @smashinglyashley_ to dress me. 😂 BUT I’d love to show y’all more of the outfits I love.
⠀⠀⠀
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 was a big one! It’s what my blog and business were founded on and I am always thinking of ways I can incorporate healthy into every day life. Expect LOTS more of that!
⠀⠀⠀
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜. This one is a little harder for me. I’ve been a blogger for so many years and I recently took on a marketing director role as well as a venue manager role for a wedding venue. I’m busy. Like, all the time. But I seriously love it all and I’m finding it fits nicely in with my blogging. I am still figuring out how to incorporate them all together.... TBD.
⠀⠀
𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮. It’s no secret my bestie @smashinglyashley_ is a smoke show. She is—hands down— what y’all voted you want to see more of! When we’re together, we both get so many sweet DMs from y’all. She’s amazing and I’m glad y’all love her as much as I do. Yes. You will get more Smashingly Ashley coming soon!
⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣𝙨. I swear, y’all like my chickens more than you like me sometimes! The girls are doing great, and I will definitely share more of their cute clucks, wattles and faces soon!
⠀⠀⠀
If you missed out on the poll, tell me below (or DM me!) what you’d like to see more of on here!! 👇🏼
Follow on Instagram

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sunnyjennadanielle

Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down when you need to.
⠀⠀⠀
So often I find myself focused on an end goal that I forget to pause. To  b r e a t h.
⠀
So here it is: take 3 minutes to close your eyes and take deep breaths.
⠀⠀
Ok, carry on. ♥️
(21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkboman (21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkbomani alcohol-infused cold brew! ☕️ Say whaa? #sponsored
⠀⠀
I just filmed myself trying this magical elixir for the first time and my thoughts are up in my stories now! 👀@drinkbomani has 0g sugar and is only 110 calories, making it the perfect accompaniment to your weekend brunch spread.
⠀⠀
What do y’all think? Does hard coffee sound like your kind of thing??
#bomani
Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly h Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly holidays. In fact, I believe the world could use a few more of them with the year we’ve had. 🍷
⠀⠀
Unless it’s a dry Prosecco or rosé, I’m usually a red drinker—I’m all about the Chiantis. So what’s your fav kind of wine?? #weirdholidays
🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... 🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... sometimes it’s even necessary! It’s no secret that I love my wine (and whiskey and beer and tequila). Heck, it makes me a nicer person and loosens up my flawless dance moves. 💃🏼
⠀
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean abstaining from imbibery. You can stay on track with your health goals and still partake every now and then. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Balance the fun 🥂 with the good 🥗 and try not to go overboard on either end.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s your drink of choice? I’m a wine 🍷 or whiskey 🥃 kinda girl.
Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back t Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back to @bluehoundkc at @palomarphx! We recently had way too much fun on a girls weekend in downtown PHX where @smashinglyashley_ and I were incredibly fortunate to be invited to brunch at @bluehoundkc. Y’all. Their avocado toast. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
Everything we tried was amazing—including the spam and egg sliders. Whaaa? Yep, I ate them and I’m totally sold.😍 If you’re looking for a chic, beautiful spot for brunch, @bluehoundkc cannot be beat. I’ll be back soon to try a bourbon flight!
#hosted #grateful
📸: @whcoles
Never underestimate the power of: •sunshine in a Never underestimate the power of:
•sunshine in a quiet place
•eating fresh veggies
•getting up 1 hour earlier than you normally do
•writing down your goals
•moving your body at least 3x/week
⠀⠀⠀
They’re little things, really. But taking the moments to do small things for yourself can ultimately create a healthier version of you (mentally & physically). Happy Thursday, friends.
The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the biggest day of the year for skipping work. It’s been estimated that today costs American employers over $3 BILLION every year. Whoa.
⠀⠀
Regardless if you’re calling out or dragging yourself into work today, or even if you're just moving a little slower than normal, I know you’re going to make something of today.
⠀⠀⠀
You’re stronger than any hangover. You’re ready to start this week fresh! Pour yourself another cup of coffee and dab some extra concealer under those eyes. Let’s make this week the best 2021 has seen!
I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and embrace the stillness in the moments. I’m one of those people that has trouble slowing down. What about you?
⠀⠀
I am learning patience in the painfully slow moments. I am learning that my to do list will survive without my persistent attention. I am realizing that I am constantly learning.
⠀⠀
Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty for slowing down?
I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years ago, my Vitamin D levels tanked. I was dizzy, fatigued and it felt like my skin was vibrating. 🤯
⠀⠀
Did you know Vitamin D was that important?
⠀
I’m happiest in the sunshine (preferrably on a beach, mountain or some other beautiful vista) and it’s no wonder my husband calls me solar powered. Anytime I’m feeling stressed (like lately), I know I need to reconnect with the outdoors.
⠀⠀
I’m planning an entire day in the sunshine soon, who’s with me?!
I recently did a few polls in my stories asking wh I recently did a few polls in my stories asking what y’all would like to see more of. I like to think I can read my audience pretty well, but I love to get your unfiltered opinions.
⠀⠀⠀
𝙈𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚. I’m still figuring out my style at 33 (lol) but I love where it’s headed and I’m willing to bring y’all along. I am by no means a fashionista or a style blogger... most days I’m texting @smashinglyashley_ to dress me. 😂 BUT I’d love to show y’all more of the outfits I love.
⠀⠀⠀
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 was a big one! It’s what my blog and business were founded on and I am always thinking of ways I can incorporate healthy into every day life. Expect LOTS more of that!
⠀⠀⠀
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜. This one is a little harder for me. I’ve been a blogger for so many years and I recently took on a marketing director role as well as a venue manager role for a wedding venue. I’m busy. Like, all the time. But I seriously love it all and I’m finding it fits nicely in with my blogging. I am still figuring out how to incorporate them all together.... TBD.
⠀⠀
𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮. It’s no secret my bestie @smashinglyashley_ is a smoke show. She is—hands down— what y’all voted you want to see more of! When we’re together, we both get so many sweet DMs from y’all. She’s amazing and I’m glad y’all love her as much as I do. Yes. You will get more Smashingly Ashley coming soon!
⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣𝙨. I swear, y’all like my chickens more than you like me sometimes! The girls are doing great, and I will definitely share more of their cute clucks, wattles and faces soon!
⠀⠀⠀
If you missed out on the poll, tell me below (or DM me!) what you’d like to see more of on here!! 👇🏼
Follow on Instagram

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