In response to this post, I’ve decided to work through and write each of the ten blog posts I said I’d rather read. Here is my submission for number two!
I’ve been at this whole “working for myself online” thing for over a year. I’ve been doing it full-time for about seven months. And up until only recently, I’ve been struggling with a real feeling of disconnect.
I’ve felt disconnected from the outside world. I don’t go out as much as I used to now that I work at home.
I’ve felt disconnected at times from my husband, because work is always beckoning me back to my desk.
I’ve felt disconnected from my hobbies. It seems like (and it’s actually a reality sometimes) I work 12 hours a day, every day, and no time to pursue the things that once brought me a lot of joy.
I’ve felt disconnected from myself. My health hasn’t been real great. My thoughts seem to be all over the place and concentrating is difficult.
It has been a major obstacle for me since I’ve started working for myself to balance all of these things in my life and feel connected and present in my own life.
But I feel like I can say that I’m out of the woods. I’ve figured out a way to make it all happen.
I’ve accepted a routine that is similar to my husband’s.
I have the luxury of being able to mold my own schedule. My husband doesn’t. So I’ve shifted my schedule to match his so we can connect more.
We’ve decided to move to a bigger apartment.
That means I’m going to finally have an office. An “only work” zone. I think this is going to do wonders for helping me to uphold the work/play boundaries I have set.
I’ve made a point of going out and doing more. Even if it’s just errands.
As those of you who are web workers know, it’s really easy to get cooped up in the house for a long period of time. Everything you need is right here. But I’ve decided that I’m going to run more errands, have more lunches with former coworkers, and do more things, in general, outside of the house. I even plan on traveling more to conferences, and to see family and friends. I crave that in-person connection with other people and the world.
I’ve started a personal, family blog.
It’s nice to have a blog that only my friends and family can read that allows us (my husband and I) to decompress.
I’ve made major lifestyle changes.
For example, I’ve gone gluten-free. For a lot of reasons that I don’t plan on sharing here. But let me tell you – I’ve felt better than I have in years. And that’s done wonders for my clarity and focus.
So that’s how I’m beating my disconnect. How do you balance and cope with it all?
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Hey Lisa:
Well, I am happy that finally things have started to work out for you. It seems like for a long time you were lost in the woods and groping in the darkness just like a lot of us out here. It's great to know you are trying to spend more time on your interests. How about taking up a hobby? Also, maybe try to go outdoors for an early morning walk with your husband? Or just by yourself even. Swimming is also great and a total body work-out. Hope your health improves, so I am glad you are experimenting with your diet and making some necessary lifestyle changes. And thanks for the wonderful write-ups too.
Lisa,
I think this is a real “problem” that many bloggers share. I know that on the days where I am working on my blog, I get consumed with all the activities that go into it: producing content, finding links, commenting and helping other blogs. It's a lot of work.
I am glad to hear that you have found a way to schedule your day and balance your online activity with your personal life. The difficult part for me is my day J O B takes 55+ hours of my time each week, leaving me with late nights and Sundays for my blog activities. But what's anything worth if you don't work hard for it?
Good post!
Lisa,
I think this is a real “problem” that many bloggers share. I know that on the days where I am working on my blog, I get consumed with all the activities that go into it: producing content, finding links, commenting and helping other blogs. It's a lot of work.
I am glad to hear that you have found a way to schedule your day and balance your online activity with your personal life. The difficult part for me is my day J O B takes 55+ hours of my time each week, leaving me with late nights and Sundays for my blog activities. But what's anything worth if you don't work hard for it?
Good post!