Why Wednesday’s Aren’t A Day Off & Blogging Ain’t Easy

Sep 21, 2016

oxblood off the shoulder top

SHOP THE POST:

Top: Alice & Wonder (similar) | Jeans: Shopbop | Shoes: Target | Handbag: Chanel (similar) | Sunglasses: Illesteva | Lip: NARS

Last week was a busy one and I was especially excited for Wednesday. As much as Wednesday is a ‘day off’ from being a dentist it is most certainly not an actual day off from work. Blogging is a blast and far more exciting than my usual day at the dental office but it’s still a lot of work.

I often think with celebrities, famous bloggers or anyone who is self-employed, there is an idea that it’s all just fun and games. Although working from home or blogging for yourself has advantages, it’s also a huge responsibility. Bloggers normally own their own company under an LLC, pay their own taxes and do all the work themselves. Whether it’s social media, shooting photos, editing or working on contracts it all takes time. Lots of it.

off the shoulder top

chicago style blogger

Trying to blog 5 days a week and keep up with my normal work schedule has been challenging to say the least and I now understand why so many bloggers eventually go full time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. I also understand that with all the uncertainty a self-made business can create, it’s hard to take that leap of faith. I think at some point I will know when the time is right and once I do take that leap I hope to see what Lows to Luxe can really become.

Although I’m not ready to leave my day job, I do think it’s important for people to realize social media isn’t real. A lot of time and energy goes into creating a seemingly ‘effortless’ style and life. I often have people refer to my blog as something of little value, or that they could easily achieve if they just ‘had enough time’.

illesteva tortoise sunglasses

oxblood off the shoulder top

oxblood off shoulder top

target velvet heels

I have grown to resent the fact that people assume blogging is easy and this business magically runs itself. Like any successful company it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Just think about it—there are millions of blogs out there, but how many are actually successful?

Last week was a prime example, I had to shoot a lookbook for an online retailer and was on set by 8am. After shooting 10 looks I had to write posts, answer emails, edit photos and finish contracts. I then went straight to a brand dinner at 6pm, which was fun and delicious, but left early because I was so tired from the day. While I was completely exhausted, all anyone sees is my pretty lunch, an edited outfit photo and a beautifully hosted dinner in the West Loop.

chicago fashion blogger

chanel flap bag

red off the shoulder top

soho house chicago

chanel flap bag

illesteva tortoise sunglasses

Let me be straight, I am in no way complaining about this life. The enjoyment I get from blogging far outweighs the negatives, but it’s also not easy. I am lucky to have met so many amazing women through this endeavor that help me navigate the waters and give such sound advice. I think being transparent about the blogging world is a great way to start the conversation and remove the misconceptions I frequently hear.

What misconceptions do you have about bloggers that you would like answered? I am happy to share any insight!

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  1. Jenn Lake says:

    Love the real-talk, lady! The whole thing definitely comes with some major sacrifices! Have a wonderful day ahead!

  2. Ruthie Ridley says:

    You’re preaching the truth!! Blogging is the furthest thing from easy!!! You look amazing. Love the color of that top on you so much!

  3. Leah Behr says:

    Totally with you sister! My days off from being a realtor, are just days I spend blogging! Love that top. The color is gorgeous with your complexion!

    xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com

  4. Cat says:

    This is refreshingly honest and open in the giant world of blogging! People are so quick to judge bloggers and are ignorant to the amount of time it takes to run a successful blog when 1) the market is very saturated and 2) the “best of the best” have been blogging for YEARS and have that experience and brand authority behind them. Thank you for sharing!

  5. There truly aren’t enough hours in the day! I love this outfit. Especially the bag and heels!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  6. I definitely agree, in fact, it consumes a lot of energy and time to be creative.
    Kisses,
    Nazlıgül
    Join the giveaway NOW!

  7. Maggie says:

    Love how you said this!! It’s definitely hard work and more than I thought it would be, but it’s also totally worth it.

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

  8. lauren says:

    Blogging is certainly not easy or quick – what a great post! I love your outfit as well – especially the shoes (can’t believe they’re from Target!)

    Lauren
    http://www.anexplorersheart.com

  9. Nina says:

    So true! Blogging is not easy at all from all the fixing we do for 1 shot, to handling the wind, to choosing the right photo..omg so tiring but so worth it!

    xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

  10. Love this post Shaheen! It’s so true – blogging is so much harder and more work than it looks. You really have to not only have a creative mind, but also good business and business strategy sense. I’m guilty of even underselling my own effort and work I put into my blog. Plus creative work can be a lot more draining than technical work. It’s definitely the wrong place to be if you are just looking to make money and get free stuff!

    -Katherine
    Engineering In Style

  11. PREACH!! I love what we do and wouldn’t change it for anything, but you’re so right, it is hard work and anyone that doesn’t know that should spend a week with us!

  12. Anna English says:

    So much truth in this post! I wish people understood how much time and effort we put into each and every post!

  13. Kathryn Wesson says:

    Love, love, love this post! It’s refreshing to see some honesty!

  14. Loving this outfit! Totally relate to how you feel too.

  15. Greta Hollar says:

    You’re right it is hard work! I quit my job in March on blog full time and people must think I sit at home and watch soap operas or shop all day. In reality I work harder and with longer hours than I did at my day job! Keep up the great job!

    Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com

  16. Lauren Nolan says:

    AMEN GIRL!!! I love seeing this in writing AND all of the comments below! It cracks me up when people ask how I could possibly be overwhelmed… umm… it’s a lot to juggle, man! Haha at the end of the day, the positives do outweigh the negatives – and blogging is how I met your wonderful self, so I’ll take it! 🙂
    xoxo,
    Lauren at http://www.lakeshorelady.com/

  17. Shelby says:

    This is SO well said! I couldn’t agree more, the struggle is real. You are killing it though!

    xoxo!
    Shelby
    http://www.glitterandgingham.com

  18. Loooooove those velvet shoes and that bag! Gorgeous! xoxo

    Kristen
    http://www.everychicway.com

  19. amy loochtan says:

    I struggle with this decision EVERYDAY! I also work full time! UGH! LOve this.
    Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins

  20. click here says:

    I struggle with this decision EVERYDAY! I also work full time! UGH! LOve this.