And I will readily admit that writing for this blog has for the most part been more of a chore over the past few weeks. Not only that, I have been underestimating just how much time it has been taking from me on a daily basis. It’s not just writing the posts – it’s answering emails, promotion, obsessive analytics checking…the list goes on. Something had to give.
Onwards and Upwards
But fortunately, I feel that the changes I am going to make will be positive. For too long I have been trying to push this blog forward. I typically produce three posts a week, and feel guilty if I don’t. I work hard to grow my social media accounts and spread the word as much as possible.
It is only now that I realize I shouldn’t be pushing – I should just simply allow this blog to “be”. This isn’t a business – the blog makes me no money. Maybe one day it will, but if I am going to remain sane, I need to stop acting like it produces a worthwhile income, or is going to in the near future.
I need to point this blog in a new direction – a less commercially-minded one. Because at its heart, this is a personal blog – it is a chronicle of my journey from wanting to quit my job (the past), to quitting my job and starting my online business (the present), to becoming wildly successful (the planned future). It isn’t an attempt to con people out of their money and exploit the naive, as many “make money online” blogs are.
So, you can expect some changes around here folks. It might not be to everyone’s liking, but it will be real and natural, and it will keep me happy. I personally think that it will make for a better blog. Here’s what you need to know:
- No more rigid posting schedule – I will post when I want to, and only when I feel that I have something of value to say.
- The subject matter will revolve around what I am trying to do, and what I have done. I hope that revealing my methods will in turn help you (that is certainly the aim). No “expert advice” – just one person telling another what they’re up to.
- Less focus on doing what is considered “correct”, more focus on doing what feels right to me.
- No more guest posting or overt attempts of promotion for the foreseeable future, unless the right opportunity presents itself.
The last thing I wanted to do was frame myself as some sort of guru or expert, and I am determined to walk as far away from that kind of angle as possible. I claim to be an expert of nothing. To get an idea of what you can expect from me, think less “lecture”, and more “chat down the pub with a friend”.
I’m Not Going Anywhere!
None of this means that I intend to ignore my readers. If you reach out via comment, email, Facebook, Twitter, carrier pigeon – whatever – you can still expect a reply and my gratitude. I can’t ever see that changing. You guys are awesome.
So What Do You Think?
You have no idea how liberating it felt to write that. I haven’t enjoyed writing a post so much in ages. I hope you enjoy the new Leaving Work Behind! Please let me know what you think in the comments section.