Blogging – a real job

by Kaylah Stroup
I often get asked what I do for a living. My answer depends on who asks. If it’s an older person that I don’t know I might just say that I’m a photographer. It’s easier to explain than the real answer. If people in my own generation can’t seem to grasp it, how I can expect the generation before me, who grew up without computers to understand it? So what do I do for a living? I’m a blogger.

The frustrating/strange/down right annoying thing is, I frequently hear things like “that’s not a real job”, “you can’t possibly make enough money doing that!”, “that’s only a temporary thing, right?” and “what are you going to do after this?” But what is a “real job”? I have thought so long and hard about this question. I still haven’t come to a conclusion. Maybe it means a doctor, or a lawyer or any number of careers that I have literally never even considered for myself. Is blogging not a real job because you can’t go to school for it or because you don’t need a resume to do it? Is it not a real job because you don’t need an interview to fill the position or because you don’t personally know anyone who does it? What makes something a “real job”?

Whatever your answer I assure you, blogging is a real job. I may not have to leave the house for days on end if I don’t want to (not that I recommend anyone ever does that, definitely not as fun as it sounds!) I can work in my PJs or without pants if I want, and no one cares if I come into work with morning breath. My co-workers may be two cats and a dog who enjoys sitting beside me and squeaking his tennis ball incessantly but this is a real job. I live alone and completely support myself. I pay all my own bills with the money I make blogging. There isn’t another job or person helping me out and I’m not living off credit cards. I’m no different than any other person with a conventional job.

The sad thing is that this bias of what is and isn’t a real job doesn’t stop at blogging. Many other millennials with unique careers experience the same thing. For example, Mickey travels the world teaching taxidermy. This girl is killing it. Did you see what I just said? TRAVELING. THE. WORLD.  Yet somehow, that’s not good enough to be considered a real job by some people either. She deals with the same questions.

It needs to be acknowledged that any way of supporting yourself even if it isn’t traditional, so long as you aren’t stealing or hurting anyone, is a real job. It seems awfully silly to criticize someone for making a living doing something they love and enjoy, doesn’t it? Blogging isn’t all that new of a career and despite what you may have heard, it isn’t going anywhere. There are tons of people out there making a living doing just this.

 Co-worker Klaus. Excels at distracting me.

_________________________
This is part one of a new series that will hopefully help explain and clear the confusing fog about blogging as a career. I’ll share tips, answer questions, and generally just share more information about what being a blogger really means. On that note, if you have any questions, or specific things you’d like me to talk about I’m all ears. Shoot me an email or leave a comment!
 xoxo

You may also like

187 comments

carissajade March 24, 2015 - 12:42 pm

Would love to hear some more tips from you! And own it, girl. I love that you don't let other people get you down!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:06 pm

Thanks, Carissa!

Tips on what specifically?

Abby Barstow March 24, 2015 - 3:28 pm

ooooh I agree! More tips on blogging and photography would be awesome!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:52 pm

Abby, what sort of photography tips?

fibrogeek March 24, 2015 - 12:56 pm

I think a lot of the negativity towards blogging is jealousy in disguise. People think that blogging is easy and isn't as much hard work as a traditional job. What they don't see is all the work people put into their blogs. I blog as a hobby and I invest a lot into my blog, so I can only imagine the work that goes into running one full-time. I look forward to reading your series as I'll be honest and say the pipe dream is to be self employed and earn from a blog, mostly as my health is making work impossible for me at the moment. I would love to know your tips for growing an audience and at what stage did you decide to monetise and how you went about that. Thank you

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:08 pm

I would have to agree that some of it is jealousy but I think some of it might simply be ignorance. I hope this series helps shed some light on it. 🙂

Also, noted your suggestions. Those are great!

BlackIn Bloom March 24, 2015 - 7:34 pm

I would love to hear more about the early stages of your blogging career and how you got so successful! You're such an inspiration and I love reading your blog. Itd be an honor to hear from you your success tips!

STYLE MARMALADE March 27, 2015 - 4:37 pm

I completely agree with you on this Fribrogeek!

Lars March 24, 2015 - 1:01 pm

Bravo, bravo! More power to you. xoxo

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:09 pm

🙂

Nicole Hokenstad March 24, 2015 - 1:52 pm

Good for you!! People are doing amazing things these days that don't involve a degree or being a doctor or lawyer. My whole family is either small business owners or artists and we love it!! Thank you for providing a little beauty, humor and sometimes, information, to me every morning before I go to what I call a job!! Its art, and people don't always "get" art, but that doesn't make it less amazing.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:15 pm

Thanks so much, Nicole!

Mindi Wooley March 24, 2015 - 1:53 pm

I LOVE this post so much and I can not tell you how excited I am about this series 🙂 🙂 🙂 I work full-time as a Pharmacy Technician and all day every day I dream about someday working for myself. Women like you and Mickey are incredibly inspiring. I'm not sure what people are thinking when they say blogging isn't a real job. If you're making money doing something-it's a job. And if you're doing something you love-you're living the dream! I think a big chunk of these "blogging isn't a real job" statements stem from not knowing the different ways bloggers make money.

I'm so looking forward to this series and I can't wait to soak in any and all advice you've got 🙂

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:16 pm

Thank you so much, Mindi! You're so sweet!! <3

Betty2Tone March 24, 2015 - 2:01 pm

Sorry but I did have to laugh a little at the thought of explaining a blog to an old person ;D Seriously though, if anyone gives you a hard time about it, they're probably just jealous. How is blogging not as real as a photographer, artist, writer, even a graphic designer? Plenty of people work for themselves doing a number of things and that's still a "real job."

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:17 pm

Haha, right?! Me talking to strangers in person about what I do is so awkward, I'm awful at explaining it on the spot.

Betty2Tone March 24, 2015 - 2:13 pm

Plus "real" jobs aren't even guaranteed forever. People get laid off all the time, even when they think they have a secure job. You actually probably have more control over that then the average person

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:17 pm

Exactly. NOTHING is guaranteed forever!

Kayly Nyman March 24, 2015 - 2:16 pm

I'm so curious for the rest of this series! I myself don't utilize my blog as my job, simply because that's not why I started mine! Someday, maybe, but right now I'm happy with my tiny personal corner of the web.I feel what constitutes a job can be such a subjective thing. As a stay at home mom, I generally have to list 'unemployed' on forms or applications for things which really steams my beans as I feel it gives off the wrong impression! I think it's great that your blog is what you're able to have as your job – definitely nothing wrong with that!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 2:25 pm

Holy smokes, "steams my beans" is the absolute cutest saying ever. I need to remember to use that. But I totally hear you, my mom was a stay at home mom and she worked SO HARD. To think that what she did for all those years for us kids was just considered as her being "unemployed" is a huge bummer.

I hate this belief that if you're not a college graduate, working for someone, and making six figures that you're not making it because it's so untrue.

Ms. Megan March 24, 2015 - 2:18 pm

you are amazing!!! keep up the amazing work!!!! xoxooxox

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:26 pm

Aw, thank you! <3

L'Oursonne March 24, 2015 - 2:21 pm

I know the hard job it is to be a blogger!
If you earn enough money with it to live each day, so, like the others, I think you live a beautiful geek dream!
Sadly, many are called but few are chosen.
You have to be different of the others, speak about special things, be serious, regular, make beautiful photos…a big job that you execute splendidly!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:27 pm

Thank you!

julia March 24, 2015 - 2:47 pm

thank you so much for sharing this! it's very interesting to read about your job – looking forward to the following posts 🙂

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:27 pm

Thanks, Julia! I look forward to sharing. 🙂

annainternational March 24, 2015 - 2:50 pm

Go you! This is a great post! As someone in the process of quitting a legal career in favour of being a blogger/writer, I completely understand. "Are you mad?" is a question I've had often. No. Not mad, just happy that I am at a place in my life where I can decide what I want to do with my time for my own sake, and not to please anyone else. I am genuinely excited about my own future for the first time in years, and loving what I do is a complete novelty to me!
More of these posts would be greatly appreciated, and more of Klaus cos he's a cutie. Also, I'm interested in how you plan posts (looks like you've got some great system going in that top pic!), as well as how you monetized your blog (I know, I know, but a girl's gotta eat!).

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:28 pm

That's so awesome to hear. I'm glad you're in a good place!! 🙂

Post suggestions noted! Those are all great (including more Klaus because I do love sharing photos of that puppy!)

nicole constante March 24, 2015 - 2:58 pm

It is my dream job.

nicoleconstante.weebly.com

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:29 pm

You can do it! 🙂

Laurel March 24, 2015 - 3:19 pm

I love this! I've always admired that you've made this blog your living, and frankly I just hope eventually I can find any job ("real" or otherwise) that is as fulfilling to me as running this blog seems to be for you.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:29 pm

Thanks, Laurel!

solcanepa March 24, 2015 - 3:35 pm

hey there! I think it's awsome that you can live out of bloggin! I must confess that I don't really know where the money comes from since I'm from another country, Argentina, were blogs aren't much of a big thing, and I don't think there are lots of people living out of their blogs. Does it come from publicity? I'm sorry I have cero clue!
On an ABSOLUTELY different subject, this may sound a bit weird or really stupid, you choose hahah I was wondering, did you used to have dimples before having cheek piercings? Or you took them out and you were left with the nicest dimples?sorry if that's too much of a weird question, I'm just super intrigued!
Greetings from Argentina! I love your blog!! And that beautiful dog of yours(drool)

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:31 pm

Great question, definitely something I plan on covering!

Haha, not a weird question at all. I didn't have dimples before the piercings. The dimples I have now are scars (which I absolutely LOVE!!!!)

Adi March 24, 2015 - 3:44 pm

You're absoluteky right, Kayylah. Amny people don't understand how much time and effort goes into blogging, just like a real job. In a sense, you have to have a bit of a business mindset as well. Being a full-time blogger is also my thing with plenty of hobbies on the side. 🙂
P.S: Your fur babies are just the cutest! I love when my Siamese baby keeps my legs warm while I type. Hahah

Vegetarian Courtesy

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:31 pm

Thanks, Adi! 🙂

Angela Tolsma March 24, 2015 - 3:47 pm

Oh I am going to enjoy this series! No one really understands blogging, so I usually avoid answering the question!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:32 pm

I'm glad to hear you're excited about it. If there's anything at all you'd like me to touch base on, just holler! 🙂

uncustomary March 24, 2015 - 3:55 pm

I'm excited about this series. Yeah, I get asked the same questions and I've kind of just become immune to the criticism that immediately follows my response. It's kind of fascinating from a psychological background, though. The way people need to compartmentalize things intrigues me.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:34 pm

It sucks that you've had to come to the point where you're immune to criticism. It shouldn't have gotten that far, you know what I mean? I wish there were more questions and less criticism!

Elise Xavier March 24, 2015 - 4:00 pm

Unfortunately, I feel like most of the people who insist that blogging is "not a real job" don't even read blogs themselves. I think anyone who's a devoted reader of your blog knows just how much hard work and time goes into your posts – and thus how much of a "real job" this is. It's not like you just snap a few shots and throw them up on the web. Your posts are crafted and each reader hard earned. Blogging is not all fun and games, which is another part I think of what people mean when they say blogging isn't a "real job" – because jobs aren't supposed to be enjoyable, I think they in part mean.

What used to frustrate me the most is that negative attitude some people had toward bloggers who made money off their blogs.But I'm happy to say I see that this attitude is no longer even remotely near prevalent the more I look around. I feel blog readers are starting to appreciate the fact that if you're not getting paid via your blog, you're not going to be able to spend as much time creating good content that they will love.

Anyway, I'd love to see an article featuring a timeline of The Dainty Squid… how long you spent planning before you finally started your blog, the types of posts you tried, how long it took you to find your style of blogging. I think the story behind how your blog grew and developed would be really interesting to learn.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:36 pm

I hear ya on that first part. Maybe some of it is that so many people dread their jobs that someone else having a job that is actually fun sometimes makes it not a job in their minds.

And those suggestions are great! I actually have "The story of The Dainty Squid – part 1" queued up for next week. It barely touches on blogging but it's definitely important!

Elise Xavier March 24, 2015 - 7:37 pm

Very excited to see that! I've really liked your posts of late; not that they weren't good before, but I feel like each one is spot on now!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:35 pm

Thanks, Elise! 🙂

Alexandria Snetsinger March 24, 2015 - 4:01 pm

I would love to hear more about how you started blogging, and how you go about making a living out of it. I love your blog!
http://thegirlwhosays.blogspot.com/

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:36 pm

Great suggestions! Thank you. 🙂

Bianca Esposito March 24, 2015 - 4:06 pm

Not only is blogging a "real job", it is also my "dream job"! Congrats on being a professional blogger! I dream of being the same, and perhaps starting my own line of retro clothing and accessories down the line. This is the age of the internet, so of course all sorts of new careers have sprung up in and around the tech. I am excited for this series, and I too would love to know more about growing your readership and knowing when to monetize.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:37 pm

Thanks, Bianca! 🙂

Lemon Freckles March 24, 2015 - 4:08 pm

This is so incredibly great to read and i'm really looking forward to seeing this series progress. Being an illustrator i've had so many people ask me (friends and family), sometimes joking, sometimes seriously not, if I am going to get a 'real job'. It is really frustrating sometimes, i'm not considered to be working and yet I bring the same income in as my husband but my office just happens to be in a studio and I don't wear a suit. I don't know if it is a generation thing or not sometimes I can't help but feel a little insulted by that comment. Did I babble on too much?! Does that make any sense?! Anyways, extremely looking forward to the series. 😉 x

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:41 pm

Not at all, and yes that totally makes sense. It's absolutely insulting when people ask when you're going to get a 'real job'. You do you, girl! 🙂

Natalie Britton March 24, 2015 - 4:10 pm

This is wonderful. I aspire to be a full-time blogger and most definitely admire you! If you published more posts about how to stay motivated, how to come up with fresh material, etc., I'd eat them up! 🙂

Circus & Bloom
♥♥♥

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:43 pm

Those are awesome ideas! Noted!

Marta Chan March 24, 2015 - 4:32 pm

Blogging is a new industry, I believe in 4 or 5 years people will be more familiar with the concept and job evolved, also the old people 😉
I would like to know how, where you make the money? Also how is your day, how do you organize yourself, before blogging as a living did you have any other job in mind?

So many questions, probably moreto come. I'm actually in the process of changing from blogging as a hobby into a job. It's a loooong process so all your tips are very welcome =)

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:44 pm

Suggestions noted! Thanks, Marta. Feel free to let me know if you think of any more questions. 🙂

Jen March 24, 2015 - 4:58 pm

Yes, I hear you, this is a great post! Working for yourself is the best way to stay fluid and flexible. You can work for a company all your life and still get made redundant

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:45 pm

Thanks, Jen.

Amanda Rose Zampelli March 24, 2015 - 5:09 pm

I'm obsessed with post!!! For the past year I've been a professional blogger/crafter/designer working from home and I identify with everything you've written above. Bravo!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:45 pm

Thanks, Amanda! So glad to hear that (and congrats on working for yourself!!)

Joanna Hearts March 24, 2015 - 5:12 pm

My personal favorite is "blogging is cool and all but making a living off it is kind of stupid." I don't understand why people think having a job that's fun is not a job at all.

Lovely post!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:46 pm

Right? So silly!

Chelsea Quinn March 24, 2015 - 5:15 pm

I guess the big question I have is what happens when you decide you dont want to do this anymore? Or when youre old and outfit posts arent as exciting? I am all about blogging. Just wondering!! 🙂

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:47 pm

Same thing that happens when anyone decides that what they're doing isn't what they want to do anymore, I find something else.

Why would my outfit posts be any less exciting because I'm old? Have you ever seen Advanced Style?
http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/

😉

Chelsea Quinn March 24, 2015 - 8:16 pm

Oh wow, I realize my comment came across totally wrong!! I more meant when you're tired of the type of posts you do… Obviously it can evolve, so I guess I answered my own question.

What jobs do you think blogging would most naturally transition to?

Also – I had never seen Advanced Style but I think I'm in love.

Tilda March 24, 2015 - 5:19 pm

I'm an "old person" (late 40s) who grew up without computers, yet I can grasp blogging as a career. Probably because I have been mostly self-employed (buying/selling vintage, etc) for the last 15 years. After the economic crash around 2008, a lot of people turned to creative and non-traditional ways to make a living—and many of them realized that it was a lot better, despite some of the trade-offs, to work for yourself than for a boss or corporation.

I do have to say I hate it when people ask me what I "do". I usually start the convo with "well, to pay the mortgage I…" But to me, I "do" so much more than that! I am "doing" things all of the time that have nothing to do with commerce. But people still want to persist in categorizing you right off the bat with how you make a living.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 5:51 pm

Oh, I definitely did not mean to sound insensitive about age, like once you get to a certain age computers (and anything you can do with them) doesn't make sense. I apologize if it sounded that way at all.

I know, isn't that a bummer. I hate that that defines you. I love starting it with "well, to pay the mortgage I…", that's a really good way to shift the focus away from the whole idea that a job is an identity.

hello haha narf March 24, 2015 - 9:06 pm

AMEN to the hating of the "what do you do?" question. i work a "real" job for a "real" company and still it bothers me when within two minutes of meeting someone they say, "so, what do you do?" i have started replying, "when?" the puzzled look i receive makes me laugh inside as i smile and say, "sorry, i do so much that i really wasn't sure what you were going for."
p.s. sometimes i find myself asking "what type of work do you do for a living" and it drives me nuts because people are not defined by their jobs.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:36 pm

Haha! "when?" is an awesome response!

Morgan Gaw March 24, 2015 - 5:34 pm

To be honest I've often wondered HOW you make an income but never doubted it as a career. I just don't know enough about the business side. I think it's AWESOME! Personally, and this may be a little deep but we've all had it crammed down our throats that we must go to a University and get a "real" job when that doesn't seem to work anymore. I'm lucky to have a career in my field but because I'm a freelance reality tv Online Editor people think I don't have a real job because it's freelance. Though I do work 8 months out of the year I don't get any kind of benefits. I think people think your job is only real if you get benefits from your employer. I think my extended family thinks I just play on computers all day! Most of my friends don't even realize that I've worked on national television shows.
Again, I think it's awesome what you do and you're doing it on your own, your way.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:41 pm

Thanks, Morgan! Your job sounds really awesome, I didn't know you did that!

Stephanie March 24, 2015 - 5:37 pm

On top of my "real job" I am a part time Pure Romance consultant (in home parties selling bath & beauty/relationship enhancement products) and I'm making enough doing it that I'm thinking about going full time. I definitely get the "but that's not a real job" comments often. And I assure them that if I can work 20 hours a week (most of that from home, other than the parties) instead of 40 in an office every day and make *more* money then yeah, that's a REAL job. A REALLY good job. People judge what they don't understand. 🙁

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:41 pm

That's great. Glad that's going well for you!! 🙂

angela March 24, 2015 - 5:50 pm

Thank you so much for sharing this. I love the saying "Don't explain yourself, your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it", something like that. I always thought of blogs as an online magazine or newsletter. I don't know. I am someone who has a college degree, not making 6 figures but still paying off an upper 5 figure student loan! I chose to take the practical route rather than going for my true dreams. Basically, I have worked hard for over 20 years helping a lot of 6 figure type people stay in that class & I am still paying for it 🙂 but I am not complaining here. It was my choice and I know I can change anytime I want. Anyway, I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate you 🙂
I would like to know more about how you started. Did you actually work a "real job" in the beginning? Thanks again!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:42 pm

That's a really great quote, and so true!

rainbowmoonchylde March 24, 2015 - 5:51 pm

Love this! I'd love to hear more about how you got started and what has led to being successful ^_^

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:42 pm

Noted! 🙂

Chloe Green March 24, 2015 - 6:05 pm

I've only recently realised (I'm 26!) that I can do what ever the hell I want for a job and it doesn't matter. I think half the time people struggle to find a career they love is they're not told to make what you love into a career!

Chloe

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:43 pm

Hell yeah, girl!

erika wynn March 24, 2015 - 6:23 pm

This will be a great series Kaylah! I'd love to hear a few things: What you pay to keep a blog, How your advertisement spaces work, and I'd love (considering I'm a home body) to hear how you network with others! I sure love your blog. Keep it up lady! Mwah!

Erika Wynn

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:44 pm

What you pay to keep a blog? Like what financial costs go into it? That's certainly an interesting topic!

carrotsandraspberries.com March 24, 2015 - 6:24 pm

This was a great post, thank you! I've often wondered if blogging was your full-time career and this helps a lot. I just started blogging almost a year ago and I love it so far. I have a full-time job outside of the home and I don't know if I see myself ever blogging for an income. I would love to see a post on how to drive traffic to a new blog. I've read lots of articles and I try to experiment with the suggestions, but it still doesn't seem to be doing much. And actually, not just how to get the traffic, but how to build up a following. I will always write about what I am passionate about and not necessarily what I think people want to read or what is trendy right now (I also think this is something that you do as your posts are always genuine). Anyway, thank you again!

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:44 pm

Thanks! That's definitely something I plan on talking about. 🙂

sarah March 24, 2015 - 6:34 pm

I'm so excited for this series! You are seriously one of my favorite bloggers, so I'm really looking forward to your tips and tricks. I've always wanted to make my blog a career, but I'm plagued by insecurity and low self-confidence. I have a "regular job" that I like (I work at a non-profit), but my dream is to be able to work for myself and pursue my creative interests.

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:45 pm

Thank you so much, Sarah!! 🙂

Lyn Vicknair March 24, 2015 - 6:35 pm

Great post. I've been working to make blogging my full-time hustle and it is such a struggle to explain to people why I'd leave my 9-5 for "not a real job."

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:46 pm

Awesome! Good luck! Hope you'll be able to find some things to help you out in this series. 🙂

alittlepanic March 24, 2015 - 6:50 pm

I am an artist and no one takes that serious either. I do free lance illustration and commissioned portrait work but people constantly ask me what my real job is. It gets frustration. I totally understand 🙂

Kaylah March 24, 2015 - 11:47 pm

Ugh! It really is so frustrating!

Mildred Grace March 24, 2015 - 7:01 pm

Yeah, you blog and you think that is a job. Fine, call it a job, but don't insult the majority of your readers by calling what you do work. Those of us who bust our butts working, we put up with managers, bosses, criticismcoworkers and have to deal with customers face to face on a daily basis. Don't you dare think what you do is anything close to it. You will never convince me or many others who don't kiss up to you that what you do is work. It is disgusting. You have mentioned many times how you get done with stuff in the morning. Again, you HAVE NO IDEA what a real job is. You are just trying to convince yourself & your minions that what you do is so worthwhile to society, yeah the millionth photo of your plants or bike is a positive contribution to society. When all you have done is further insult readers who work hard & go to jobs day after day while you prance around in your palladium boots & hipster garb. Gag. Never has a post of yours made me so angry & sick. For once, get a clue. And yeah, I'm over 40 and I know what blogging is. Farewell skittle head. As for the taxidermist, who freaking cares?? (How come so many of her classes were cancelled, HUH??) Just go away.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:00 am

"Mildred", I'm so sorry that you've chosen a career path that doesn't leave you feeling fulfilled or happy, and that you need to lash out at strangers to make yourself feel better. The good news is it's not too late to change things for the better. I wish you nothing but happiness. 🙂

Mildred Grace March 25, 2015 - 3:09 am

"Kaylah", I never said my job didn't make me happy. I am proud to work in the job I do, is it my dream job? No. I truly don't know what my dream job is. Probably to have enough money to not have to go to work. To have the freedom to take my dog for a walk whenever I want to. To have no schedule, so I can go off and photograph the sunrise or a special event whenever I feel like it. To not have to worry about missing a holiday get together because I have to work. Freedom is what I want. The things you do and call it blogging is what I do in my free time. I like to take pictures, and I'm pretty good at that. I also like to travel to different places, but it's hard when you have to work. When you have a real job, you give up so much of that freedom. Sure we have scheduled days off, but it's always hit & miss with weather, everyday issues & other responsibilities get in the way sometimes. And sometimes, I can't afford to go off somewhere on a whim. And sometimes I'm just too exhausted after working at my job. I'm not making excuses, it's the way the real world is. So that is why you & your blog make me so angry. I realize I came across quite angry, but that's how I felt. Does it make me feel better to lash out at you, a complete stranger. No. Because I know you truly don't care unless you're being complimented or kissed up to. Many of us have noticed how rude & crass you can and continue to be to your readers. I don't think you understand how this post comes across to those of us who put in the hours at work, dealing with our bosses, the criticism, authority, difficult customers and the problems they all bring to the table. I have spent over 20 years working in retail. It's a hard, stressful, tiring job. Yet, we who choose to work in retail know this and we pull together & work our butts off. And in the meantime we form bonds because of this. We become tougher because we know that not everyone is going to like or agree with us. We can't sugarcoat everything like bloggers do. Life isn't always fun and positive. Believe it or not I try to stay positive, but sometimes I'm not in the sunny side up frame of mind and something irks me so much that I type a rant about a stupid blog post from a complete stranger. No more, because nothing on your blog is worth getting upset over anymore. Not everyone is going to like you or agree with you. Understand? Anyway, I kind of feel sorry for you that you may never know what it feels like to work at a job outside of your own creation, to know what kind of dedication & strength it takes to stay with a job for years. You keep saying you have changed so much, but I don't see it. You seem to type the words over & over again as if you are trying to convince yourself that you've grown. Well, as I see it you are scared. So scared that you have to ask your readers for ideas for your blog. Scared, that one day you will have to go get one of those real jobs & the thought of it scares the crap out of you. Anyway, I felt the need to explain myself further and that is all. Peace.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 11:54 am

I acknowledge the fact I am very privileged to live the life I do and that it's amazing I'm able to chase sunsets, set my own schedule, and do any of the other things I blog about and make my living that way.

I'm not sugarcoating things, and I'm not pretending that life is all sunshine and kittens. I'm choosing to celebrate the fact there is more good in life than bad. I'm choosing to see the bright side, that the glass is half full, and that there are always things to be happy about. Yes, I struggle. Yes, I deal with people every single day who aren't pleasant, and I most certainly deal with criticism. I just choose not to focus on that.

I understand that not everyone is going to agree with or like me, and that's totally fine. I normally don't respond because it's not worth it. 99.99% of the time it's just malicious things said to intentionally hurt me or bring me down.

If you don't like something, it annoys you, makes you feel sick, pisses you off, or whatever – just don't look at it. It really is as simple as that. 🙂

Mag Zilla March 26, 2015 - 2:42 am

Daaaaaaang Mildred. Let's just look at this quote, shall we?
". I am proud to work in the job I do, is it my dream job? No. I truly don't know what my dream job is. Probably to have enough money to not have to go to work. To have the freedom to take my dog for a walk whenever I want to. To have no schedule, so I can go off and photograph the sunrise or a special event whenever I feel like it. To not have to worry about missing a holiday get together because I have to work. Freedom is what I want. "
It sounds like your dream job is blogging, and it sounds like you're the one whose scared to have things your way. After 20 years of retail, I can understand the terror! It's hard to work a shitty job for shittier pay and feel like you're barely scraping by, and the thought of giving up that one thing that has kept you from falling over the edge is absolutely mortifying. I can see what that fear would make you want to lash out. Honestly, you're probably the one who needs this series the most! In order to see how it all works, and to understand that you CAN do it! You're never too old to make your life the one you want to live.
As a person who works retail, and has to deal with customers JUST LIKE MILDRED All day, every day, I have to say you handled that faaaaar better than I would have. She clearly did not see that post a while back about your sewing business!

KAYLAH! WALL OF TEXT AHEAD!
That said, a look at the "dark side of blogging" would be pretty fascinating. What does the empty half of that glass look like? What are the things about blogging that you don't enjoy? What's the hard stuff that you struggle with? Were there times when you worried about rent money or groceries? Do you still worry sometimes, or have things gotten to a point where everything works now? Do you ever swear loudly at your kitties when they jump on your keyboard?

I work full time at a consignment shop. It pays minimum wage, I'm on my feet all day, and I have to deal with "Mildreds" all day long. I also get the joy of meeting people like you! Creative types who live their dreams. I don't plan to do this forever. Kaylah, you are one of my biggest role models. I have a degree in theatrical costuming (Sewing things! I can literally make all of the things), and I make cosplays professionally. It's my goal in life to be a successful small business owner, and to spend all day making awesome clothes for people. I feel like blogging would also be a great way to actually explain to people what I actually DO! Prices on custom clothing is one of those things that people just don't get (because we have all this cheap stuff from China), and shedding some light on the processes helps people understand the knowledge, hard work, occasional injuries, and time that goes into every single piece.
So, blogging business topics. How do your finances work? Do you have the Dainty Squid set up as a company that umbrellas over all your blogging, photography products, your old sewing business? How do your taxes work? I'm not joking, a really detailed post about how you do taxes would be the most helpful thing ever. What percent of your income comes from where? (blogging, selling prints/tote bags of your photos, do you still sell vintage stuff online?)

Kaylah March 26, 2015 - 10:03 am

Mag, the thing is I don't want to blog about those things. I don't want to concentrate or focus any attention on them. They're not important. I really do try to be super positive about things. Life is too short to dwell on temporary feelings of distress and sadness. I want this blog to be an escape for people, as well as journal for me to look back on and see how great things really are. Maybe someday I'll share more "empty half of the glass" stuff but I don't see it happening anytime soon.

But yes, I definitely swear loudly at the cats for "helping" me type. Professor in particular LOVES to walk on my keyboard. 😛

Honestly, I would hardly say I have tax stuff figured out. I just keep all my receipts (thrown in a big box. very unorganized – which I hate myself for every year) and hand it everything over to my accountant. She works the magic!

Karen Febo March 24, 2015 - 7:30 pm

I've really been enjoying everything that you share! This gave me an insight to something that has intrigued me for a while. Awesome work/job!

Just before I read this, I saw a post on the Huffington Post titled "6 Reason's You're Settling for a Lackluster Life" and #1 was:

"We've been taught that work isn't supposed to be fun, that marriage is hard, and that life is about making the best of the cards you are dealt. Somehow we have created a society of settlers complaining about our lives and accepting that this is just how things are."

It all seemed to connect. Everything is possible and I don't say that in that sort of cliché'd sense. I mean that if you are putting all of your efforts and faith towards something, I believe there's no reason it can't become a reality other than the limits we decide to set for ourselves, so I really have the utmost respect for people who go out there and make whatever's in their intesterest happen. Your job is a legitimate and absolutely interesting one.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:05 am

Oh man, that's so true! And now I'm off to google that post!!

Karen Febo March 25, 2015 - 9:11 pm

Btw, you handle other people's negativity beautifully! 👍

Monique Kaput March 24, 2015 - 7:39 pm

Hi! I recently found your blog through someone else. I started following you on instagram because your photos are gorgeous. I have made a feeble attempt to monetize my blog in the past, and i haven't generated more than a few cents. I signed up for affiliate programs, BlogHer, Google Adsense, etc and haven't seen much return. I would definitely appreciate details on how you manage to make more than 10 cents in 6 months, haha. Keep up the great work 🙂

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:07 am

Thank you so much, Monique!

Definitely something I want to cover in a future post. 🙂

relright March 24, 2015 - 7:39 pm

I love the idea of this mini series of posts and I think coming out of the gate with a disclaimer like this was really bold. Take the naysayers on! Also thanks for posting this I like that you're sharing your insight with us.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:07 am

Thanks!

Noël Ill March 24, 2015 - 8:05 pm

When you make money blogging, where does the money come from?

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:07 am

I'll absolutely be covering this in a future post.
🙂

sadooskria March 24, 2015 - 8:39 pm

I am very curious as to how someone makes a living out of blogging as I'm just starting out so would very much appreciate any tips you have for beginners 🙂

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:08 am

Is there anything you're curious about specifically?

Betty Szwagierczak March 24, 2015 - 8:42 pm

Great post, big thanks for sharing your thoughts. People tend to treat jobs such as blogger/vlogger like some sort of joke, especially in countries other than US. Maybe for our kids this wil be a normal job and who knows, maybe there will even be courses teaching how to have succesfull career as a blogger.
From personal point of view – blogging is fun. We all crave sharing things we love and want to see what makes others happy. Thats totally normal.
Oh and on the job note – I'm slowly trying to break into a game/animation industry as concept artist and it's so hard to explain to my mum what I want to do 😉
Take care
Betty
ps. would it be okay to draw you in more cartoony style? If I remember correctly Loish did something like that ages ago.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:12 am

Wouldn't that be crazy if it was something taught in school in the future?! Although it's not too far fetched. Times are changing, so many things depend on computers now it's surprising kids aren't taught even more about them now.

And YES totally! Email me when you're done, I'd love to see!

Krista ~ My Northwoods Life March 24, 2015 - 8:46 pm

Love this post! So many people I know (including my husband and myself) are steering away from normal jobs and people we know often comment about it in interesting ways… from the your so "lucky" to "that must be nice"… but in reality we work hard and pay our bills just the same as they do, be it in a less traditional way!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:13 am

Haha, So true!

Kaitlin Marie March 24, 2015 - 8:49 pm

Hi Kaylah!
First time commenting here, and I just wanted to say I adore your blog. As someone very interested in transitioning to full-time self-employment, I'd love to know some of the knitty gritty stuff. Such as: how do you do your healthcare? How difficult does self-employment make does taxes? Maybe that would make for a boring post….
Anyhoo, good luck! Don't let the haters get you down.
Cheers,
Kait
http://zombies4breakfast.com

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:14 am

Oooh! You're getting into the nitty-gritty! I'll definitely take note of those things.

PS. Taxes suck.

hello haha narf March 24, 2015 - 8:52 pm

more power to you!
what i love about how you earn your living blogging is that you do it without the insane self promotion that so many other bloggers do. i hate that some sell their souls for a few free trinkets or some pennies and they have "real" jobs in addition to their blogging. somehow they way you promote yourself just feels natural.
perhaps just call yourself a writer and a photographer. no need to use the word blogger unless you want. if someone asks where you write, a simple "mostly internet pieces" will shut folks up. or maybe say that you are an artist because you are (your words and your camera skills are art!).
kaylah, you are such a smart, talented, funny, beautiful person. i hope that no one makes you feel less than. especially since i am pretty sure you are contributing more to this country in taxes than any of my coworkers because being "self employed" throws you into a crazy tax bracket, right?

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:15 am

That's really great to hear! It's a scary line there balancing the need to eat and sponsor stuff, ya know?

Thank you so much. You are always so incredibly kind to me, I appreciate it very much! <3

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:16 am

Oh, and yes, taxes are insane. Maybe someday I'll learn to not be so shocked by them but daaaaang.

Otter March 24, 2015 - 9:03 pm

I feel like anytime someone has a "fun" job or something they really enjoy, it is somehow considered not a real profession. I get the same sort of questions because I'm an animal trainer. I think this is going to be a great series!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:17 am

Exactly. Work can't be fun apparently.

Also – animal trainer? What kind of animals?! I'm very intrigued. Since your name is Otter I'm picturing someone teaches otters to be even cuter than they already are. 😛

Otter March 25, 2015 - 1:51 am

Haha exactly 😉 I'm a bird and mammal trainer! I work with lots of birds and a couple of different mammals like a white-nosed coati, a prehensile-tailed porcupine, and I used to work with our river otters before they were moved to a different part of the facility :'( But they were sooo cute!

peppermintsandhoneybees March 24, 2015 - 9:05 pm

What a great post! I've been blogging for about a year as a hobby but would love to get more into it. I'm still figuring everything out so any tips would be greatly appreciated. You do awesome work so keep being you!!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:18 am

Thanks! If you think of anything specifically you'd like me to cover, just holler! 🙂

Cojo Graab March 24, 2015 - 9:50 pm

It's the best post that I have read for a long time. You are right that blogging IS a real job but people still just don't understand this. I can't imagine different work for myself and I'm so happy that my mom understands that I can support myself with blogging. Sje said that time changed and Internet (and also blogging as a part of the Internet) 10 years ago was nothing, was really small. Now it's the strongest media in the world and future is here.
Amazing article and I just can't wait for more tips from you:)

http://www.cojograab.com

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:21 am

Thanks Cojo! Girl, your blog is gorgeous. Good luck with it! 🙂

Sarah Bear =] March 24, 2015 - 9:56 pm

Such a great post! I completely agree that the older generations wont really understand/agree that it is a real job! But it takes a lot of hard work, time and determination – I think that's what makes it a job.
Congratulations on making your blog so fantastically awesome, and having blogging as a job. 🙂
Sarah xx
whimsicalmumblings.blogspot.co.uk

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:23 am

Thanks, Sarah but what makes it a job is that I'm getting paid. Something can be super easy and take no work or determination but still be a job – as long as you're getting paid.
🙂

Kitschy Mama March 24, 2015 - 10:18 pm

TDS is the only blog I keep reading on an almost daily base, it's absolutely my favorite blog ever! The quality of your content and photos show that you put time and effort in your posts. I'm so happy for you (and me and all other readers 😉 ) that you can make a living out of it because it's totally worth it!

I only started blogging in january so I'm looking forward to this series, as your tips and tricks can help me find my own way without having to make my own mistakes first 😉
I also wonder "where the money comes from". In Belgium, where I live, we have ads but they don't pay the bills. Maybe because most blogs are written in our own language so there aren't that much readers, even with the popular ones?

I also must say that I admire you, you seem like such a positive and interesting person. And you're also a source of inspiration to me as we have a lot of interests in common and I like your (blogging) style a lot.

So, this was my first english reply to a blogpost ever, I hope you completely understood the things I've said ;-). Keep up the good work Kaylah, you're doing it great!
Love, Daphne

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:27 am

Oh my goodness, Daphne, thank you so much!! 🙂

Hmm, that's an interesting thought about not many readers in other languages. I've never really thought about monetization being more difficult for blogs in a language other than English.

Ps. Your English was perfect!
🙂

Catherine Denton March 24, 2015 - 10:52 pm

Super excited about this series! I'd love to hear your daily schedule, how long it takes to edit photos/posts weekly, how you organize social media and how you're able to write so much content every week.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:29 am

Great suggestions!! Wrote them all down. 🙂

WendyM March 24, 2015 - 11:08 pm

Definitely interested to hear more! Maybe it's because I live in a relatively high cost of living area (Boston), but I never understand how ad revenue makes enough to pay the rent and bills. On the average blogger size blog that is. But I think it's great for whoever can make it work! Why not?! Do what you love!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:33 am

Exactly, if you can make it work, why the heck not?

tina March 24, 2015 - 11:08 pm

I work from home also (internet retail) and the thing is that people think "work from home" means work part time. They really just can not fathom that I work constantly. That is MY trade-off. I work all day and night but I get to do it from home.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:35 am

That, exactly! I basically work around the clock. I might take some time off to go on a bike ride, or to explore an abandoned building or whatever but when I come home I have to get back to work. It's very hard to clock out when you're self employed.

Gail Akeman Frugal and Coupon Crazy March 24, 2015 - 11:59 pm

I still tell people in my own generation and they look at me funny still

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 12:39 am

Hah!

Midge Blitz March 25, 2015 - 12:29 am

THANK YOU. I can totally relate. I do my etsy store full time as my job, and it's so tiring to hear people knock what I do for my bread and butter as if it's not a real living. Looking forward to more bizness lady posts like this!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 10:51 am

Thanks girl! 🙂

Lauren @ Lipstick + Lacquer March 25, 2015 - 1:04 am

Blogging would be an ideal career for me. I've been blogging for about 3 years because I love it. It also combines my passions of graphic design, photography, and (as a beauty blogger) makeup. I am a year out of school for Graphic Design and my ideal career for me is a freelance graphic designer and blogger. My parents don't get it but I'm working hard to make it a possibility for me! I've been following and admiring your blog for a couple of years now and I can't wait to read more posts about your blogging experience!

lauren / lipstick & lacquer

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 10:54 am

Thanks, Lauren! You have such a great blog, there is definitely definitely potential there to turn it into your bread and butter. 🙂

Katie Schopp March 25, 2015 - 1:58 am

I feel you on that stigma, I'm a photography student and I always get people telling me what are you going to do with that? How are you going to make a living doing that? I don't think people realize those questions are very invasive and can really hurt. Especially when those people are close to you. I can't wait to learn more from this series about blogging as a career!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 10:54 am

I agree, that's totally invasive. I understand that the questions are necessarily coming from a bad place but people need to realize what they're asking isn't appropriate.

Bivisyani Questibrilia March 25, 2015 - 2:41 am

Kaylah, I really love this post! I think this should definitely be addressed. I'm a blogger too though I haven't had enough readers to make a living out of it. But I'm intrigued to try. I'd love to hear tips or stories on how you started out and how you're handling it thus far. Aside from that, I'd really love to see a photo of the hour thing to see what your daily schedule as a blogger looks like.

Alive as Always

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 10:55 am

Thanks! Those are great suggestions. I was definitely already planning a photo an hour of my blogging routine 🙂

lucille March 25, 2015 - 3:56 am

I don't mean this to sound snarky, but how do you make enough money from blogging to afford your lifestyle? Aside from the just regular costs of living (rent, health insurance, car insurance, utilities, etc) your hobbies and interests seem to be very pricey. Do you really make enough off blogging to afford that expensive bike, all your tattoos and hair dye, all your photography equipment, along with the multitude of things you like to collect. I know that blogging is a real job, I don't doubt that, but are you really generating that much? Also, how do you deal with taxes if you make above a certain amount? I am genuinely curious by HOW you do it.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 11:05 am

I understand that you're not trying to sound snarky, but questions like that are exactly what I'm talking about in the post. It's very invasive to ask someone how they afford something that they do.

I'm also not sure what kind of answer you're expecting. I simply save money until I can afford the expensive things I want, just like everyone else.

Mag Zilla March 26, 2015 - 2:57 am

If I may, I think what Lucille is getting at is, how have you made this a full time job that supports everything that you want to do? Probably, the blunter (ruder, which you don't have to answer at all) question that she didn't ask here was, "DUDE, like, how much do you -actually- make?"
I won't lie and say I'm not curious about that, because if it's better than what I make at my day job, it'll just be that much more incentive for me to try harder to do what I love. Student loans aren't gonna pay themselves!

As much as we're trained in society to find direct financial questions rude, one of the many reasons why people don't consider blogging a real job is that they have no realistic sense of what successful bloggers actually make. I remember in high school math, when we had to take our "dream job", use this federal website thing to figure out what the average person makes doing it, and then take that money and "buy" a car and house to come up with mortgage, payments, and then still figure out a monthly grocery budget. I also remember having to settle for something that wasn't my "dream job" because cartoonist and costume designer weren't on the stupid website, and my teacher kept telling me that I needed to have a "real job". BLECH. Blogging is such a new, and such a varied thing, there aren't real hard numbers on it! You're kind of a pioneer.

Kaylah March 26, 2015 - 10:21 am

I understand but the thing is knowing how much someone makes doesn't really matter because everyone lives SO differently. Cost of living from state to state, shoot even city to city, varies drastically. What people consider necessities also dictates how much they need in order to survive. Also it's not like blogging has one set amount you can make. There is no minimum wage here. Me sharing my numbers doesn't mean that's what someone else would make too.

Anyway, my point is I'm not rich. I don't think blogging will ever make me rich. But it works. My bills get paid, I eat healthy (lololol, I mean, for the most part), and I'm able to save a little bit of money for fun things. Life, for me at least, isn't about accumulating lots of money. As long as my needs are being met I'm super stoked, especially because I have my dream job!

Katie March 25, 2015 - 4:26 am

Kudos to you for this! I came from a tiny town that didn't exactly thrive in the creative department, so I still get awkward responses when telling people I'm a wedding photographer, and because I'm fairly new, I feel like I have to justify myself. All. The. Time. It's hard to get over the fact that some people will never understand, but you're enjoying what you do and amazing at it, so you're the real winner.xx

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 11:06 am

Aw, Katie, you NEVER have to justify yourself! <3

PeachSponge March 25, 2015 - 5:58 am

Look at youtubers! Zoella just bought a home for 1.4 million dollars and she just started by making beauty videos. And there are so many bloggers making a really good living from their blog. I think people think that its just too easy, they don't deserve money because they're not really working or they're not making a contribution to society or something – which is a load of bull. The internet is massive, and important nowadays – and if you are making something that helps, inspires, or makes people happy then you deserve every cent and then some.

People are dicks!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 11:08 am

That's crazy – and AWESOME. Kudos to her.

kmgfoto March 25, 2015 - 7:43 am

Hi! 🙂 Thanks for that insight.
Yeah, being a blogger or trying to make it as a photographer/illustrator WITH blogging is definitely not easy. I'm an old visitor here, I started following you when… phew… Like… 2008/9? Something like that. I had my pauses but i regularly come back.
Since I know this blog so long, I should be able to pinpoint what it was, that made you so succesful. Was it the scheduled blogging? Or the sponsors? I remember your first outfit post, to get you out of these pj's. It was a little bit of all I think. But I'd love to hear (or read) what it was specifically that did the deed. At which point did you recognise that blogging could actually work for you as a fulltime job?
Thanks in advance!

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 11:20 am

Haha, so crazy you've been around that long! Thanks for sticking around. Good thing I wanted to stop wearing pjs all the time. 😛

Those are great questions. I don't really think there was one specific thing that was the key to success.

agingriotgrrrl March 25, 2015 - 10:25 am

i loved this post. i hate that people feel the need to judge you based on how you make your money, like they can tell you what you are. i mean, i am a writer, anyone who knows me would call me that, i've been writing since i was a child and it is truly my core identity, but since i don't make too much money off of it people look at me like i'm crazy when i answer that question with "a writer!" instead of "a social worker!" (which is what pays my bills but not what i really, truly, AM.
i think it's so rad that you've found a way to make money off of your photography, style, and art. (i apologize if the next sentence is an overstepping of bounds/offensive) i'm a long-time reader & have noticed that you have mentioned that you are shy/socially anxious, and i think it's super rad that you are able to work in a way that is suited to yr strengths! like, i've seen so many super-smart introverted people (myself included) get overlooked, ignored and discredited in more traditional work environments, and chattier, stupider people get promoted, praised, etc. so kudos to you for bypassing all that.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 11:26 am

Good for you for telling people you're a writer! I hope someday you'll be able to make that your bread and butter. 🙂

Right? That's one reason I REALLY love blogging. This last year I've really come out of my shell, and am a thousand times less anxious in social situations but working for myself at home has given me so many better opportunities than I most likely would have had in a more traditional work environment.

Tyranny of Pink March 25, 2015 - 3:42 pm

I have recently just left my full time job to pursue blogging full time. Right now, it doesn't pay any of my bills but that's okay because I know that this is what I want to do and if I work hard enough, it will. I loved this post because I've already been faced with questions like this and I find myself looking for other answers when faced with the question "what do you do". I love that you face it head on but also know exactly what I'm going through. So many bloggers do it as a hobby that people don't really understand that it's can be a real job too.

Thank you for making me happy today.

Jonelle
Tyrannyofpink.com

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 7:40 pm

Thats awesome to hear, Jonelle! Good luck!! 🙂

smelk-o-matic March 25, 2015 - 5:23 pm

Hi Kaylah – I have read your blog off and on for a few years now. I am just a few years older than you, and definitely not as adventurous with fashion and likely don't have a ton of things in common with you, other than being from Cleveland. In any event, I think these kinds of posts and blogs in general invite people to be curious about authors' lives, and they make people wonder how they make it work. I think it's wonderful that you are living life your way and making this your career. I hope this lasts a long time for you. Maybe you could explain your job as you are slowly writing your autobiography? While I find your lifestyle and habits intriguing, I might like to know a bit more about what makes you tick, what makes you happy, what worries you, about your relationships, about what makes you real…that's ultimately what would make me keep reading.

Kaylah March 26, 2015 - 10:07 am

Hey there,
I feel like I already share enough of those things. I'm not comfortable sharing any more about my relationships or anything personal. Sorry! I'm sure there are lots of other blogs, that maybe you'd have more in common with, that do share more those of things.
🙂

noisetteholly March 25, 2015 - 6:23 pm

I'm so excited to read these posts! As someone who blogs as a hobby, I know how much time that consumes. Blogging as a career is obviously so many levels above that and I have no doubt that it is seriously hard work. I can't wait to read all about it. I think for a lot of people who say that they don't think it is a 'real' job are just upset that they aren't doing something that they love as a job.

Kaylah March 25, 2015 - 7:57 pm

I would have to agree with ya there! 🙂

kate mccurrach March 26, 2015 - 4:52 am

This is such an empowering and inspirational post! I've gone through loads of jobs in my lifetime (and a BSc) and have heard many ridicule some of my employment positions as "just a temporary thing before you get a real job right?" It can be so frustrating! After some serious chronic health set backs I'm now working towards making money as a home based crafter and once again facing a whole lot of negativity from the outside world. Hey – if I can pay my bills doing something I love to bits and leaves me super happy why not?

Kaylah March 26, 2015 - 10:08 am

Aw man, sorry you're dealing with negativity! You got this, Kate!! 🙂

kate mccurrach March 27, 2015 - 12:44 am

If nothing else it is extra motivation for me to prove them all wrong! Go eternal optimism!

gerry March 26, 2015 - 1:09 pm

What a beautiful dog!

And I'm jealous…I am too lazy and not imaginative enough and too cantankerous to make money at blogging, so may you make huge gobs of money at it and succeed, succeed, succeed!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:14 pm

Thank you! I think he's pretty darn handsome. 😉

figandthistle.com March 26, 2015 - 1:42 pm

I have a blog that is a hobby. I love writing, but blogging full-time isn't in the cards right now. (I work at a university and my husband and kids get free college tuition, can't beat that with a stick). On my blog for fun I can easily spend 2 hours a day just to write a single post. I can totally see how blogging could be an 8 to 10 hour a day job writing, editing, photographing, planning stories, networking…. I think folks just don't realize how intense it can be. I wonder if dudes get the same incredulity?

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:15 pm

Probably not, but thats another topic all together. 😛

Myev March 26, 2015 - 3:08 pm

Thank you so much for this article ! I was wondering what you're doing for a living, since you stopped doing your cute handmade clutches a few years ago (edit : …well except for your limited edition from today ;)). But I didn't want to be too nosy.
I'm dealing with similar questions because I'm self-employed. For many people – and even myself sometimes ! – not earning money the same amount each month with salary slip and all is just too scary/immature/definitely not possible.
And even if I graduated at art school, I wasn't prepared at all to what was going after, be my own boss and all.
With experience – and I guess a little more wisdom, I could say that if you love what you're doing and if you can live an happy life doing it, what more could you expect ? 🙂

Jennifer Sargent March 26, 2015 - 5:18 pm

I'd love to hear about why you chose Blogger over Wordpress. I love Blogger, so much more than Wordpress or others, but every professional opinion I hear about blogs is quite the opposite. (aside from your blog and a few others of course) What do you say to the opinion that 'Wordpress is for serious bloggers and Blogger is for hobbyists' ?

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:17 pm

I really don't have a good answer for that. I've just always used blogger. I've never heard anything SO special about Wordpress that made me want to switch.

Britt March 26, 2015 - 9:09 pm

Can't wait for this little series! I've blogged off and on since 2011 and could never find my 'thing' to blog about. I'm trying a new look and new content soon and am really interested in making my money this way as health issues keep me from getting a "real" job.

Michelle M.B. March 26, 2015 - 10:31 pm

Keep doing what you're doing. You're awesome!

I hope you share tips about editing photos. 🙂

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:18 pm

Thank you!

What type of tips? I'm definitely down to share that type of post but really have no idea what types of things specifically people are interested in hearing about.

Sarah Albertson March 26, 2015 - 11:50 pm

I've always been so curious about what it's like to make a living from blogging, so I loved reading this post and am definitely looking forward to more! It's just a hobby for me right now but I would love to turn it into a job one day. When I was between jobs last summer I got a taste of what it would be like to blog full time and I LOVED it. What I am interested in is kind of how it all got started (if you're comfortable sharing that!!!) Like did you know you wanted to make a living from blogging or did it just sort of start happening and you went with it? And how did you learn how to start earning money from blogging? Trial and error? Reading guides? A bit of both? That's the part I am still a bit foggy about, myself. Anyway, your blog has always been one of my faves and I am so glad you are able to make it your dream job! 😀

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:19 pm

Those are great questions, definitely ones I plan on answering in future posts! Thank you! 🙂

Courtney Howard March 27, 2015 - 5:21 am

You are awesome! I have enjoyed your blog and creative endeavors since 2011. I love the new pouches, I am glad you started selling your photographs they are sooo good…. I wished I could have grabbed one of the pouches. Hopefully you can have another pre order soon. Either way lady I have a major crush for everything you do… definite inspiration for being original and unique! You have such a strong following that will back you in anything and everything. 🙂 KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU DO because I know it is a lot of work… hard work, dedication and true passion! Sending tons of love you way!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:20 pm

Woweee, thanks for sticking around so long, Courtney! 🙂
<333

STYLE MARMALADE March 27, 2015 - 10:37 am

This is so true! I feel the same when people ask me what I do for a living I often find myself saying graphic designer, stylist, photographer. A lot of people still don't understand how you can make money from it and don't take it seriously.

BlackIn Bloom March 27, 2015 - 7:12 pm

BlackIn BloomMarch 24, 2015 at 3:34 PM
I would love to hear more about the early stages of your blogging career and how you got so successful! You're such an inspiration and I love reading your blog. Itd be an honor to hear from you your success tips!

wishcandy March 28, 2015 - 6:09 am

Living on the east coast i went through such scrutiny. People didn't believe i made a full living off art. I've even encountered people asking me for proof, my credentials. Now i could easily point to a bookstore or a popular art website.

But i still don't know how to explain to older people the kind of art i create. An older man said, "Like Frida Kahlo?" I just nodded because i didn't know what else to say. Haha. I need to go back to blogging but i'm not sure what to talk about!

Elif March 29, 2015 - 7:28 pm

I seriously can't wait for more blogging tips from you! I actually am planning on sending you an email about something so I guess this comment is like a little heads up for you haha 🙂

Morgan March 30, 2015 - 11:52 am

Everyone is judged by certain people no matter what! It takes an extremely determined, gifted, strong willed and self-motivated person to work for themselves at home, you're amazing and don't let anyone tell you any different!!

Kate April 7, 2015 - 7:27 pm

I think it's amazing that you're able to make a living by doing what you love. That should be celebrated! And it obviously it takes a lot of self motivation and planning to make things work. There are obviously people out there who will judge you no matter what. But traditional jobs are way overrated.

I'm excited to hear what else you have do say. 🙂

Celeste Godinez April 14, 2015 - 7:59 pm

I've been following you since the days of Flickr and I've always wondered, how did you get your start in blogging? Is there a lot of competition due to the numerous amount of blogs out there? I'm sure it's been asked but what tips or recommendations do you have for those who want to begin blogging but don't know where to start.

Thanks!

Cady Gebhardt April 18, 2015 - 3:57 am

You've probably heard this a million times in your comments already but anyone who claims that's not a "real job" is rude and jealous.You've got the coolest job, and you kick ass doing it, which is why it does so well that you can support yourself(which is rad in and of itself and I've been envious and inspired for years by you now c:)! You don't owe an explanation to anyone, its your life.

Jessi April 26, 2015 - 3:13 pm

I'm so glad that you're writing about this! I've been following your blog for years and recently started my own. I can't wait to see what you have to say!

Jocelyn June 4, 2015 - 5:16 pm

I meant to comment on this ages ago and I just stumbled across it again. I think it's awesome that you're able to support yourself doing something that you obviously love to do. I find it inspiring, to tell you the truth. As someone in her mid-20s who hasn't got a clue in the world what she wants to do career-wise, it's refreshing to know that my life doesn't have to be constrained to a cubicle or an otherwise "boring office job". Sure, I do that here and there right now while I'm school, but I gotta pay the bills somehow! I wonder every single day what I'll end up doing after I graduate. And then 10 years after that, and even 20 years after! It's exciting, overwhelming, and a little daunting. But knowing that other individuals like yourself can find an exciting career in an interesting way is sometimes all that gets me through it. Thanks for sharing your world with us all! 🙂

D-rama Bomb June 17, 2015 - 10:35 pm

loved reading this post, and all of the comments underneath it.
there are so many aspects of blogging that could be classed as a job within themselves!
i kind of think you are some sort of super-human to manage it all.. and make a living from it.
excited to find out more 😀
D-rama xo

Emily Draher January 29, 2016 - 9:20 pm

I love this post! I've been blogging for four years, and recently made the decision to close my little nail shop in Canton to focus on blogging full-time. I just found your blog (thanks to Instagram) and am so excited to read about your Northeast Ohio adventures 🙂

Comments are closed.