Tuesday, November 6, 2012

What I Learned This Weekend


This past weekend (actually from Wed-Sun), I worked at a job that I quit in early 2011.  I was just supervising the box office for a craft show to help out them out, but it certainly made me realize why I quit there in the first place.  Don't get me wrong, I love most of the people I worked with, but it was almost like going on a date with an ex-boyfriend who you think might have changed, but you realize that they haven't changed at all.  It make me appreciate the decisions I've made to better my life and gave me a bit more motivation to get my act together.  Here are some things I learned this weekend...
  • I have the upmost respect for bloggers who have a full-time job.  I know it's a matter of great time management skills and constant motivation, but I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming admiration for the ladies I know who do it.  Working this weekend made me realize that I need to start using my time more efficiently.  
  • I really, really need to start treating my Etsy shop as a business, because it is.  I feel like I've been treating it like "the thing I'm doing until I can have my own brick & motar", but I'm realizing that's the wrong approach.  I need to realize and act like I'm already a small business owner.
  • Going to craft shows has always been inspirational to me.  My mom took me to them all the time when I was growing up, and I think that's part of the reason I want to have a store.  I want to sell things that are special and unique.  The wonderful vendors at Christmas Village this weekend made me remember that.
  • I love working with people who are so positive.  We'd been working about 10 hours when the 2 ticket sellers I was working with bust out with every since 70s tv sitcom theme song ever made, and sang in perfect harmony.  It's moments like these that restore my faith in humanity.  I've also had the theme from Three's Company stuck in my head ever since.
Sorry for such a long post, but I think if I get these feelings and goals out there to you all, it makes me feel a bit more obligated to come through.  Thanks for listening.  =) 

23 comments :

  1. alas, I am one of those crazies who works full time and blogs. AND I'm planning to open an Etsy shop next month. It's suuuuper hard to work so much, but how does one pay the bills when just starting out in the craft world? I suppose patience eh?
    Ah sigh...... you are a lucky girl pretty lady!
    Trish

    www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks lady. I totally admire you and hope you do well with your Etsy shop!

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  2. I get pretty overwhelmed with a full work week, going to school and blogging but I think I'm one of the lucky ones. I work on a computer so I can occasionally get away with using my work time to do homework or bloggy things. I can't imagine full time workers who have kids AND blog. THAT's ridiculous!! Lol.

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  3. Sounds like you had a great and inspiring weekend, friend. :) I hear you. I work full time, have a freelance editing job that is 40 hours per month, then the ol etsy shop. Unfortunately, the shop gets put on the back burner A LOT because it is a ton of work. I am really trying to find a balance and time to devote to it. :) I think your shop is darling...wishing you a wonderful day!

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  4. You are totally a business owner! Brick and Mortar will only be an addition to your online sales. Think of how many more people you can reach online then you can locally?

    You have multiple full time jobs, lady. Student, blogger, shop owner. You rock.

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  5. I totally agree with Lauren, selling stuff online gives you so many more possible clients. Brick and mortar may still be seen as the sign of being successful, but I think online sales are definitely just as important. It's nice you are feeling so much more motivated too, and don't worry, I'm pretty bad at not using my time wisely too xo

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  6. I'm really thankful that my day job is so flexible. It gives me the time and energy I need to come home and keep working on other projects and work for myself.

    Nothing gets me energized, motivated, and excited more than a craft show! I'm trying to go more often just for inspiration if nothing else!

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    1. That's great that your job is so flexible. And craft shows are the best for getting pumped up!

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  7. I worked full time and blogged for years and loved it, but it was incredibly challenging. I was scattered-brained and unhealthy. Working full time on creative endeavors is hard, but I like it much better than going to an office every day!

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    1. Yes I agree. That's what I'm trying to keep in mind. My previous career had me working 60-80 hour weeks with barely time to eat lunch, much less actually take a lunch break. I never want to be doing that kind of work for someone else again!

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  8. It seems to me like you're doing a damn good job right now, and you're right it is incredibly admirable how they do it, I don't work (unless you count home schooling my 2 boys) and I still get behind and feel like I don't ever have enough time to make my blog the way I want it to be! It's great you had that boost of inspiration, keep it going! xo

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    1. Thanks girl. And I vote that home schooling your boys is a full-time job! Being a mom in general s a full time job!

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  9. My dads gf used to take me to Holiday Craft fairs.. I loved them. I haven't been to one in years! I need to do that this year.
    I always wonder what it'd be like to go back to the previous job I worked.. it gives me knots in my tum

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    1. Yeah I don't know what I was thinking. (Ok, yes I do. I was thinking money!)

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  10. Its nice to see a blogger that doesn't work full time show some love to us full timers, I mean absolutely no disrespect by that by the way. I work full time, and always wish there was SOME way I could afford to stay home, and blog, and work on the shop, and craft but there isn't. Blogging is time consuming, but very rewarding, I get to meet friends like you! :) As far as the shop thing, when my sis and I started our shop, I read tons of those etsy full time job posts, one key thing was to treat your shop like its a business/full time job. So I think your headed in the right direction lady!

    Meg

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    1. Thanks Meg! I just seriously have the utmost admiration for anyone who is able to balance so much.

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  11. What a great post!!! It's hard to balance life and blogging. I feel currently I've got a good balance, but spend a lot more time online with the colder weather now. Plus it's dark at like 5pm! I have been in a situation where I thought a work place would change and gave them another chance, but learned very quick that I quite for a reason! :) Life lesson learned. Just makes you stronger!

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  12. It's so good to read that you are such clever person! I like it in you! :)
    http://coeursdefoxes.blogspot.com/

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  13. it's hard to go back and help out at a place you left. i know! still nice of you to do it. and the best thing is to treat everything like little businesses - i run my blog like i run a business and dedicate a certain amount of time to it, have a schedule, plan, and incur costs. but i also run my life like this too. so yeah. haha. etsy is hard - i found it sooo hard to actually run it and keep it organized, it was one thing i failed awfully at so i respect you for it greatly

    <3 katherine
    of corgis and cocktails

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  14. i love this post. i'm glad to see you were inspired by the situation— i know it can be way too easy to focus on the bad parts of an experience. thanks for sharing this, i know that i always feel more accountable when i voice my goals (with readers/friends/family/anything) so i'm right there with ya!

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