Balancing Family, Life, and Two Careers:

Getting the Most Out of Part-Time Blogging

Travis Pizel#Fincon12

September 7th, 2012

IntroductionWho am I?

Husband, dad, family man

Full-Time Software Engineer

Part-Time Blogger CareOne Debt Relief Services Enemy of Debt

Goals

Share journey to find my blogging identity

Make you reflect on your own

My Progression as a Blogger.....

MAR 2010 : Customer Blogger For CareOne Debt Relief Services

NOV 2010 : @DebtChronicles Was Born JUN 2011 : Our Journey To Zero JUN 2011 : Joined #Yakezie Challenge JUL 2011 : Joined TeamEOD SEP 2011 : The Great Maryland Adventure OCT 2011 : #FINCON11 NOV 2011 : BURNED OUT

What Happened?

Blogging became all consuming Quality of posts suffered Family time suffered No time for any other interests Stressed

Believed there was a single definition for success as a blogger

Wanted to do it all, whether I enjoyed it or not

Defining Success

Money $500 - $800 per month

Being Inspired By Others @blondeonabudget (Cait Flanders) @affordanything (Paula Pant) @Jen_Fowler (Jen Fowler) @suzannecramer1 (Suzanne Cramer) @brad_chaffee (Brad Chaffee)

Defining Success

Helping and Inspiring Others in Debt

“Your article relating the marathon to getting out of debt was rather inspiring at a time when I was becoming frustrated.”

“I'll be reading for the great ideas and reassurance as we all continue our paths to financial freedom.”

“I've really enjoyed reading your posts and I keep learning things every day.”

“You truly are helping many of us in the community. You are a true inspiration and have helped me through your words.”

“t-pizel you are my hero :-).”

“Oh and thanks to @DebtChronicles for being a small lifeline when I first confronted filing for bankruptcy. You didn't know but you helped.”

UnforeseenInspiration

Defining Myself

Re-discovered the joy of being an engineer Realized that I simply want to be a writer

Not interested in being a blog owner Re-prioritized the important things

Family Full-time Software Engineer Part-time Writer

How Will I Achieve My Goals?

Stop activities that do not align with goals Provide the absolute best content I can Look for ONE guest post per month Only accept writing jobs that fit all parties involved Implement a structured and efficient method of writing Continue writing with Tori

How I Write

Time budgeting One hour per day writing Dedicated, quiet place

Methodology Story boarding Rough Draft First Edit Final Edit

Miscellaneous Tips Ideas File If a post doesn't turn out, keep it – it will eventually

Closing Thought

Thank You!