Hey, hey friends! I hope everyone is having a lovely Wednesday and a wonderful week thus far. I am working on balance this week and how I can maintain it within my personal, professional and blogging life. I am attempting to track all my time over the next few weeks with each job/responsibility so I can get a better perspective on how I spend my time! I’m sure this task sounds like the furthest thing from fun, but I have learned recently that there are aspects of my life that I don’t spend enough time on and others that I spend too much on, so I’m working to get better with b a l a n c e.
Lately, I have received so many questions about my “normal” job(s), blogging, working from home, balance, planning and my professional journey. So, today I am going to answer the top 10 questions!
What is your job?
I work as the Marketing and Development Manager for a non-profit and as the Marketing Manager for a local small business. I work both of these jobs part-time AKA a full-time schedule. Some weeks I work more or less but what I love about the jobs that I have is that my schedule is very flexible. My work schedule allows me to volunteer, pick up freelance projects, travel occasionally and of course, have time for the blog.
With my other job as a blogger and influencer, I do a lot of everything. From editing content and writing, to hosting and attending events, selecting pictures and scheduling shoots, answering emails, sending pitches, balancing books/finances, sending/updating invoices, having conference calls/Skype meetings with brands, managing/developing my website and more. One piece of advice I would give to new bloggers/influencers is to give yourself more time than you think you need to work on any campaign or blogging task. I also suggest to set certain days to plan and write content, then other days to engage and plan social media. Starting my blog has been one of the best decisions I have ever made and has taught me some of the biggest professional lessons I will ever learn.
How much time do you spend on blogging in a week?
This is one of the hardest questions to answer and is part of the reason why I am deciding to record my time over the next few weeks. I spend anywhere from 15 to 40 hours a week on the blog. Every week varies depends on how many posts I publish, if I need to shoot, if I need to edit pictures, how many emails I have, if I have RSVP’d for any events and so on. I’ve had weeks where I work 12 hours and am able to publish two posts and go to 1 event. On the flip side, I have had weeks where I’ll shoot twice, edit 250+ pictures, attend 2 events, publish 3 blog posts and get closer to 35 hours a week.
How do you plan for the week?
I try to write-down all my tasks and responsibilities for the week in my planner or with my phone calendar and notes section. I also want to get better at planning my meals for the entire week so I can cut back on eating out and mindlessly snacking.
What time do you wake up?
Since my schedule varies by week usually, so does my sleep pattern. I like to be awake by 8am and working by 8:30/9am. However, some days I wake up at 7am and start working at 7:15am and other days I wake up at 10 and don’t start working until 2pm. Creating a cohesive and consistent sleep schedule is the only down-side to working two-part time jobs since they can both change around during the week.
Do you have an assistant/intern?
No, I don’t have either. At my old job, I had a few interns that could help me with my workload and planning for events which freed up time for blogging and volunteering, but in my new job I don’t have interns. I also do not have interns or assistants for the blog. I have considered getting an intern over the past several months but have been too scared to jump in. I look forward to getting an intern in the future because that will symbolize that my business has grown in ways that I have dreamed about for so long.
Do you sleep?
I love this question! Honestly, I don’t sleep as much as I want to/should. I’m totally a night owl and complete my best work once the sun goes down. Naturally, I stay up far too late sometimes because I am deep in my work. With monitoring my time better, I plan on trying to get a consistent 9 hours of sleep per night.
What did you go to college for?
I have a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Family and Community Services with a Pre-law concentration. I originally wanted to be a family attorney, and sometimes still dream about it. But for now, I am loving my career in marketing and development.
How do you get work done when working from home?
I can’t lie y’all, working from home has many challenges. There are so many times I want to nap or take Max to the park or go shopping with my friends in the middle of the day when I work from home.I have found that working from a creative, clean and quiet space in my home helps with concentration. If you want to successfully work from home, I suggest investing in home office supplies and furniture that you genuinely love so that you are comfortable when working from home. I have an office set up where my dinning room would traditionally be in my condo. I have an oversized desk, 5 shelf bookcase, business printer, tons of pens, highlights, sticky notes and just about everything else you would have in a normal office. When I don’t want to work from my desk, I work from my bed with my lap-desk from college that has room for my laptop, cup of coffee, sticky notes and pens. When I’m having a really hard time concentrating, I will head to a local coffee shop or Panera to get work done. I did an office reveal about a year ago that you can see: HERE.
What is the best laptop bag to carry everything in?
I have used my LV neverfull to carry my laptop, planner, beauty products and more for the past two years. Recently, I got this bag and have loved using it! The straps are a little thicker (AKA don’t hurt my shoulder) and this bag is much more reasonable to use as a workbag.
What is your dream job?
I have several dream jobs: Secretary of Education, Marketing and Development Manager for She’s The First (AKA the best girls’ education non-profit ever that is so dear to my heart), Teaching faculty at a university, attorney and Research Analyst for the Department of Education. I have had so many great opportunities to explore different careers in my 23 years of life and that’s why I feel confident sharing all these ideas! To be honest, I currently have a 40 year plan when it comes to my career. I know that is E X T R E M E and that things will change, but I feel confident in knowing that everything I want and have ever wanted, I am able to have/do/achieve through faith and hardwork. If you read my life update a few months ago, I left a job that I thought I would have stayed at for a while. But, I realized quickly after starting that I wasn’t happy. In these past few months, I have been able to achieve goals that I had been dreaming about for years just by trusting in God, his grace and my gut when I quit my full-time job with little of a safety net to catch me.
Thank you so much for reading! If your question wasn’t answered here, feel free to email me or leave it in the comments and I’ll be sure to answer it! This post was a little longer than I intended but I love receiving feedback from y’all and being able to answer your questions.
Skirt (similar) // Bracelets // Watch (lotsofsass10 for 10% off) //
Bracelets // Earrings (similar) // Necklace (c/o similar)
I absolutely adore this look and this post is spot on! I’m randomly a nurse/grad MSN student
Thanks babe! I couldn’t imagine being a nurse but have always thought that was a cool career 🙂
I loved this post & getting to know you! Working from home is so funny, everyone thinks it’s different from what it actually is. I also go to starbucks or panera when I’m feeling unmotivated. Keeping my “space” clean def helps tho! Xx
Yes, I often have to get out my house to be more productive. It totally helps 🙂
I haven’t ever worked from home but I bet it can be challenging at times. I find it hard to get blog work done when I’m just home. Loving your skirt!
SOOO Obsessed with this outfit! Also in terms of work/blog balance, my blog always takes a back seat, which sucks. I work in PR/social media so after I have worked on clients all day, it’s hard for me to want to work on my own brand. The same thing can be said just about me in life in general (always giving to others, rarely giving to myself). BUT 2018 is the year i change that 🙂
Thank you! I’m still working on balance but know it will be worth it in the end.
Your dream jobs are so interesting and your sequin skirt is so fun. I also work from home but I do blogging full time right now. I tend to get up around 6:45 to get started on my day. But I get way more done in the morning that I do at night.
Wow!! It sounds like you are a busy girl! You handle so much; super admirable. Love this look babe!
What a go-getter! I used to work multiple part-time jobs and you are right that one of the benefits is a somewhat flexible schedule but still working full time hours! I love how you are able to manage it all so well.
Also, let’s talk about that skirt. So perfect. I love how you paired it so simply for work, but it could totally be worn for a fun girls’ night out, too! Keep doing BIG things, Azanique!
you look seriously so badass with that sequined skirt!! i wish i could rock that like you haha
that skirt looks amazing on you!!! And i can’t believe how much you get done in a week! So inspiring!
Thank you babe!
Great skirt!
Thank you 🙂
I am in love with that skirt! You are stunning girl!
I always love adding a little flare to my work outfit and this skirt is perfect!
When I was working remotely, I would always go to a Starbucks in order to make sure I wasn’t distracted! Kudos to you for killin’ it. I also LOVE the sequin skirt, you are GLOWING, girl!!!
-Emily
https://norepeatsorhesitations.com/2018/01/10/milk-makeup-review/
Aww I love this post and getting to know you behind the scenes a little more! I saw your office reveal post at some point and was curious about the framed “I think I’ll go to law school today” quote 🙂 That’s awesome you were pre-law and I loved hearing about your career goals!
Thank you babe!
You are such a girlboss!! Absolutely loving this outfit! That skirt looks amazing on you!
This skirt is SO fab! Your schedule sounds super busy, but that’s great you get to work from home!
This post was so fun for learning a little more about you. It’s so cool that your jobs allows you the flexibility to start at different times every day.
This outfit is amazing girl!! I love this skirt, so cute on you!
Kileen
cute & little
Not only do I love this look but also getting to know you a little bit more! Thanks for answering all our questions x
Thanks babe!
I think it’s so fascinating to read posts about what people do to keep organized – especially if they have multiple jobs. I feel like I have a hard enough time keeping on top of things and my sole job is blogging. I can’t imagine having multiple jobs like you do! That’s seriously impressive!
Such a cute work outfit! Love the skirt!
The sequin skirt is so nice! I love how bright and shiny it is. I would totally wear that!
XOXO
Shi Hui | IreviewUread
ireviewuread.com
Thank you so much!
I love this skirt and the shoes! And I loved reading this and getting to know you better!
Tori
http://www.mooretori.com
I have the same problem staying focused while working from home so I’ve spent the last couple days clearing out my home office and giving it an overhaul. I’m trying to reorganize everything so I won’t dread going in that room and can actually be productive! I need a new desk chair though, my $15 ikea one is trash
Hey, I absolutely love your outfit and that gold sequin skirt is so pretty! I struggle with balance as well. It’s hard for me to find “quiet time” since I homeschool, I am always with my kids and usually teaching them or making sure they are doing their “independent work”. I love learning more about your dream jobs and what you went to school for. So glad you are able to help non-profits you care about and have time for your blog as well. You stay busy! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much. Hopefully you have been finding more quiet time in this season 🙂
Wow girl you are a busy bee! It’s inspirational seeing how motivated you are working from home. I also have a hard time focusing…anyways loved this post and adore your skirt! Happy New Year beautiful! Xo, Nelli
Thank you! It’s totally hard to stay motivate at home but it’s worth it 🙂
Ohh love that skirt!
Than you love!
I love how you’re so attached to working non-profit organizations! It shows you have an amazing heart. On another note, you are rocking that sequined skirt!
Such a gorgeous skirt! And I love how you have a 40 year career plan, lol.
I really love your gold skirt. I like that you pair it with a black top. You really look gorgeous here, The pics are also awesome! Great shot!
You are so kind! Thank you
I adore this sequin skirt on you- so pretty!
xo, Kristina
I love it! Thank you
You look stunning! That skirt is amazing and was made for you!