As much as I tell you about myself on this here blog, I tend not to go into too many personal details but I thought this was kind of big and it’s been brewing for a while and I felt the need to share with you guys.
You probably know by now that for my ‘day job’, I’m the Editor of AO at Home, ao.com’s lifestyle blog. It’s a great gig and one that I’m very thankful for. I work with a talented group of bloggers who are my contributors and we produce some really amazing content. In the last year and 9 months since I took on the role, the blog has gone from pretty much a non-existent audience to a really buzzing site which is doing so well – incredibly well – and I’m really proud of it and my little team.
Here are some of my more recent posts if you were interested in having a look…
 |
| 6 Tips to Creating a Boho Modern Interior |
 |
| 10 of the Best Starburst Mirrors |
 |
| 8 Tips to Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodel |
 |
| 14 Beautiful Botanical Wallpaper Designs |
In the meantime, Swoon Worthy has gone from strength to strength. I know I don’t post here every day and that was a decision I took some time ago. That I wouldn’t feel guilty if I couldn’t do that but that when I did post, I would make sure that I was putting quality content here, not fluff, not ‘look it’s a pretty room!’ with no commentary. I would always be sure that when you stopped by, it was worth your time and attention. At least that was always my aim.
I also started to be approached by more and more companies to work with me on Swoon Worthy. Now, while I do have the occasional sponsored post, I want you to know that I turn down SO many more offers than I accept. I only work with companies that I actually like and that I’m happy to recommend to you guys. If I wouldn’t put it in my house, I’m not putting it on my blog. It’s as simple as that really.
I also started getting approached about more frequently about freelance writing work. You might know that I also contribute to Oak Furnitureland’s lifestyle blog.
 |
| Trend Spotting: Pineapples |
I’m also in talks with another company about freelancing for them (it’s such a lovely site, I can’t wait to share it with you). I also do blog consultancy on the side and I’m working with a company at the moment to get their blog up and running. I’ve dabbled in a bit of interior design on the side too.
Oh and I am finally beginning to make plans for opening an Etsy shop selling prints of my art work.
As exciting as all of this is, it also means my work-life balance is all screwed up. I mean, I know everyone’s busy. I don’t need to sit here and moan about how busy I am because no one wants to hear that. And the truth is, I’m incredibly grateful that I have opportunities opening up for me since starting Swoon Worthy. Busy is good, right?
Indeed it is. But busy to the point where I have very little social time, when I refuse a night out on Friday because I have too much work to do on Saturday (and I can’t recover from hangovers in a day like I used to) and busy to the point where I have to tell Wayne we can’t go to the pub on a sunny weekend because I have blog posts to write or a project to photograph… It’s just starting to be a bit too much. I just want a little bit of ‘me’ time back. And I want a bit of ‘me and Wayne’ time back.
So *drumroll* as of 1st of September, I have taken a bit of a scary step. AO is such a good company to work for that they’re allowing me to go part time (down to 3 days a week) so that the other 2 days I can concentrate on my freelance work and my blog.
I know, how cool is that?! I’m so excited by this and so grateful that they are still happy to have me continue my work on AO at Home and are allowing me to gain back a bit of the work-life balance that’s been missing for the last year.
And I’m grateful to you guys. For listening to me waffle and supporting and encouraging me. I freaking love every last one of your comments, I love the tweets, I love the Facebook posts and I love the personal emails. Swoon Worthy is my baby but it just wouldn’t mean anywhere near as much without you guys. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart – you guys are awesome and it’s because of you that I’m able to take my first little scary steps into freelance.
So I just wanted to say a very big thank you and if you can tell me that everything is going to be okay and pet my head and tell me not to worry too much, that would be very cool too.
Cheers to you for working so hard that you could make this happen and cheers to AO for seeing the benefit in working with you on a new schedule. Everybody wins! So glad things are going so well for you my friend – as I knew they would. And I can't wait for that Etsy shop!!! :) xo
Aww thanks darling! I'm excited and crapping myself in equal measure! LOL! xxx
Life is all about the right balance; I'm happy that you realized that now before taking on new projects; so many people don't. Good luck Kimberly.<br /><br />Barb
Thanks so much Barbara! That's really encouraging! :) xxx
What an amazing opportunity! Congratulations! I am going to share a link with you not as a criticism, but hopefully as a way for you to claim back a bit more of your life. You need to be going out on Friday nights with Wayne! Going part time on the one blog will help you give you some time, but I also think that it helps to keep everything in perspective. <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/
Haha! Thanks so much for sending that on! I really do hope it didn't come across as some kind of weird brag as that really wasn't my intention (which is why I said no one wants to hear that! lol) ;) I need to keep repeating 'I'm not that busy' to myself I reckon as a mantra!! xxx
Oh wow- no wonder you're so busy! What a brilliant opportunity to do even more of what you love :) I've just clicked on the Boho and Save Money On Your Kitchen Remodel links. Given that I've spent the last three days painting and wallpapering our kitchen I'm hoping I won't be kicking myself after reading the tips on AO :p xxx
Aww thank you!! I'm sure your kitchen is totally under control ;) xxx
This is awesome! Congrats, lady. You deserve it. And I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve in the future!
Thank you my dear! I'm so excited ;) xxx
Yay! I am so excited for you! I'm happy that your busy, good busy, because I've been unemployed for a long time and that just sucks your soul right out of you. And I am glad you have found a way to balance your work and your private life, because too much work is ALSO a huge soul suck, <br />So, in short, I am so happy for you! Because frankly, I'd prefer fewer posts, if they are of
Aww thanks hun! Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on myself and need to do a few more 'oooh look pretty' posts – they are a lot less time-consuming ;) hahaha! xxx
Hi Kimberly, I have been reading your blog since you were featured on YHL and I have to tell you I love your decorating style, your writing style, and how you keep things real over here!! I raced through this post hoping that your decision wouldn't be that there would be no more blog!! I would be so sad. So glad you are regaining work/life balance and please know you are such an inspiration
Hoorray! Take care
This is just amazing and I am so excited for you! Congratulations lady, you've well and truly earned it!x
of course it's going to be okay. because you're following your gut and heart–these friends will serve you well. such a joy to see you thrive and grow, beautiful freelance goddess.
Ooooo, that is exciting! AO clearly (and rightly!) value you and have done the sensible thing by letting you drop your hours – you're happy and they get to retain you; everyone's a winner! Worklife balance is so important so you're deffo right to do something about. Congratulations! x
Go girl, well done you, you deserve it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You do a great job at both Swoonworthy and AO. I've never left a comment on AO but I do like what I read. I first saw you in 25 Beautiful Homes and I've still got the magazine lol. I raise a glass to you and wish you luck and happiness and a safe journey, not just to you but Wayne as well and I look
Fantastic news Kimberly! Work/life balance can be difficult to achieve and yet is so important. The progress you've made with Swoon Worthy is amazing; I hope one day to be able to write a similar post �� Wishing you all the very best of luck! Sue x
Happy first day taking your first step my dear xx I'm sending you all my positive no-bra-still-in-my-pj's-with-a-cat-on-my-lap vibes your way as I hit my first Monday working at home too. I have a feeling you're doing it MUCH classier than me xx<br /><br />You can do it. CHIN UP, BUTTERCUP :D