Normally, the main subjects of my posts are the recipes.
I’m actually somewhat shy and don’t like a lot of attention on myself.
But many people have asked what I do as a full-time blogger.
I do not just sit around and eat cookies all day. (Too bad, ‘cause that would be fun.) I work really hard! So today’s post is going to be a little different from the normal recipe posts.
A Day in the Life:
I wake up naturally around 5am, amble downstairs, and start replying to a massive amount of emails, comments, facebook messages, and tweets. If it’s a running day, I’ll eat pre-run snack, then and answer more questions while waiting for the food to digest. [Insert run here: a little over an hour]
Upon returning, I quickly check the computer again, then eat a real breakfast.
Yesterday’s breakfast was this: 5-Minute Chocolate Oatmeal.
With breakfast done, I go back over to the computer, this time to ensure the day’s post published as scheduled. I work on writing new posts for about an hour and a half, taking mini breaks to measure dry ingredients, get one or two things started on the stove or oven, and cook something else in the microwave. (I’ve become a master at multitasking.) Then I run upstairs for a quick shower, after which I do maybe 20-30 more minutes of blogwork (writing posts, editing photos, answering questions) whilst also making lunch.
After lunch, I take Henry and Batman for a walk (unless they’re at my parents’ house, in which case I go by myself). I come back and do a photoshoot or two, since it’ll usually be nice and light out by this time. I also do some taste-testing of whatever recipe experiments were cooked that morning. Yesterday, I tested chocolate peanut butter pie and peach cinnamon coffee cake.
About two hours after lunch I’m usually hungry again, so I’ll have a snack. Sometimes the day’s experiments have turned out so well that I’ll just eat them for snack.
Yesterday’s snack was one of my favorites: Fudge Brownie Energy Bars.
Yes, more chocolate.
Then it’s back to the kitchen for more recipe experiments (and washing dishes!). I also continue to check the computer intermittently, answering questions and emails. Y’all ask a lot of questions, which I love because it means people are reading and making the recipes. I do try to answer as many as I possibly can!
Some days I run errands, often with a friend (or my roommate, if she’s off from work) to keep me company. And then it’s dinnertime, which is often followed by hanging out with whatever friends (if any) have found their way over. Our house is quickly becoming the “hang out after work” place, and I take advantage of this by giving out samples of the day’s experiments, asking for honest opinions.
Not all my experiments turn out; it sometimes takes two or three trials before I arrive at a recipe worthy of publishing… or ten in the case of my Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies!
Sometimes we’ll watch tv (Gossip Girl, Friends, whatever sports are on), but I always have a notebook in hand to multitask—brainstorming recipe combinations, writing out new posts, making a to-do list, etc. After people leave (or even sometimes when they’re still over), I’ll schedule the next day’s post, continue to tackle the never-ending inbox, eat a nighttime snack—usually more chocolate!—and finally turn off the computer. I don’t take days off, and even if there’s no post for the day I’m still working on all the other components of the site. When it’s time for bed, I rarely have a problem falling asleep.
I know some people (a lot of people?) think blogging isn’t a “real” job, but truthfully it’s no different from saying my job is: photographer, photo-editor, recipe developer, writer, and often–too often!–web technician. It’s definitely never boring!
What do you do as your job?
Do you enjoy what you do? I love almost every minute of this (except when the site crashes or an experiment fails… those times are no fun), and I really hope to continue running this website for as long as people continue to read.
EDIT: By popular demand:
Part Two: Questions and Answers
Katie, that was such an interesting post!! I am very happy for you that you have a job you really love!
I am a stay-at-home Mom of two, and I also homeschool. And I will tell you, it is by far the most challenging “job” I have ever had (because really, its like 20 jobs crammed into one)! No sick days, and I am always on call! Not only do I have to constantly do the cleaning and run errands, but I also have to prepare lessons and find new and fun things for the kids to do, and then do it all with them. My brain is constantly in “teacher mode”- I am forever jotting down ideas of what I would like to teach, or fun ways to teach a certain subject, etc. I am always, ALWAYS looking for teachable opportunities in every day life. On top of that I try to find time to crochet, sew, make jewelry, and paint various things for craft shows. It’s madness, but I absolutely love it!
I work like ABA (Applied behavior analysis) tutor with autistic children, sometimes it’s really hard but I really love my job!At the end of a long day I’m tired, but I know I taught them something usefull for their life like a new word, or how to brush their teeth, or how to write a word and so on!
I really like these kind of posts!!When I read about all the energy you have I feel inspired and I start doing something!!
I’m a first grade teacher(kindergarten next year). I’ve been teaching for 5 yrs! I’d live to have time to blog. I love yours!! 🙂
Such a great post! This is the life I want! So fun and creative, and you are the boss of every component. Good for you for being so dedicated!
xx
I loved reading this because I can totally relate. I’m a baking blogger too and when people hear that, they assume I’m skipping around all day, eating cookies and shopping. That would be nice! I work really hard and I’m on a computer all day with things in and out of the oven, and constantly taking notes on what I want to do, things to buy, and tweaking recipes that may not have turned out the first time around (story of my life). Thanks so much! Have a wonderful chocolate-filled day!
I found your blog soon after I decided to ditch my corporate career and become a screenwriter. I have to say that your post on deciding to be a full-time blogger was one of the things that contributed to the feeling that I was doing the right thing and thank you for that! I am your biggest fan in Poland and you are my personal hero! I support you with all my good vibes that I send to you across the ocean 🙂 And I totally love your hair!
Wow, thank you! And I’m so excited to know someone from Poland!! I’m part Polish, and I’ve always wanted to go there someday!
Great post!
I’ve always wondered what a day in the life of a blogger might look like. It sounds like a lot of work, but also quite fun. You’re so fortunate to be able to make a job out of the blog!
My “job” is university student, but at uni I work as an international ambassador, helping other international students get used to England. I love it! Though I have no idea what I’ll want to do when I leave university…
Great post Katie! I get so wrapped up in my job that I really have no idea what others’ days look like at their jobs! Blogging is so much more work than one would originally guess.
I am a speech language pathologist in an elementary school. I love the energy of a school full of kids and great co-workers but I also loooove that I have summers off! This summer I will be busy planning my wedding 🙂
I am a SLP as well, working with Middle School students, and I love my job! I enjoy using parts of the summers, and vacations to work with adult rehab clients, and seeing clients in my private practice. I would love to be a full- time blogger someday, writing about my DH’s and my ” Bed and Breakfast Recipes”, which DH modifies to allow for my grain-intolerance. Thank you Katie, for your wonderful work! I am very grateful!
Sorry…I pressed send before I left my name on this post! Thanks again!
Keep uo the good work, Katie! I absolutely love your blog, and I’ve only been following for about a month now. You’re a total inspiration! 😀