Life Changes: Blogging Full Time and Sponsorship

Last night, Spencer and I were talking about our plans for this year and my blog. It made me realize that there have been a lot of changes in my life and on this blog in the last month or so that I haven't even really given that much thought. I guess it's because it's been a long time coming, so it didn't feel like that big of a change to me. Nevertheless, it's a big change and one that deserves some explanation and celebration.

The first week or two of January was a big one for me. I quit my day job, where I was in a sales and customer service role for a major computer company (you've heard of them, I'm sure) at a retail store. I had been with them for over a year, and while I loved the company's mission and the relationships I had made with the managers and staff, it was time for me to move on. For the sake of my career development and for my health (which I'll explain more about in a later post).

This move had been in the works for months, but I was very hesitant to take that final step. I loved the prestige that came with name dropping my employer, and the security of a steady income was not bad, either. Nevertheless, it was time for me to prioritize my career goals and passions as a person, and with that move, I officially became a full-time blogger.

Blogging full time is something I've been wanting to do since I rediscovered the blog world back in  early 2010. I have always loved writing, and the idea of being able to do it full time had my heart a flutter. The creativity, the community, the design work - it seemed like a perfect fit for me. I had a lot of learning and growing to do in order to make it to this point, but here I am. It took me and my blog two and a half years for the content to become consistent and clear, for the design to develop, and for the readers to become fiercely engaged. Most importantly, I mentally fought my way to a place where I could devote my time and my efforts to honing my craft, slowing down my really busy life, and compassionately allow myself to hand over the need for constant validation and do what God made me to do. I want to be called up to the task. I want these skills and talents and passions that live in my heart and soul to have a space and a voice to help change the world.

With this choice comes a few changes to the blog that I wanted you to be aware of. I've always made it a priority for this community to be honest and authentic. That is the only way to build a truly engaging readership! Honesty.

The biggest change to the blog that I am writing about today is that I made the choice to take on sponsors. This means that there are now advertising spots in the sidebar of my blog that can be purchased by brands, bloggers, Etsy shops, etc... Some of those advertising spots come with one sponsor post that is featured on the blog and highlights their blog, brand or shop's products. I really appreciate your support of this decision on my part and of all of my sponsors, as this will help me continue to work full time on this blog, producing inspiring content and engaging with readers. I want you to know, though, that I review each advertiser very carefully to make sure that they're mission and product is in line with this blog's brand and aesthetic. Everything I feature is something I fully believe in and would purchase myself.

So there it is. The big step. When people ask What do you do?, I respond by saying, I'm a writer and blogger! 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about these changes, please email me at annetheadventurer@gmail.com. I would really love to hear from you.

xoxo - Anne