DISQUS

Kelly · 8 months ago

I don't know what I would do in your shoes either, but I think it's wonderful that you have the best of both worlds. Maybe when your net worth reaches a certain amount you could consider quitting your day job? If I were in your shoes I would likely stick with the day job, and then I think it's probably something I'd revisit in 3 or 4 months. That way you don't have to think about it again until then.

Baker · 8 months ago

This is a problem that I hope I can have in the future! I think it is awesome that you've chosen to remain at your day job still. As long as you continue to do what you are doing, you can always quit your job if your situation changes, or even take a break from blogging. Doing both gives you added flexibility and control. Great work!

Jon · 8 months ago

Have you considered affiliate marketing, starting a coaching program, or developing your own information products?

Last year, we stopped selling any sort of advertising on Copyblogger. The income was consistent, but it wasn't anywhere close to as profitable as using the same ad space to advertise our own information products. It's been an interesting experiment. I'm hesitant to reveal too many details publicly, but I'd be glad to discuss it privately with you, if you're interested in pursuing any of those other revenue models.

FMF · 8 months ago

I think you're wise. You can always make the jump later.

Enrique S · 8 months ago

I don't think I'd leave my day job, either. If you're happy with the people and environment that you work in, why leave? I've met good, lifelong friends at work, and I can always find something positive to take away, even on a bad day. A day job allows the blogging to be your escape, also.

Erica Douglass · 8 months ago

I think all the people with jobs will tell you to keep your job. But most of the millionaires -- especially those who made at least $1 million being self-employed -- will tell you to leave.

You know where I stand. If you want help or advice, I'd be happy to. I've consulted behind-the-scenes with other PF bloggers to help them establish a safe, non-advertising-related income.

-Erica

Keith · 8 months ago

I think you're being very wise about the the whole thing. Some would probably ditch the "real" job as soon as their income from blogging caught up with their job earnings. Also, I think people forget about things like insurance. I can't wait until I face the same choice!
This was an interesting article. Good to get us thinking about these things.

Dana · 8 months ago

End of the day, only you know what kind of a balance (risk/reward) is good for you. The important thing is to have considered it at all. Good job on sharing your thought process.

Jonathan · 8 months ago

I'm with you, Flexo. Working for yourself is different when you have no real durable relationship with most of your customers (advertisers) - they can up and leave at any moment. And as you say - all the foot traffic is from the big G.

2million · 8 months ago

Its a dilemma - but a good problem to have. You appear able to balance maintaining all the sites and keeping your day job for now. I'm sure at some point you will want to free up time to devote to other priorities - in the meantime I would utilize these income streams to build up savings to make the decision to leap easy at some point in the future.

Peter · 8 months ago

In your shoes I think I would have kept at it, as you have. Why give up that certain income from the day job when you can have both - at least for now? Keep stockpiling cash, saving, and looking toward a future where you can work because you want to, not because you have to.

Mike · 8 months ago

Nothing wrong with waiting - it would take a lot more than a big blog income to get me to quit my job.

My main thought is quality of life - you've mentioned very long hours which is fine if you want to do that but it might not be sustainable forever. Maybe cutting back on the blog activities is a thought? Outsourcing some tasks? Obviously these would only apply if you want to reduce your total work time.

Mrs. Micah · 8 months ago

Makes sense to me. Even when I wasn't working full-time, I was working part-time to have some guaranteed income and doing consulting--not just blogging. I don't like the stress of worrying how much the blog is going to earn, I'd rather appreciate it and have it be something that helps me reach goals. Plus I've seen the face of blogging change dramatically in the last however many years I've been doing it (8? 10?) and I expect it to continue to do so.

I could see taking the problogging track if someone wanted to be a writer or motivational speaker in the long run.

LinearChaos · 8 months ago

LOL, you're thought process is typical of a personal finance blogger. We're not exactly quick to jump to monetary change, you've got a steady paycheck, which means security on the financial front.

Makes complete sense to me as long as you're finding success in both places.

Anon · 8 months ago

I've been a big reader of your blog for quite some time and I think you do fantastic work.

I was in your shoes about 2 years ago and I kept debating if I should quit my 60k/yr job for my online ventures. I'm telling you, you only live once (I know it's cliche) but why work a dead end job when you can put 100% toward online ventures.

Working at home is amazing, I was able to put 100% toward my online properties and a firm recently bought one for mid six figures. Good changes are always good, you have nothing to lose and as long as you play by Google's rules, you have nothing to worry about!