The Challenges of Wearing Two Hats
Balancing a full-time teaching career with a growing blog is no small feat. The biggest challenge? Time – or rather, the lack of it. After a full day of nurturing young artists and managing classroom dynamics, I often find myself racing against the clock to create content, engage with my readers, and keep up with the ever-evolving world of blogging.
Another significant hurdle is the mental gear shift required. Moving from the structured environment of a classroom to the creative, self-directed world of blogging can be jarring. Some days, my mind is still buzzing with lesson plans and student concerns when I sit down to write about mindfulness for parents or our latest family adventure.
Time Management Strategies That Work
Over time, I've developed strategies that help me make the most of my limited time:
Embrace the power of routine: Just as I start each school day with a class outline, I begin my blogging sessions with a clear plan. This might be as simple as a sticky note with three priority tasks.
Utilise small pockets of time: Those 15 minutes while waiting for my children at after-school clubs? Perfect for brainstorming blog post ideas or engaging with followers on social media.
Practice what I preach – mindfulness: The meditation techniques I share on Mummy Burgess aren't just for my readers. Taking a few minutes to center myself before switching from teacher mode to blogger mode has been game-changing.
The Unexpected Benefits of a Dual Career
While juggling teaching and blogging can be challenging, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. My experience in the classroom directly informs my blog content, especially when it comes to educational resources and parenting tips. The creativity I nurture in my students inspires my own artistic endeavours for the blog.
Conversely, the skills I've honed through blogging – from digital marketing to time management – have made me a more versatile and tech-savvy teacher. This dual perspective allows me to bring unique insights to both roles, enriching my professional life in ways I never anticipated.
For instance, my understanding of visual communication as an art teacher has greatly enhanced my ability to create engaging printables for preschoolers. Meanwhile, my blogging experience has introduced me to new digital tools that I can share with my students, making our art projects more dynamic and relevant in today's digital age.
Advice for Working Parents with a Dream
To my fellow working parents nurturing dreams alongside your day job, I say this: It's possible, and it's worth it. Here's what I've learned:
Start small and be consistent: You don't need to post daily or have a perfect website from day one. What matters is showing up regularly, even if it's just for 30 minutes a day.
Involve your family: My children often inspire my blog content, and involving them in the process makes it a family activity rather than something that takes me away from them. Some of our favorite family adventures have turned into popular blog posts!
Be kind to yourself: Some weeks, lesson planning will take precedence. Other times, a blog collaboration will require extra attention. Learn to flex with these ebbs and flows without guilt.
Find your tribe: Connect with other bloggers, especially those juggling multiple roles. The support and understanding of a like-minded community are invaluable. (If you're a UK blogger, check out my tips for growing your blog.)
Embracing the Journey
Balancing teaching and blogging isn't always easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. Both roles allow me to educate, inspire, and create – whether it's in a classroom full of budding artists or through a blog post read by parents across the UK.
This journey has taught me the importance of time management, the power of passion, and the joy of continuous learning. It's shown me that it's possible to pursue multiple dreams, even amidst the beautiful chaos of family life.
To all the working parents out there with a side hustle or a passion project: keep going. Your dedication not only enriches your life but sets an inspiring example for your children. And remember, just like in parenting, progress matters more than perfection.
I'd love to hear from you! Are you balancing multiple roles? How do you manage your time and energy? Share your experiences in the comments below, or reach out to me on social media. Let's support each other in this beautiful, challenging journey of pursuing our passions while raising our families.
K Elizabeth xoxox