I don't know if my readers know this, but I am a professional blogger. That means, I create content for my blogs full-time (I have two more blogs - Technical Blog, Personal Blog), and I (try to) earn money through blogging. That can be done through advertisements, sponsorships, etc. from vendors who are in related fields as it will help them get more visibility for their products/services.
I think this is the boldest step I have taken in my life, especially since I quit a well paying technical sales job. I have been working full-time on my technical blog for more than four years now, and it generates some revenue. This renewable energy blog is more of a social enterprise, but the extent of monetary returns/revenue will determine if my content has actually reached people/creating a difference. But I will continue writing here even if there is not much returns for a few years. My personal blog is more for fun and sharing interesting/useful things I learn.
Needless to say, I became a professional blogger because I love writing, and learning. The first three years were not productive (revenue-wise), but the last one year has been OK. But I am still nowhere near what my friends/former colleagues earn now.
Besides, I have been taking more risks - starting and running this renewable energy blog without a proper monetization plan/timeline is in itself a great risk. Especially as I have decided to visit five major renewable energy exhibitions across India and write about interesting products/services I find there, from this year. I have also written a short novel (fiction) that I am proud of - it doesn't generate revenue, of course! But since I get a lot of happiness when I write stories, it's fine.
I am proud of the fact that I have even been able to survive by blogging full-time, over the last four years. My savings from my previous jobs got exhausted quickly, but some part-time writing jobs have helped me along the way. Needless to say, I made a lot of sacrifices in my personal life, including spending very less for entertainment, etc. for a long time. Fortunately, I have crossed that stage now. In a way, that was good as I have realized the value of money now, and I have decided not to waste money on health-depreciating activities like eating fast/unhealthy food frequently, etc.
It's also been a mind opening experience. Since I didn't have money to splurge and show-off, my ego was crushed and I was more open to new learning/experiences. I have learned the importance of discipline, determination, and persistence in the face of repeated failures. More than all, I have learned humility and since then, surprisingly, my fear has reduced and I have become bolder. I guess this is why we need to take up (some) big challenges in life!
This post has been written for Housing.com where you can evaluate, rent, and buy houses across India. The opinions mentioned in this post are my own and are true.
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