How I Became A Full Time Blogger

How I Became A Full Time Blogger by popular fashion blogger Life By Lee


How I Became A Full Time Blogger by popular fashion blogger Life By Lee How I Became A Full Time Blogger by popular fashion blogger Life By Lee How I Became A Full Time Blogger by popular fashion blogger Life By Lee How I Became A Full Time Blogger by popular fashion blogger Life By LeeIt’s been about 3 months since I left my steady full-time gig to become a full time blogger. I guess I never really made the official announcement, but for some reason I randomly felt like it. Maybe it’s because it’s a Monday morning, I just made a yummy cup of coffee, and I’m in the mood to write. Writing is very therapeutic for me. If the topic is inspiring or helpful to others, all the better.

It took me awhile to take the leap to become a full time blogger, but I’m so happy I did. My hopes in writing this post is that I inspire someone else to take the leap as well. Obviously if you’re just starting your blog, don’t expect to be a full time blogger right away. I’ve officially been blogging for five years now. Although I have only been blogging here since 2014, I had other blogs before this one.

I worked in retail management when I first started blogging. I blogged after work and on the weekends. For the past two and a half years I was working in affiliate marketing for a start up out of LA. The position was great, and I loved the people I worked with. I was able to work from home which gave me flexibility to work on my blog as well.

I didn’t quit my job until I had a proven track record of success. I wanted to earn the same amount a month on my blog as I did with my job for at least 3 months before making the jump. Setting this goal for myself was really motivating. I often worked late into the night trying to tie up campaigns, tackle my inbox, and schedule blog & social media posts. Those 3 months were insanely busy, and I was really surprised to find myself earning the same amount of money and sometimes more per month as I was with my job.

A couple of months ago I set my blog up as an S Corp, opened up an official business bank account, and hired an accountant. If I would have told myself I would own my own successful business that was fueled by blogging a few years ago I wouldn’t have believed it. Blogging can be an amazing career path, and if you want to make it your career path I encourage you to start now.

My biggest piece of advice if you want to become a full time blogger is to not give up. Work hard. Work harder than you’ve ever worked before, and keep going. You’ve got this!

SHOP THE POST:

Plaid Top // Jeans // Bucket Bag // Booties // Sunglasses

If you’re looking on more information on blogging & social media you can check out my posts on those topics HERE. Thanks so much for stopping by!

XO,

Lee Anne

54 Comments

  1. Erica on September 12, 2016 at 7:25 am

    This is a great post! Loving your outfit as well.

  2. Maggie on September 12, 2016 at 8:43 am

    Love this post! It is definitely my goal to transition to blogging full time and this gives me a good gauge for that! Thank tou for sharing!

    Maggie
    http://www.polishedclosets.com

    • Lee Anne on September 12, 2016 at 9:06 am

      Of course! Thanks for reading Maggie!

  3. Meileilan on September 12, 2016 at 9:46 am

    Hi Lee. Your blog is very inspirational. I have started my blog a month ago, I am nowhere near your success but somehow this blogging is making me happy. I love reading all your entry, I definitely need all the advice i can get from a pro. In the near future if you do some loop giveaway please let me know. I would love to collaborate . You are so beautiful and classy in all of your pictures .

    • Lee Anne on September 12, 2016 at 11:17 am

      Thanks so much! You are the sweetest! I actually don’t host loop giveaways, but I’m happy to introduce you to those who do 🙂

  4. Natalie on September 12, 2016 at 9:48 am

    Congrats on making that leap! I would love to be a full-time blogger, but as I’m also working as a freelance writer and I’m the stay at home parent to my preschooler (and soon to be newborn come November!), I just don’t have enough hours in the day. Doing the blog for 40+ hours a week WILL happen as soon as my kids get a little older! Thanks for the inspiration to keep on going!

  5. Laur @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels on September 12, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Congratulations!! That is amazing! I am SO excited for you!

  6. Nina - the HSS feed on September 12, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Thanks for the inspiration, girl! I’m happy for you for making such a big leap and following your heart and doing what you love.

    xx Nina

  7. Lana | Lifestyle Queen Bee on September 12, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Thanks for sharing – totally inspiring! I’m working towards this exact goal & seeing people achieving similar things makes me feel invigorated!

  8. Maggie on September 12, 2016 at 11:07 am

    I love this!! I’d like to think I could go full time someday with my own blog. Great advice and story 🙂

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

  9. Chelsea on September 12, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Totally agree about working hard, because if this is what you want to do as your full time job, you’re going to have to work REALLY hard once you get there! I’ve been full time blogging (as well as freelance web designing) since Nov 2014 and I seriously cannot imagine ever going back to work for someone else!

  10. Nicole Parise on September 12, 2016 at 11:59 am

    This is really great! As a new blogger, I hope I can take the plunge as well. Thank you for sharing your experience!
    xx nicole

  11. Alana Robin on September 12, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Your view point is wonderful to read. I think that your idea of consistently making more for a few months is an incredibly smart way to do it. I would love to see more posts about how you increased your monetization! 🙂

  12. Sisi on September 12, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Thanks for sharing this! I’ve had a passion for blogging and have done it off and on through various blogging sites for the past two years.
    I would love to one day be able to work full time on my blog, but right now I’m doing the same thing you did; working 40 hours with my day job, and I spend my nights and weekends developing my blog.

    Do you have any tips or recommendations on how to bring in funding and actually make money on your blog?

    Thanks!

    Sisi

  13. Rachel Lynn on September 12, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    What an inspiring post! I started my blog two years ago, and would write every once in a while during the school year. Since I graduated in May, I’ve put in triple the time and effort into my blog and have really started to see results. It may seem like a long road, but hard work really does pay off! I can’t wait to see where else it takes me and your post has inspired me to do even more! 🙂

  14. Karen on September 12, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    That’s so exciting! Always great to see the hustle pay off!

    Karen
    http://LadyinViolet.com

  15. cara on September 12, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Congratulations!! This is so inspiring, and also you look adorable! What an amazing accomplishment!

  16. Amy Scott on September 12, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    It crosses my mind every once in a while but I have no idea where to start with monetizing. It’s nice to read someone elses story to know it can be done with commitment and hard work! Congrats for making the switch!

  17. Corde the Writer on September 12, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    Full-time blogging and writing are such desirable experiences. Many bloggers are moving towards this goal. Like you’ve mentioned, it take a lot of strategic work and dedication.

  18. Brittany on September 12, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    I love that you set up a realistic goal that would help you know when you could go full time! Thank you so much for sharing, and congratulations! 🙂

  19. Nina on September 12, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    Congrats on making the jump! It’s scary but for sure but I bet rewarding!

    xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

  20. Crysta on September 12, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    Great piece. Heading over to read the related story now…. Thanks!

  21. Rachel on September 12, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Congrats on making the transition! I love your bag btw!

  22. Lauren on September 12, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    Love this, girl! So inspiring. You have a great blog and are going to go places. Sometimes that leap of faith is well worth it!
    xo
    Lauren

  23. Katherine Turro on September 12, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    LOve this post! You have amazing advice.

  24. Jenny on September 12, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Yay congrats! I’m going to be self-employed after this month is over too. It’s going to be an interesting and exciting transition.

    xoxo, Jenny

  25. Logan on September 12, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    You are a wonderful inspiration! Congratulations on making that leap!

  26. bella on September 12, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    Congrats girl!!! Such great tips! Thank you for sharing.

    http://xoxobella.com

  27. Angelle Marix on September 12, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    Congrats!! This was such an inspiring post!! It makes me realize that I can too reach my goals with blogging. I love to hear and read success stories!!

    xoxo,
    Angelle
    http://www.dashingdarlin.com

  28. Meghan on September 12, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    Congratulations! I am still learning to keep a consistent posting schedule with my blog. Right now with my time, I can only find myself posting once a week. Which was better than once a month. I would love to end up in your situation and blog full time. Slowly getting there!!!

    Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com

  29. Tamara on September 12, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    Wow amazing, good luck ! And bravo for taking the leap!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  30. Tessa on September 12, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    That’s so awesome for you! I’m beginning to think this my be my ultimate goal as well, and I’m getting there. Slowly but surely.

  31. Nicole on September 13, 2016 at 7:19 am

    Congratulations! I actually just took that leap about a month ago and everything you say is true especially the hard work & not giving up part! Love that outfit on you and wishing you lots of success!

  32. Lexi on September 13, 2016 at 7:59 am

    I took the leap into full-time blogging a little more than a year ago and it was the BEST decision! Congratulations!!
    xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.

  33. Kayleigh on September 13, 2016 at 8:06 am

    Congrats on this next venture! I hope to get there one day!
    http://www.kayleighskloset.com

  34. Erica @ Coming Up Roses on September 13, 2016 at 10:00 am

    GOOD FOR YOU, girlfriend! Would you mind sharing what the realistic goal you set was to make per month before jumping, especially since things like insurance/benefits aren’t included in self-employment necessarily?

    Coming Up Roses

  35. Megan | ChickadeeLIt.com on September 13, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Love this motivational message! Thanks one million! (And I LOVE those booites!)

  36. Tuyet on September 13, 2016 at 11:13 am

    Thanks for sharing! Hoping one day I can bog full time!

  37. Kathleen on September 13, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    Hoping to be able to do this one day, but I also want to be a trauma nurse. 🙂

  38. Rachel on September 13, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    Wow, this is so crazy inspiring! My goal at the moment is to pay my rent with my blog… baby steps!

  39. Tamara on September 13, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    Wahoo! Way to go! I am hoping and dreaming that I can do the same some day.

  40. Chelsea on September 14, 2016 at 8:10 am

    SO motivating! And I love your blog. Mine is great for part time income but I’d LOVE to reach the full mark. I’ve only been blogging for a year and a half though, but I’m proud of where I’ve gotten to so far in that time!! 🙂 Thanks for the inspo, Lee Anne!!

    • Lee Anne on September 14, 2016 at 8:40 am

      You’re so welcome Chelsea! Thanks for sweet words!

  41. Karmen on September 14, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Congratulations! That’s such a huge accomplishment! I’m currently working on starting my blog. I can only dream to make this my full time job. I love coming across bloggers, like you, who give such motivation and a real life testimonials! It’s very inspiring! Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work!

  42. suzanne on September 15, 2016 at 7:05 am

    Congratulations, mama! This is so well-deserved. You’ve inspired me since I started blogging more than year ago. You rock 🙂

    • Lee Anne on September 15, 2016 at 2:56 pm

      Thanks Suzanne! You’re the sweetest!

  43. Summer on September 15, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Lovingggg this! So inspiring <3 The blog tips are gold, keep 'em coming!!

  44. Angie on September 19, 2016 at 10:20 am

    Suuuuper cute outfit, and man I wish I could be a full-time blogger!

  45. Katherine - Engineering In Style on September 21, 2016 at 7:33 am

    Congrats!! Its so interesting to hear your story and what made you take the plunge to blogging full time! I’m not sure that I ever will, or want to, but my blog has come to be just as important to be as my full time job! Thanks for sharing!!

    -Katherine
    Engineering In Style

  46. Monika on September 30, 2016 at 10:15 am

    This is so so inspiring! Congratulations.. Ah becoming a full time blogger is a dream and stories like yours show that there is hope 🙂 You look adorable in this outfit! Have a great day!

    Monika | http://www.palateforstyle.com

    • Lee Anne on September 30, 2016 at 11:04 am

      You’re the absolute sweetest. Thanks so much Monika!

  47. Rose on September 30, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    Great post, thanks for the tips.

    http://www.panchopicks.wordpress.com

  48. Marlena of Style Your Passion on January 11, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    As a fellow blogger, I barely ever read other blogs (mostly due to lack of time) but yours really stood out for me! Thank you for all your style inspo and words of encouragement. Best of luck in the new year. xoxo

  49. Anjimplays on August 22, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    This was a amazing story and congrats on your blog and I am a blogger to trying to pursue it full-time and your post has inspirited me to got for it

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