Blogger Burnout
Man, how do you guys do it? Just four days into my new job — which I’m still loving — I get home from work and do not want to go near the computer. I spend 8-9 hours a day writing and editing at work so the last thing I want to do at home is blog.
How terrible is that?
Work is busy, busy, busy. I’ve been a terrible blog reader and commentator lately, I realize, but from the time I get to work (8:30) until the time I leave (5-5:30), I’m strapped to my computer. I get up to go to the bathroom and get something to drink, but that’s it.
Don’t get me wrong, though. I love being busy! 
Plus, they were giving out free cookies and soy milk in the halls today. Always a bonus! 
Looking across the river from Virginia to DC. Can you spot the monuments?
Part of it, too, is the commute. I drive daily from Bethesda, Md., to northern Virgina. In the morning, it’s an easy 45-minute drive. In the evening, I’m in the car for around 1.5 hours, most if it stop-and-go traffic. I walk in the door, grab something easy for dinner and want to lie on the couch for the rest of the night.
I love blogging and the blogging community but need to figure out some kind of schedule that works better for my life. Maybe I should pre-write a few posts over the weekend to post throughout the week…?
For people who work full-time, how do you do it?
oooohhh…the 9-5 is a really big adjustment…is there anywhere near your workplace to go running/walking? perhaps after some exercise, you’ll feel better, and the traffic will have died down a bit??? it’s crazy how exhausted you get just from being in front a computer all day…
There’s actually a gym at work so when it gets colder, I’ll be taking advantage of that after work. I’ve been trying to make it home in time to work out but maybe you’re right–I should do that at work.
I really really really want to grow my blog into something that I feel proud of, something that really can be representative of my life and the things I love, but it is SO hard! I sit on a computer at work and at home I want to unwind and not be staring at a screen. And plus, I live in Mozambique so I want to be enjoying THAT and not living in a virtual world. It’s hard to find a balance!
If there’s anything I learned from living abroad, it’s SO important to appreciate where you are at that moment. You don’t want to “waste any time being caught up in other things.
Blogging is a great way to preserve those memories, though.
I’m lucky to live quite close to my work place, it only takes approx. 20 min each way which saves me a lot of time. Surprisingly even though I sit in front of a computer all day long at work, I still find the energy to read blogs and blog after work. I’ve developed a routine over the past 2 months and so far it seems to fit my life. Of course, the difference is that you have a new job which is always more exhausting than working on something which is familiar to you. You’ll find your balance, don’t worry! we all understand the situation
I’ve always been amazed at how you’ve managed to post so often about interesting things, even when we were in Korea. When I did my 50 posts in 50 days self-challenge, I often set a block of time (usually on my days off), knocked off a few posts and put them up on the days I really couldn’t summon the drive to write.
You need to move back to DC just so I can keep updated on your life.
I like the idea of writing some ahead of time to post. Also I would hold yourself to a daily schedule if it’s not going to work. I obviously work full time but I’m not at my computer much so I usually want to be at my computer at end of the night. Though I have to say, I am in a total non-blogging mood lately, I’ve just been so busy I have no time to make creative foods, do creative work outs or think of creative things to write. I figure eventually it will blow over and I’ll be back to normal blogging!
Agreed — the slump always ends and all the blogger mojo returns.
My work is not really related to writing, so I don’t mind coming home to write a blog post. I find it’s a great creative activity.
Oooh! I could NOT handle the commute. You can’t take the train? That sucks.
What about blogging on your lunch hour? I don’t blog from home because I can’t process thoughts then after a day at work?
Can you take the Metro to work? At least you wouldn’t have the headache of stop and go. Or a commuter bus or something? I don’t think I could handle that drive.
Yea, we’ll see how it goes… I actually don’t take a lunch hour–forgo that in favor of leaving work at 4:30.
Dude, I’m the same exact way!! I HATE going on my computer when I get home after being here all work day long. That’s why I catch up on my blogs mornings and afternoons
You made it through your first week almost!! CONGRATS!
Thank you!
I don’t work on a comp. during the day so that makes it a bit easier for me. I’m sure you’ll figure out a system that works for you after awhile!
Whew caught up your last 5 posts. Only 6 more blogs to go!
I have two full0ish time jobs (30 hours each a week) but only a ten minute commute to one and most of the other is done from home. For me, it’s all about getting on a schedule. I get up between 6-7 for a workout, eat brekkie and get ready, work 9-4 at one job, do things 4-7 for the other (more or less on certain days!), then relax and blog. I usually DO sit on the couch and watch TV after dinner. I try to finish blogging between 9-10 so I can then read in bed for a while. Repeat the next day!
The consistency seems to be key for me.
Really good suggestions! I like leaving time to read in bed, too.
I tend to blog wayyyyyy more on my days off. IT’s just easier ( and more interesting ) when I do it that way
Good luck with everything!!
Aloha:-) A
I can totally relate. The only reason I can still read blogs is because I commute for an hour and twenty mins on the train and use my computer. I do not understand how the people who work 8-5 and do not commute on public transportation do it!
I usually blog late at night. My evening is normally gym, shower, dinner, blog.
I’m with people ALL DAY and can’t even check my personal email at work so when I get home I like the opposite – no one to talk to and just to check my emails and relax for a few minutes
I’ve been in a serious blog slump lately, too. I work a very unpredictable job, so even though the hours are technically 8:30-5:30, I sometimes end up staying until 7 or 8 at night. Add a 1.5 hour commute home to that and all I want to do is lay in bed when I get home!
I agree with others though – I find doing a bunch of posts on the weekend then scheduling them to post during the week works best for me.
Good luck at your new job!!!