This is going to be a relatively short post as frankly, I am currently in one of those “phases” where I have little motivation to actually spend 2 hours in front of the computer screen typing out an article. If you are a big follower of this blog, you will know that this isn’t the first time.
But I thought this reflection/introspection was rather necessary.
Generally, there will be months when a super motivated me will be churning out close to ten (sometimes even more!) solid 800-1000 word articles. Then, as the quality of the ideas drop, I start writing some rather crappy articles for the sake of keeping the blog current, and subsequently hate myself for it.
This is followed by a lull period, before I become super motivated to write again.
Now, the question is, why do I even bother to write?
1. Benefit Myself
I will be very truthful here. At this moment in time, I wouldn’t have started this blog. Most of my time is now spent at home and there are many other things I could be doing.
Preparing for my lessons, reading, doing housework or playing some games.
This blog was born out of the “free time” I had in office. And I ain’t that foolish to be taking out my book to read or be on the phone for hours. A blog was a good outlet as I appeared to be super busy/productive to my co-workers while typing furiously away on my keyboard.
But the benefits to me have been enormous.
I got to know other financial bloggers, track my expenses and portfolio, improve my writing skills and achieved a modicum of pride for creating and maintaining this blog. In fact, I doubt I would have the courage to leave my first job after the bond was up if not for this blog.
If there’s little in it for me, perhaps I will stop one day?
2. Inspire, Educate Or Profit?
Frankly, it’s been tempting to make tweaks here and there to make more revenue from this blog. Be it through Google Ads, banners or even advertorials.
And honestly, to make more, it all boils down to traffic count.
Which was the main reason why I wanted to create a free e-book to distribute through email. That would attract way more subscribers, resulting in more readers and a higher traffic count. It’s all basic psychology and marketing.
That was the Scott Adams (Dilbert) in me trying to monetize this hobby of mine. However, the Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) simply couldn’t let this go without a fight. And the latter won.
Maybe I am making a huge mistake here but I have decided that instead of an e-book, I will just publish the content as either one long blog post or two shorter ones. So yeah, no e-book, but don’t worry, you will still be getting more or less the same content.
The difference it makes to me?
I feel better about blogging when it’s for the right reasons. Otherwise, I might just as well stop, no?
Think stopping might be a good idea if it no longer motivates you to write.
Hi cheeky,
I doubt I would stop completely. But perhaps reduce in frequency and make it feel more like hobby instead of like “work”.
Hi 15hww
Im sure no matter what you put out there, readers will still benefit from what you wrote. It could be difficult sometimes to force yourself to get something out but once in a while you get inspirations here and there so it will even out just well.
Hi B,
I think this dilemma is not new to most bloggers. Maybe a small recalibrate would make things right again.
Hi 15hww,
I’m glad you sorted out your thoughts 🙂 You know what my stance is on this, haha
I’ll be sad if you are to leave the blogger scene. I think you’re one of the more sincere writers out there.
Hi LP,
Thanks for your kind words. I really do think you are more “sincere” than me though!
Hi 15hww
I actually improved my reading and writing because of you. Is this a motivation? haha.
I am also thinking of slowing down blogging for a moment because of high commitment. I am now using it to learn design skill than just purely blogging. That keeps me going too.
There is nothing wrong about monetising if people are willing to pay. It is by-the-way, if you can internalise that way.
Hi Frugal Daddy,
There are times when I feel more “selfish” and wonder why I should blog altruistically.
I guess in the end, I am still more of an idealist at heart. That’s why I am trying to practise what I preach.
15 HWW.
When you were saying you are doing a project for an e-book, and at the same time you are moving into full-time tuition, I remember thinking hmmm…. its a matter of time before you face your consonance dissonance between your blog’s masthead and what you were actually doing…
It’s perfectly OK.
Change and adapt is the name of the game 😉
Now you understand why corporations’ visions and mission statements are always written in a vague and fuzzy way 🙂
I too had to adapt after 1.5 years of sabbatical from full time work to a more sustainable 15 hour work week. Mom can’t stand the sight of me more than 5 days!
LOL!
Follow you heart.
Hi SMOL,
It’s hard to follow my blog’s masthead at age 29. Maybe age 35 will be possible, though.
Nonetheless, I know what you are driving at. I sometimes do feel that I am overextending myself with many ongoing projects and I do need a breather from time to time.
A 30 hour work week seems just about right for now.
Hope you’re having fun with your shift work!
I’m still working weekends 😉
When I’m tired; I’ll rest.
When I get bored; I’ll switch channels.
I plan less; listen to my body and heart more.
Hi SMOL,
I still plan, but I am learning to be more like you to listen to my body and heart more.
Just like probably how your body and heart told you to sit down and chat for 6 hours! LOL
This is something like a “mini” mid life crisis. Commonly for younger adult who found that they cannot change the world and going no-where in Singapore.
It happened after completed school, get a no-challenge job and work a lot of overtime, pay a lot of bill, have little to spend so can save more for retirement, buy a HDB, get married then come a few children and later wait for grand-children. A never ending cycle like our parent.
The only way to forget this feeling is to get busy again.
My 2 cent advice : Be careful for such moment, especially when the guy is trying to get more excitement. Don’t worry it happened sometime and a few time during a lifetime. Think of your family for support.
Hi George,
Thanks for your advice.
I sort of understand that never-ending cycle you are talking about. And I want to escape that by freeing up time from 9 to 6 and do more thinking and reflection.
But well, sometimes I do ponder too much.
Whatever you gonna do next, please know that this blog inspired me to make my first steps to financial independence.
Your simple and direct writing style, coupled with your local contextual content, along with the fact that we are of a similar age, kept me engaged among the many financial blogs and it made me believe it is indeed possible to achieve financial freedom in Singapore!
*Looking forward to more blog posts.*
Hi Fandom,
Thanks for writing this comment. Deep down, I am happy that I have made a difference (hopefully positive) to your life!
I am surprised my style is considered direct. I find myself rambling from time to time. =p
Yes, you are blogging for the right reasons. All of your posts are valuable. Some more, some less and that differs for each individual reader.
The heart is the master of the brain. Thus feeling and emotion are the key parts of manifesting your purpose for whatever you do.
Hi Tacomob,
Thanks for your encouraging words. Yes, the heart. Coming from a person who emphasizes so much on the brain and psychology, it feels more apt indeed.
Agree that the solution is to get busy again. Idle hands lead to idle thoughts.
There are IPs working in the financial industry who are millionaires in their late twenties. They are busy accumulating wealth and investing at the same time.
As inflation eats into savings, a few hundred k net worth is not enough. It is also an opportunity cost for the country when young graduates and scholars want to retire early.
Hi David,
Actually, I doubt I would ever want to retire. Semi-retirement is the sweet spot for me.
I agree a few hundred k is not enough for a family. That’s why I am still working, albeit as a freelancer. I feel that is the best way for me to add value to the world.
I do read your blogs occasionally; certainly , inspires me. I left full time employment at age 58 early this year. There are some tips I use from your blogs.
So, please continue blogging. I am also trying to blog! Had some technical issues. But that is something I will do on a regular basis next year.
LIFE begins @ 58!
https://ajithmankal.wordpress.com/
Hi Ajith,
I will definitely be bookmarking your blog for some tips on the transition!
Would be very interested to know your typical daily schedule. =p
Do consider grouping each blog post in categories? Many are drawn to topics like financial planning, wealth product, bto housing, insurance, money etc. so its unsurprising blogging a 36* acct turns into a landing page.
your posts are in reverse Chronological order with the most recent first. its unsurprising top posts comprise mostly 2015.
Putting the main categories at the top green bar can also draw visitors to 2013/14 posts. you can concentrate on quality of content since the best posts surface, which helps decide whether to write more or less of it.
Category Posts Widget or one of similar plugins.
Hi,
Actually, I do categorise but I have removed that plugin as the right sidebar seems a bit cluttered.
I think generally, most readers prefer to read the latest/most relevant posts, that’s why the “All The Posts” page is worked that way. I would say I am the odd one out and when I stumble across a good blog, I like to start from the first post.
And thanks for your suggestions regarding the changes to my top menu bar. I would probably incorporate it after changing the layout of this blog!