This hasn’t been a great week for blogging. I should explain why–in my normal convoluted way, of course. A couple of years ago, I switched to the Premium plan thinking I would love the new features, get lots of followers thrown my way by WP, and maybe even make enough money that it would be free by the end of the year.
That didn’t happen and now I have decided to end the experiment. In reality, having the followers that I have and the interaction with those followers is more than enough motivation. I enjoy it enough without having to worry about making it a career. I also didn’t use all the features that they offered and really didn’t see the point.
Now, going back to the free version is fine, except that my photo storage is over the limit of the free blog. I just uploaded images from my phone and they took up a lot of space. I tried editing them in the media section, but that doesn’t do anything. In fact, I think it makes a copy of the new size and doesn’t delete the previous version. A word of advice is to resize your pixels before you upload them to the library.
The good news is that they won’t delete anything when I downgrade to the free plan, but rather I might not be able to add any other photos to my posts. While my photo skills aren’t great, I think the blog might need some photos. The other option is to downgrade to their less expensive plan (the Personal), but I am not sure about that either. I should be economizing to the best of my ability since I am officially laid off right now.
While none of this is terribly upsetting, it has dominated my thoughts and not allowed me to really focus on writing anything. I am sure I have had some perfect moments–I am still losing weight, Zwift is still fun, I am eating better, relationship is going great, and curbside shopping has decreased my browsing and spending. Being out of work sucks, but everyone else has had to deal with that while I haven’t, so I shouldn’t be more upset than anyone else. I don’t have any great student stories for you, but that might be a good thing.
If you see any changes to the blog in the coming months, you will know why. I will try to get back to my positive ways shortly.
Brilliant title AND post!! I have reflecting quite a bit on restraint lately. And how easy it is to get lost in overcommunicating online and how pulling back, taking a breath, give the world a rest – is the best success strategy there is. Less is more. Thank you Anthony! I appreciate the opportunity to sink deeper into this topic.
When I first started my Blog on this platform I resented being asked if I wanted to upgrade for a fee. I still resent it. However, I now just delete or say no. All I wanted to do was write about my travel, sometimes very loosely, and add photos. I was not even feeling very lost due to the pandemic despite nothing to write about. Then we hit one year. I think many of us, in all walks of life, are feeling the need to pull back even if we already had. Eventually we may not breath a collective sigh but we will be happy with what we have discovered.
Did they eliminate ESL teaching? Sigh. I’m sorry to hear this.
I’m tired of this covid life. It’s challenging to come up with content. Sometimes I have to force myself. Lately I just skip a day or three.
My students have to come from other countries. As you can imagine, there isn’t so much travel happening right now.
I get that. I thought zooming might still continue their studies…
Sigh.
We should have been able to take advantage of overseas students who wanted teachers….but either a marketing mix-up, or because they don’t want to commit to anyone who can’t eventually take face to face classes, or some other less clear reason has led to all of our virtual students taking classes at another branch in a different country or just not getting them.
I held on for longer than most, so I can’t complain.
I understand.
When I was laid off, I began writing daily. Alternating book and blog, I completed a book. Finally I found a couple of people to read it. My hope is that it will lead to a useable manuscript I can sell though I’ll probably have to just self-publish. Either Way a first time writer if basically a memoir isn’t likely to make me rich. I should reduce my blog to maybe once a week and focus on the book but I haven’t been able to reduce or give up blogging yet. They say you need a platform and readers.
As for blogging, I haven’t promoted it, so it has no chance of making money. I even bought a course to improve it, but I haven’t used it, as it wants me to get on social media.
Which I dislike but it’s a necessary evil. I’m not convinced it’s worth it and if my blog could make enough money. Writing blogs for others could pay well though, if I wanted to do the work to become a freelancer. You could consider that, too.
I do have I think premium WP mostly for the photo storage. When laid off it seems like a lot of money, but I find it’s worth it. The other features are there if I want to learn them.
I’ve been tracking my calories but not losing weight. How are you doing it?
That’s all to say I’m sorry you were laid off but it’s an opportunity. You don’t need the school! Be an ESL teacher for yourself. Or to other schools, virtually. Find some private clients and eliminate the middleman/woman. It may require you take some classes like on LinkedIn Learning or other sites. But having the teaching skills and credentials you have a leg up on those who don’t.
I assume Canada has a better social services system so your jenny is enough to live on. If not, consider becoming an entrepreneur maybe you could even be a back up virtual teacher for other branches, other schools, like as a sub.
Just some thoughts.
Hang in there, Anthony. It feels like it’s loosing steam over there? I am sure your work situation is temporary. Sometimes taking a short break is just the recharge you need. Be kind to yourself 😊
Hahaha
Sending good energy! ☀️🦄❤️
Thank you.
Chin-up brother. It is temporary and you have some amazing things happening right now. Keep it up.