Desk / Lamp c/o / Pineapple / You Do You Print / Monogrammed Desk Accessories / Chanel
The last two years have been an incredible adventure for me in juggling a full time job as Nourish Snacks‘ Marketing Director and creating content for Lemon Stripes in tandem. I was recently discussing work/life balance with my health coach and we realized that I end up working more than 80 hours on most weeks! I have virtually no life, rarelyย see my friends, and time forย relaxation is pretty much out of the question which has affectedย everything from my sleep to my health. It has gotten to a point where I physically can’t handle both commitments, so I made the decision over the holiday break to take it down a notch at work.
While I won’t be working full time for Nourish anymore, I’ll stay on board for a few hours a week to help with their content and social which I’m really excited about! I’ve watched the brand grow from infancy (literally just prototypes of product) to a crazy successful start up with national distribution with parters like Starbucks, Delta, Target, and Safeway. The brand, and my coworkers, have become like a family to me so I couldn’t be happier to stay on, even if it’s in a much smallerย capacity.
So what will I be doing with my newfound 40 hours/week to kill? Mostly just binge-watching TV and going on fabulous vacationsโฆ Just kidding. I’m already talking to a few potential marketing strategy and content clients and hope to fill up about half of my time doing consultingย work, and the other half running Lemon Stripes and everything that comes with that.
For those of you who aren’t bloggers, it may seem like we can take a few photos, write out a few paragraphs and call it a day, but it’s so much more, I promise. From planning content, to long days of photo shoots, to scheduling social media posts, to the countless inevitable emails for every partnership, it could definitely be a full time job in itself. That being said, I have zero desire to blog full time and, considering we just bought a house, I definitely can’t afford it so I’m looking forward to the divide in my time between multiple projects.
I’m feeling equal parts nervous and excited for this new life adventure and can’t wait to see what the next year brings. For long-time followers, you probably remember when I quit my anotherย job years ago to start the Lemon Stripes store. While running an online boutique was not for me, I am more settled in my career path today and have honed in on my marketing skills which makesย feel so much more confident this time around.
What I learned in my last experience working from home was that there were some aspects that I loved and some that made me absolutely crazy. For example, I love working out in the middle of the day, being able to attend previews, meetings, and events in the city, having a flexible schedule, and being able to sleep in if I want (possibly the most luxurious privilege on earth). On the other hand, I hate not interacting with people in person every single day, have trouble stopping at the end of the workday, and get freaked out without that steady lifeline of a normal paycheck. But I’m following myย truth right now and I have so much faith that it will all work out.
Thank you all for your support over the past few years. With more time than just weekends and late-nights to dedicate to Lemon Stripes, I know that it will become what I’ve always wanted it to be- a blog where I can post more and focus on content that means something to me. I’m so ready for the hustle! #letsdothis
Shop my desk accessories:
Congrats, Julia! You’re such an inspiration in reminding us to do what’s right for ourselves and listen to our minds/bodies when we’re pushing things a little too far. I’ve enjoyed watching Nourish grow and can’t wait to see what’s next for both you and the brand! Cheers to 2016! It’s going to be a great one ๐
Way to go! Congrats on following your feelings and doing what you need to do! I’m doing something similar (but opposite) where I’m looking for a full time after freelancing for a while, I’m excited to see what happens next.
Looking forward to seeing where Lemon Stripes goes!
Ah, this is so exciting! I love my full-time job, but there are days I could work part-time in order to pour more into my blog and side projects. I can’t wait to keep following along with you in 2016 and I’m really looking forward to seeing how you transform your new space! Happy New Year ๐
26 and Not Counting
Congratulations, Julia! I have loved following your blog these last few years, and am so glad that you were able to find a way to integrate your job, your blog, and your personal life. It’s definitely an inspiration! And I’m glad you’re still working with Joy, she is THE BEST. http://www.elanalyn.com
Congratulations on your new journey! I work full-time as a Merchandiser for a menswear company and I can totally relate with just how tough managing a blog is. I love that you’re still pursuing your marketing dreams, yet dedicating more time to this blog (and sleeping later ;)) Can’t wait to continue following along!
Pink Champagne Problems
Congrats! So excited to see where Lemon Stripes goes!
Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com
Good for you, girl – good luck with your new lifestyle, sounds like it’s the best fit for you!
Congrats on this change! It’s so wonderful that you recognized you needed to make a change to be healthier and happier. Excited for you!
Change is the single most scary & exhilarating thing in the world – I know because I just moved across the country! But way to go! It’s important to follow your truth wherever that may lead you. Here’s hoping to a happy & successful new year! — SC at http://www.samanthachic.com
Congrats Julia! Can’t wait to see everything on Lemon Stripes in the near future!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
Congratulations, Julia! Good for you for following your truth. I’ve started working from home again (second time around for me too) and can attest to all of those challenges – especially not interacting with anyone but my dog all day. I’m sure you’ll crush it in 2016, though. Yay!
http://www.croptopsandkale.com/
Awesome post ๐ I hope everything works out for you!! Congrats on your transition ๐
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Congrats on this new chapter in your life! And kudos to you for taking this leap and following your passion. Can’t wait to read about your new adventures ๐
Taffeta & Tulips
I seriously LOVE your blog! And I’m not just saying that because we all know bloggers tend to spam each other with comments saying the same things;) haha. I love your aesthetic and the conversational tone to your writing. I’ve been checking it for the past few weeks so I thought I should say something! Well, anyways, good job girl!! xx, Hayley http://www.dailydoseofdarling.com
I think it is amazing how well you have handled juggling the two worlds. THe fact that you get any content up at all considering is AMAZING! You are doing such a great job and I love your blog. I’m happy that you will have a bit less on your plate and can continue doing what makes you most happy.
http://www.thatgirlmags.com
Congratulations, Julia! So happy for you!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for both you and Lemon Stripes. Hope you have a great start to your first week!
xoxo
Kelly | Kelly in the City
Hey Julia! I absolutely love your site! My friend Caroline recommended your blog to me! I quit my job in the big city to start pursuing my dream of running the What is Perfection Blog. And I just moved to connecticut! Your stories about juggling your work life and your career ventures with the blog are just so inspiring! I love reading all about it! Can’t wait to follow along as you make more time for your blog and pursue your own dreams! Making room in your schedule will open the doors for amazing things! So sure of it!
Hey, Julia! Congrats on taking the leap to pursue your passion. It can be both exhilarating and frightening during that initial phase until you get a routine going. I should know because I quit my job as an analyst back in October so I can pursue my own truth. I’m still trying to get the hang of working from home but the biggest challenge I’m finding like you mentioned is separating work and home life. The two often overlap when you’re working out of your home and sometimes you may not even realize it. However, finding others in the same boat can provide some support as you ease into this new phase in your life. Best of luck!
The Netski Beat
http://thenetskibeat.com
So inspiring. Congratulations on your next steps! I hear you about the qualms of blogging and how much time and effort goes into it. Good luck on your new endeavors!
Xx, Meredith
http://www.neotericessentials.com/
I just love you @lemonsandloafers:disqus and I appreciate you always sharing candid parts of your journey in both life and business. MUAH!
So happy for you Julia. I’m happy to say that my job now offers Nourish in the vending machines, when I first saw them appear at Starbuck I knew it was because of you and your team. Take care & Love your blog.
Where is the beautiful pink marble lamp from? Love it so much!
Jana Bek! We love her stuff.