It’s been just over 9 years since I first started my business and began the long transition from working in the corporate world to working from home.
NINE years!
I can say with utmost certainty that 9 years ago, I had absolutely NO intentions of doing what I’m doing now… in fact, we didn’t even have the internet at home and I’m not sure I even knew what a blog was!
I checked my personal email once a day at the most (from work), I probably got less than 20 personal emails a WEEK, and I had a freebie flip phone that I often forgot to take with me because I didn’t really use it all that much.
I went months without taking any pictures (I literally only took 16 pictures in all of 2007!), I wasn’t on Facebook yet, and I didn’t understood anything about social media.
I didn’t do any online shopping, I didn’t do online banking, I didn’t pay any bills online, I really almost never used the internet.
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Fast-forward 9 years, and a lot has changed when it comes to the amount of time and energy I spend on my computer and online!
For starters, I now run an at-home business that is 100% dependant on the internet, I buy almost everything online, I get 20 emails in 20 minutes, I take my smartphone with me everywhere, and I take 16 pictures (or more) a day!
There are hundreds of thousands of personal websites and blogs and people are making millions of dollars “sitting at home” on their computers.
It’s exciting, it’s empowering, it’s enjoyable, but it can also be really exhausting.
Speaking of “exhausting”, one thing that hasn’t changed over the past 9 years is the constant “pressure” to do more, be more, make more, grow, expand, etc. etc.
If I think back to many of the fellow bloggers I started blogging with, the vast majority now fall into 2 completely opposite categories.
1. They grew their blog into something huge.
I have so many wonderful blogging friends who have poured their heart and soul into their blog and have grown their online presence into something quite spectacular.
They have tens of thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of social media followers, they have insane blog subscription rates, they create new ebooks, e-courses, and other e-tools on a regular basis, they share daily videos and podcasts, and they seem to be “omnipresent” on every social media channel in existence.
Some have published best-selling books and make regular TV appearances.
Some have employees, assistants, and managers… and they pay professional photographers to take their pictures.
Some have huge sponsors and travel around the country on a monthly basis to promote these sponsors.
Also… some do FABULOUS things with the income they generate from their blogs (and they are very humble about it).
2. They quit.
For every blogging friend I have who has “made it big”, I know several others who have completely quit, or are just sharing personal posts once a month for family and friends who want to check in.
They either got too busy with other things, too overwhelmed to make working from home work for them, too frustrated with how quickly the internet changes, or just too annoyed with that pressure to always be doing MORE.
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I don’t think the women in either of these two categories are right or wrong or better or worse — they are just different. They have different priorities, different energy levels, different resources, different personalities, and are probably at different stages of life.
I am personally impressed by those in each category — both those who have pushed through so many obstacles to get where they are now, and those who realized they just need to take a few steps back.
That said, I am happy to say that I’m currently not in either category — although I have stepped foot onto both sides!
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Side #1
There was a time, about a year after Nora was born (Fall of 2012), when my blog was growing like CRAZY.
My traffic was skyrocketing, my blog subscriptions and social media numbers were increasing exponentially, my inbox was bursting with amazing offers for trips, sponsored posts, product review requests, guest post opportunities, and advertising deals.
I was doing giveaways every single week, 0ur front porch was a regular UPS drop-off location, and I had so many offers for virtual assistant positions that (for a brief time) Dave considered doing some virtual assistant work with me.
I was even offered 3 or 4 fairly lucrative book deals.
I put in A LOT of hours — and I truly enjoyed what I was doing. However, after several months of putting in A LOT of hours (with a one-year-old who still wasn’t sleeping or eating well), I started feeling overwhelmed…
Side #2
In the early months of 2013, I seriously thought about selling my blog and starting something new — or just quitting all together.
Not only did I have so many emails and commitments and obligations to fulfill, I also had so much STUFF that companies were sending me in hopes that I would promote or review it on my blog.
Although I was “preaching” simple living, my own life was feeling less and less “simple” as my business continued to grow.
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Thankfully, after much thought and consideration, I rebranded and gave myself a fresh new start — without making any drastic changes like selling my blog or quitting altogether.
In fact, it was almost exactly 3 years ago to the day that I shared my first blog post as AndreaDekker.com!
Over the past 3 years I have diligently worked to simplify and streamline my blog, my VA work, my social media, my email, and anything else involved in my business life.
I went from publishing 6-8 posts per week to 5 posts per week.
I went from doing 1 or 2 giveaways per week to only a handful of giveaways per year.
I quit 3 of my smaller virtual assistant jobs.
I quit reading most other blogs.
I do almost ZERO social media — just a handful of Facebook posts per week because I enjoy interacting on Facebook.
I don’t send out any email marketing — just the daily post email that goes out automatically to anyone who subscribes, which requires no effort on my part.
I turn down 75% of the sponsored posts requests I get, and now only do a couple each month (only for products and companies I already use and love).
I have turned down EVERY SINGLE travel, conference, and speaking opportunity I’ve gotten over the past 3 years (this was very difficult at times!)
I have turned down several thousands of dollars in products and services because I know I won’t use them or feel confident promoting them.
I have turned down 3 more book offers.
I even turned down a TLC television show request because they wanted to film it in July of 2015, and that’s the month James was born.
And you know what? It feels amazing!
Yes, it was difficult to say “no” to some of the amazing opportunities I have been offered over the past 3 years — but I know I made the right decisions because I love running my blog and doing my VA work more now than I did 3 or 4 years ago when I was growing like crazy.
I am no longer growing nearly as much or as fast as I was before; but I’m only “working” about ONE THIRD of what I was before.
Sometimes I laugh to myself when people ask me what I do. I almost always say that I’m “a stay-at-home-mom” because I’ve found it’s an easier response than trying to explain exactly what I DO do 🙂
I’m at the point in my life when I’m happy to enjoy having a creative outlet, feeling productive, contributing to our family’s financial well-being… and being able to do it all while my kids are sleeping or when Dave is home with them.
While I have absolutely nothing against using childcare, daycare, babysitters, or a nanny, I simply decided that if I’m going to work from home, I’m only going to do what I can do WITH my kids at home.
That means no traveling, no speaking, no books, no TV shows, no podcasts, no teleconferences, no skyping, no meetings, no assistants, no managers, no fancy photos, no complex marketing plans, no rigid schedules or strict deadlines, and no social media (except Facebook!)
I write 5 blog posts a week, share a few fun pictures and Nora quotes on Facebook, respond to a handful of emails and comments, and do a minimal amount of VA work… that’s it.
My work life and personal life feel very simple… and that has always been my goal.
Practicing What I Preach
For as long as I can remember, I have felt the happiest when my surroundings were organized and my schedule was simplified. Although I thrive on productivity and “getting stuff done”, I also crave simplicity and organization in almost everything I do.
I have experienced the benefits of living a simple organized life, and have witnessed the transforming power of helping others to simplify and organize their own homes and lives.
As the tagline of my blog suggests, my goal for my blog and business is to SIMPLY REAL LIFE… and boy does it feel great to know that I am truly “practicing what I preach” in both my personal life AND my business life.
Although there are some amazing women out there running fabulously huge online businesses, I love knowing that I am NOT one of them.
I have claimed my tiny little corner of the internet and am 100% happy and content to be where I’m at right now — living simply both at home and online.
I’m not saying I will continue to run my business like this forever (or even that I’ll stay blogging forever).
Once my children are older, I can definitely see pursuing more opportunities to grow and expand — or to do something completely different. But for now, I think I’ve found my “sweet spot”.
Mphoma says
Hi Andrea,
This post speaks volumes, and yet is so simple.. I am an avid ready of your blog posts, have been doing so since I had my second daughter just 17 months after my first back in November 2014 and spent a lot of nights awake with her. She is not a very good sleeper and since her birth I find myself at a cross-road, constantly having to choose between my growing career in the corporate world and being mommy.
I admire how you are able to remove the noise from your life so you can always stay focused on what is really important to you as opposed to what the world dictates should be. I am sure a lot of us wanted to be something big before we became moms, and its so amazing how having children makes us reconsider our purpose in life.
I am still trying to find my little corner, and look forward to more of you simplified advise on how to do just that. Thank you!!
Andrea says
Yes! There is a lot of “noise” in this world, but I’ve found that my life feels better when it’s quieter 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement!
Courtney says
One of the reasons I have followed your blog for several year is that it’s always YOU who posts. I’ve stopped following some blogs I really enjoyed at first, because the original blogger writes so few of the posts. If I liked the other people so much, I would just read their blogs. I know that what I’m reading comes from you. Thanks for keeping your blog yours.
Andrea says
Thanks Courtney — I appreciate this.
I probably get 5-10 guest post “pitches” every single day, but I politely turn them down with my canned email response… because I just don’t care to offer guest posts at this time. I can easily handle writing 5 posts per week — and any more than that is just too much “clutter”. People don’t have time to read that much 🙂
Debbie says
Andrea,
I love this and this is why I keep coming back to your blog. I’m not a blogger but I have been a freelance publicist since 2004. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had 3 kids, worked out of my house, and built a steady business.
I’ve learned I’ve had to deliberately choose to keep my business laser focused as to the types of project s I’ll work on, learned to be content that I’m not flying to New York regularly like some of my other PR friends, and learned to say no to projects that I know will require more capacity than I can realistically give. It is not always easy and I’ve had to fight desire for more but I’m so glad I’ve been here for my kids and my husband, been able to be actively involved in their lives, do something I really love, and still be able to help my family financially.
In my line of work, I work with a lot of bloggers and I’ve observed so many that are burned out or overwhelmed, chasing what, I don’t know. I think (and I struggle with this), we’ve all made life a lot harder than it really needs to be. I think sometimes we all just need to step back, put a brake on the crazy, and breathe.
Thank you for being an example to me and so many others to keep it real, to stay the course, and to just keep faithfully serving those the Lord has put in your life.
Andrea says
Thanks Debbie!
I think that in general, there are a lot of small business owners who get burned out because it does take a decent amount of time, energy, and effort to start up any type of business.
I feel fortunate that I was able to build and grow my blog before having children, because I’m not sure if I would have the energy now, to do as much as I did back then!
Gabriela says
I AM a sentimental person and I almost got a little teary-eyed just from reading the comments readers left you!!! Same reason here…..your honesty and simplicity and those super simple posts that you never thought you would care to read is what makes me coming back… 🙂
Praise God that He helped you choosing the better way for you and your family.
May the Lord continue to give you wisdom and strength and joy and peace…for you and your family!!!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Gabriela! I feel blessed with so many awesome long-time blog readers. Even though I’ve never met most of them, I feel like we are friends!
Alicia says
THIS is why I love your blog! And why I’ve been a regular reader for 5 years now. 🙂 You are real. And it’s so refreshing. Thank you!
Jenny C. says
Andrea, I have been one of your readers for ages! I have always loved how you are so authentic! Thank you, Andrea, for being “you.”
Andrea says
Thanks Jenny — I have enjoyed getting to know you through our comment conversations 🙂
Kim says
And this is why I keep coming back to your blog – no gimmicks or sales pushes, just Andrea telling it like it is. I SO appreciate that you’re not afraid to share things that aren’t Pinterest-perfect – whether it’s a photo or a glimpse at your life. Thank you for blogging the way you do.
As an aside, I fall into category #2. I started a blog in 2013 and burned out last year after having our second child. I’ve had a few blog post ideas lately, but the drudgery of photographing, editing, writing, and proofing has discouraged me from even starting. And the networking/social media promotion/link parties. Ugh. It feels like a massive waste of my time. Plus, I kind of lost my way by trying to imitate other blogs, so I’m not sure what directing TO go. Perhaps down the line I’ll start over or continue with a re-branding.
Anyway, thank you for being so honest in your reflection. This gives me hope that maybe I can get back to blogging someday. 🙂
Andrea says
Awww… thanks Kim!
Also, I couldn’t agree more about the social networking promotions, link parties, and gimmicks — SO annoying. I did them for the first few months of blogging “way back when” and then realized they were not for me!
Also, if you do ever decide to come back to blogging, I’d just start writing first, before you spend any amount of time rebranding or doing anything major like that!
Janice says
Hi Andrea,
I have been following your blog for several years and I enjoy all of your organizing tips, recipes, and simple living ideas. Someone sent me this link today and I found it interesting that today’s blog was very similar. I thought you might enjoy reading the article.
http://m.huffpost.com/ca/entry/9400848 As a teacher, I am amazed at the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD each year. Parents are being told by their child’s doctor that they need to keep their child “busy” because their child is “bored”…..when this may actually be the problem according to the article. I think you and Dave are doing a wonderful job of simplifying your lives and you are such an inspiration each day. Thank you for giving of your time to help and inspire others!
Andrea says
Thanks for that link Janice — and for being such a loyal follower 🙂
Allie says
Your blog inspires me and I love that you keep it simple. I used to follow a few other blogs that have grown enormously in the last few years. However, they eventually just reach a point where they become watered-down and repetitive. I don’t have time to re-read a ton of blog posts over and over. I really dislike when those larger blogs post links on facebook to posts from a few months or years ago but they make it sound like a new post on facebook. It drives me crazy and I am so happy that you do not do that. Keep doing it your own way because it works. Congratulations on finding balance.
Chris says
Andrea,
I truly enjoy reading your blog because, although I really enjoy decorating and getting inspirational ideas from the decorating blogs, they seem to all follow some kind of “blog rule” and it gets boring. Yours is unique! We may wonder sometimes why we want to read about the reasons someone doesn’t sort their laundry, but it’s the small things that add up and make our lives either busy and complicated or simple. I choose simple and I’m glad you have found your niche!
Andrea says
haha — yes, it’s interesting that some of the simplest posts I write (like about sorting laundry and how to fry potatoes) are some of my most popular. Go figure!
Debbie says
I think I only found your blog by accident when I was searching for decorating inspirations. I love reading blogs about interior designs and enjoy watching Fixer Upper like almost everyone here probably does. However, your blog stands out from the rest of the blogs I read because not only do I learn so much about your simple ways of living but even the way you write is so easy to read and follow, including your recipes. In this post I learned more about what a blogger really does, and it’s nice to know how you love where you are and at the same time admire those who are doing more.
Andrea says
Thanks so much Debbie! I really appreciate your loyal readership (and all your comments over the past years)!
Jean says
When I read the beginning of this post and you talked about how much things had changed for you on-line in the last 9 years, I was reminded of something that most people don’t pay much attention to — their “on line” Estate Plan.
When we think of an Estate Plan, we usually think of physical assets, investments and money. However, most of us have “assets” on line now (and that has really changed in the last 10 years to). Also, we do many of our business transactions on line (pay bills, Ebay, Amazon, Public Library, credit card payments)
Then there are privacy policies that we all ignore and check “accept terms” so we can use platforms like Facebook, Google, Linked In, etc.
We don’t expect to die unexpectedly (we hope) — but if we did, what a mess it would be for our heirs or executors if we don’t have someplace where we keep (and keep updated) our passwords, the answers to security questions, etc.
In your case, you have a domain and blog that is definitely worth something – but who but you could sell it or renew your licensing arrangements? You could lose your domain if you don’t pay for it when the annual fee is due (and for some reason you can’t and no one else knows how to).
Many people have reward points for air miles, Mperks and other loyalty programs.
Keeping a list of passwords and on-line accounts means less hassle for the people who would have to pick up the pieces if you were in an accident, there was a natural disaster, you were disabled or died.
Identify Theft is not just targeted at the living – it also targets people who are deceased.
Who could check on the status of your accounts?
Who would pay your bills in the short-term if you have things set up “on line”.
We all assume that our bank would “help” us out and terminate such arrangements — but often they are not able to from a regulatory standpoint because of different state laws (or the lack of state laws) or the terms of agreement you personally agreed to (and did not read the fine print, or if you did, did not understand what it meant). Every state has different laws in regard to internet privacy — and the federal goverment does not have many the protections in place either. That is because privacy laws are pretty complicated and everyone, states and federal governement are running to catch up (and not very fast).
You can google “Digital Estate Planning” and you will be horrified by the stories of people who “assumed” that they were protected in some way — or flat out never thought about collecting that data, “just in case”.
Do you family or executor a favor and spend some time assembling that data. Put it in a safe place and think about assigning a digitial estate executor (who might be different than your regular executor) to be sure someone tech savvy can help sort through your digital life.
Andrea says
Thanks Jean — and yes, we have all that information compiled into one large binder that Dave’s knows how to access. We also have all our “affairs” in order within a Living Trust that many family members know about and have the rights to speak on our behalf if need be 🙂
JJ says
You’re doing an awesome job!!!
Nicola says
I so wish I could be my own boss. I have two jobs, one employed and one self employed but the latter involves bidding for teaching jobs from a major organization months in advance and having to be very competitive to win. The hours or classes can be cancelled at a week’s notice by the organization if they don’t get enough bookings to make a profit. With no security of income I bid for every course I can. Sometimes this works fine but it can mean being super busy if they all book or broke and unemployed if they get cancelled (five cancelled courses this year so far….) I have wondered about venturing into blogging too but my family are not at all keen on being photographed or our lives exposed!! I’m really pleased you have worked it out and got a good balance for yourself and have a lovely family you are enjoying. Much respect to you,
I will really miss your blog if you choose to move on but think you will know the best thing for your family which is most important.
Kristen says
This post is really inspirational and a great reminder to not lose yourself getting caught up in things that ultimately won’t make you happy. I’m so glad you found a way to achieve balance, because yours is the only blog I regularly visit!
I do admit I’m curious about what products you’re offered and either turn down or don’t choose to write about 😉
Andrea says
haha — you would be amazed the products I’m sent or asked to review — coffee (I don’t drink it), cosmetics and nail polish (I can’t even tell you the last time I painted my nails), pet supplies (we have no pets), luxury items (let’s just be real, I’d never promote some of the ridiculously expensive items), pool and spa items (we have no pool or spa), etc. etc. etc.
It’s comical all the things companies think I might be interested in — and I swear, they are always so shocked when I say “I can’t promote that as I wouldn’t use it in my own life.” It’s like they expect me to just make up a lie about something I love but don’t really use… sorry, not going to happen!
Sandra Hargrove says
Thanks so much for sharing how and why you keep things simple. I have been a follower for about five years. ( I watched your belly grow 3 times, I watched you struggle with the international students, I watched you learn how to deal with Nora’s sensitivities and I prayed for you many times.) I love watching how you raise you little family. You and Dave are doing an amazing job! Nora has come a long way, hasn’t she! She is your mini me. The boys are so happy and really seem to complete your family.
Keep inspiring us all.
Andrea says
Well Sandra, I think your comment just made my day! As you know, I’m not a sentimental person, but if I were, I think I would have even gotten a little teary-eyed!
I appreciate your thoughts, your prayers, your kind words, and your long-time readership more than you know.
Katie says
I have followed your blog since maybe 2010 or 2011….I can see how it’s changed but the simplicity of it is what I LOVE. I’m also a working mom of three and I don’t have time to read multiple posts per day. There are about 3 other blogs I like to visit but it’s only on occasion because there is so much on there that I get overwhelmed! And the fact that you aren’t writing books or doing TV appearances makes you seem more real; like a “normal” person, if that makes sense!
Andrea says
Thanks Katie — “Normal” is good! I’ll continue to keep my posts short and sweet for you!
Tere says
Me encanta tu blog y tu filosofia de vida, creo que tienes “la cabeza muy bien amueblada. Saludos desde Barcelona-España
Andrea says
thanks so much Tere! and guess what… I know enough Spanish to actually understand what you wrote! 🙂
Julie S-H says
Great blog as usual! 😉 yes, finding a happy sweet spot is so great. I’m a therapist and could always work more, but by saying no to new clients I can be with my family. There’s a building phase of a business where you feel you have to take on new business in order “to make it” and then there’s a time when you realize you can stop running! You made it! Anyway, congrats on a great business that does what it needs to for your family, is enjoyable and helps others! 😉 yay!!!
Andrea says
Yes Julie! I was thinking about adding a paragraph into my post about how there are times in life when we do need to work extra hard and put in extra hour to “make it” to where we want to get, but then once we get there, we need to know enough to pull back and not just push push push push. I didn’t know exactly how to phrase it, so I left it out — but I completely agree with your statement about having a “building phase” of a new business. I had that the first couple of years in my business (thankfully before we had kids and before we started our massive number of home renovations)!
Lauren says
Great post! I have been reading your blog almost since the beginning. The reason I’ve continued to read your blog for so long is because you give simple, easy to apply advice, and you never bombard us with giveaways, sponsored posts, and endless products. So many of the blogs that I used to read are now giant advertisements, which is great for them, but kind of frustrating for the readers. Thanks for being such an awesome blogger!
Pam says
Ditto
Katie says
Yes, exactly!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Lauren! I will say that it can be VERY easy to get sucked into becoming one giant advertisement when the money is just dangling there in front of you! For the most part, I feel happy with the decisions I’ve made to support various companies and brands. There are a few regrets and things I would have (should have) done differently — but the past is the past. I’m moving forward!
Elizabeth says
Andrea, thank you for being so honest. That is such a huge reason why I love your blog so much. Your commitment to simplicity explained here was so refreshing to me. It helps me fortify my goal of simplicity in my own life. It’s EASY to look all around and feel like I am not “doing enough” even though I’ve chosen simple. I’ve chosen it for a reason, though, and I don’t need to feel guilt about it!
Andrea says
honestly Elizabeth, there is a point in almost EVERY day of my life when I think “I should be doing more” — so it’s not just you. I suppose I COULD be doing more in almost every single area of my life — but then everything would be off balance and I probably wouldn’t enjoy much of what I was doing.
I guess I don’t always feel “guilty” about not doing more, but the pressure is always there. Simple living is NOT easy (which is so crazy to think about) but it’s worth the extra effort for me (and I assume you agree!)
Amy says
I think this is the exact reason that your posts ring so true! You really do practice what you preach. So many times as blogs grow, it starts to feel fake because the bloggers aren’t really into their topics any more. For example, I stopped reading a “frugal” blog because the blogger wasn’t really living frugally any more. I also really appreciate that the sponsored posts you do are products you actually use!
Andrea says
Thanks Amy! I think for me, the more I write and the more I live, the more passionate I feel about simplifying and organizing — so I write more and live better — and get even more excited!
Jackie says
I think I have been following you from almost the beginning. I’ve loved your “simple” approach to blogging, it’s what keeps me interested. Thanks for being real with your readers.
Andrea says
Thanks Jackie 🙂 I honestly feel like almost everything is better when it’s “simplified” — even blogging!
Ann says
Thanks for being you, practicing what you preach, and making choices that benefit your family above your followers. We appreciate it! (And we’d all miss you if you burned out!)
Andrea says
Thanks Ann 🙂 Hopefully I’ll be writing for many more years (or until “blogs” are still a thing!)
LoriB says
I’ve been reading your blog since just before Nora arrived and love it. So appreciate your perspective on life and family and work. The way you care for your family while you do your work is a great example to many young women I’m sure but also to this mother with an almost empty nest. Keep up the good work and thank you!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Lori!
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says
I think it’s so important to know your priorities and let that “dictate” what you do. That’s awesome that you have prioritized staying home with your kids and have found a way to make some money where possible.