How I juggle motherhood and marriage while being a full-time digital content creator

I get asked constantly how I juggle everything. For those of you that are new around here, I’m a mother of two, a wife to the most amazing husband, and a full-time digital content creator. I have been a full-time content creator for almost 5 years now. It’s been such an enormous blessing! Being able to make a living while following your dreams and chasing your passions is something that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to do. For that, I will always be thankful.

Let’s face it though… it’s hard! There’s a huge misconception that content creators or influencers are lazy. That we don’t really work and just make money off social media. If only! HA In reality, it’s a lot of work. For awhile I found myself working 6-7 days a week at times. When you are a digital content creator, for the most part, you are your own boss. I learned fast that being your own boss has it’s ups and downs. I love that I can make my own schedule, can make as much money as I work for, and I have the flexibility to be a mother and wife without worrying about working a 9-5. But it also means that I am constantly working at times to meet deadlines, create new content, negotiating with brands, responding to emails, and all the in between that led me to often put my own needs on the back burner.

This year I made some changes after getting pretty burnt out by the end of last year. These changes have helped me tremendously. So you may be wondering… how do you juggle it all?

Routine is key. I started a new daily work routine that has helped me focus and complete my needed tasks more promptly. Finding a routine that works for you and your particular needs will vary. For example, I wake up and work out focusing on myself first. I then check my emails and look over what tasks I need to complete for the day. Normally by then my kids are awake and its time get them ready. After they are at school, I get to work. Once it’s time for me to pick up the kids, my work day is done so I’m able to focus on my family.

Batch content creation in one day. I typically plan out what I need to create along with ideas I have that I want to create for themes based off of the time of year, ideas that have crossed my mind (if you are a content creator, you know we come up with ideas at the most odd times), and find a shoot location. I normally create my content which includes both creative images and reels for the week ahead all in one day. After all, who really wanted to get ready every single day? Not me!

Draft posts for the week ahead to save time. I typically sit down at my desk after creating content and draft all of my posts and reels for the week ahead. This way when I am ready to post at my high engagement times, my posts are already all set to be posted. Yes, I draft the caption, tags, and hashtags are all beforehand. Stuck in the school pickup line or at the grocery store? No worries, your posts are ready for you to hit “post” and you don’t have to stress.

Don’t compare your work to others. This is hard. I’ve been there. I’ve done the awful comparing game. Here’s the thing though… your followers follow you for you! You don’t need to be perfect. Be you and have fun!

Take time off even if you are not fully caught up. You’re probably thinking, “But Christian, I have deadlines. I can’t just take the day off when I haven’t finished my draft or submitted work to a brand!” Yes, you can! I used to work through the weekend if I didn’t finish all of my work for the week. I was missing out on time with my family. I also got burnt out and for awhile, had zero inspiration to create. This is a recipe for mental exhaustion. Maybe it’s been a busy week or maybe your kids had a lot of extra curricular activities that led you to not finish all of your work. Shoot the brand a message and let them know. Then sign off and enjoy your family time. The key is not to work to live. The key is to live to work. The work can wait.

Make goals but don’t be disappointed if you don’t hit them! Try again next month. Goals are good for many reason. One being that they give us something to work towards. If your goal is to land 10 brand deals for the upcoming month and you only are able to secure 5, just keep on working! You got this.

Prioritize your time with both work and your family. I make the most of my time during the day to ensure I am less stressed when it comes time to finish for the day and spend time with my family. Write out what you need to complete. Most important tasks should be done first so that way you can have a seamless work day. There was a time I even made my own schedule for the day to help me stay on track between creating, writing, editing, etc.

Write your ideas down somewhere safe. I have thought of ideas pretty much everywhere from the bank to in the car in traffic. Write them down and store them for later. This is a great way to always have fresh content ideas.

I hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me. I have learned so much over the last few years. Sometimes it’s trail and error. Remember that you are only human. As content creators, we often are hardest on ourselves trying to keep up with others. Remember that half the fun of this “job” is to have actually have fun and be creative. Share what you feel is true to you and don’t let the stress or brands steal your joy.

What is something that has helped you since becoming a content creator?

Xoxo

Christian