TGIF!  This has been a long, stressful week for me friends.  I'm not sure how I made it to Friday, and I don't feel like I really accomplished anything (ever feel like that??)  So, this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday topic truly hits the nail on the head!  Because I've been crazed all week, I opted to write up my answers though I think a video would have emphasized what burnout can do to someone ;)  So this week's questions were:

1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging? 
2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on... how do you limit your time spent on these tasks? 
3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that? 
4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time. Will your blogging change as a result? 
5. Could you forsee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore? How would you you identify that it's time to walk away?

On average, I probably spend about 15 hours blogging per week.  This includes taking pictures, writing my posts, reading other blogs, commenting and replying to comments, etc.  Now that I have a format down pat, it's probably less than when I started.  However, there are some weeks were I can spend up to 5+ hours more if I'm concentrating on the design of Employed Panache or reaching out to others on collaborations or sponsorships.

I probably struggle weekly to cram everything into my life, and this was true even before I started blogging.  So, when things become overwhelming, I've learned to stop myself and assess what really needs to get done, what can be postponed, and what can be skipped altogether.  In this, I also prioritize my life in general... and when it comes down to it, family/my husband, the Day Job, and my friends always round out the top 3.  So if necessary, I just will not blog.  That scenario has come up a few times in the past several months, mainly when I've been traveling for business.  Blogging is a fantastic hobby, but right now, that's all it is: a hobby.  While I have high expectations of where Employed Panache could go, and I am open to re-prioritizing if the opportunity arises, there are other things in my life right now that take precedent.

I have definitely felt blogger burnout during days when life is too crazy.  That's how I figured out how to think logically through what matters most and then proceed without guilt.  So, there have been some weeks when I just did not post on all 5 days.  I also learned to deal with burnout by making myself take time off.  The Blog Herald had a great article back in August on re-energizing as a blogger, and the point about scheduling vacation time stuck with me.  I purposely do not write blog posts on the weekend, and with it being the holiday season, I have planned some time off... I blogged only 4 out of 5 days during Thanksgiving week, and I will probably not post at all during the week between Christmas and New Year's.  Again, Employed Panache is not my main source of income, and while I really enjoy doing it, in the end it's not worth stressing over.

There are several moments when I can see me not blogging anymore:  If it's not fun anymore.  If I get some sort of awesome promotion and my work/life balance shifts dramatically.  If I become pregnant (!!!)... though I hope I can keep up blogging from that perspective one day.  I think it would be hysterical to read about my experience since the Hubby and I have no knowledge or understanding of pregnancy, parenting, etc. :)

All in all, blogger burnout is very similar to burnout from work, school, etc.  You need to find that balance and prioritize what's really important to you and what makes you happy.  How do you guys deal with burnout - blogger or otherwise??

The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers.  Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group.