The limits of network blogging

The title, “The limits of network blogging” is something I have begun to think about quite a lot lately. Despite me actually living my dream in terms of working hours and having control, I also feel at times that I am being limited in the amount of money I can make while working as a network blogger. I know I said in a previous post that I did not do this for the money, however I do need to earn so much to be able to pay the bills and support my family. That said, sometimes it would be nice to be more in control over how much I earn, similar to the way that I am in full control as to the hours I work.

However, part of being a network blogger means that you are always limited to what the person in charge is willing to pay. Of course I realize that I could simply not take a job if the pay was not right, but I hate to turn an opportunity away, not to mention I am loyal to those that I write for. I feel that I would sometimes rather earn slightly less and feel comfortable where I am, as opposed to leaving for that dream opportunity and a little more money to have it not work out. I also realize that I can always make more by writing more, but that means more work time, and with family obligations that is not always possible.

So, how can I get passed this limit? Well, I see a few things that could help.

First, I can continue to seek out and apply for new opportunities. Sounds easy enough, simply keep an eye out for new places to write both in terms of paid gigs and guest posts.

Second, I can make a push to better brand myself as a blogger, as opposed to a network blogger. This one is not quite as easy, but a good place to start is by writing here, which in hind site is something that I should have started a long time ago.

While the first point sounds easier, it still involves lots of hard work, it is not always easy getting a new blogging job, there are plenty of people that apply and the competition can be tough. But just like anything else, hard work and dedication will pay off. Which brings me to another point and the subject of a future post, being a professional blogger, whether doing it entirely on your own or as a network blogger is hard and demanding work.