Shortly after returning from a vacation in Mexico, I decided to start a blog to document my day trading performance.
Although I traded most business days for four months, something happened during that time frame—I realized I cared a lot more about blogging than trading.
Plus, I have always taken a more long term, fundamental approach to investing in equities.
I only attempted to trade as a way to speed up the journey to financial independence. Day trading was the gateway job that provided the sneak peak I needed though.
It was the precursor that led me straight down the rabbit hole to blogging. It helped me realize what I like—blogging and dividend investing.
On the other hand, it gifted me with just as valuable of an insight when it comes to what I dislike.
Connecting the dots
The business marketing choice for school. The enjoyment gained through writing. All my insane, borderline obsessive note-taking. The attempt at entrepreneurship after school. How I work better alone. The fulfillment gained through having complete authority over a project. Having the ability to do something my own way. My love for technology and digital communication. My progressive and development focussed nature. The never ending interest in design and aesthetics…
I could go on and on. However, the point is, I was always destined to be a blogger, baby.
Shortly after that realization, my interest in trading began to dissolve quickly.
However, the problem with not trading was that there was not enough money coming in. The only money coming in at the time was from dividends and from my mediocre trading results.
The other issue was that it’s nearly impossible to know what it takes to be a full time blogger.
Like really. When you start blogging, how are you supposed to know what skills are required to achieve such a status?
Furthermore, is the journey even worth your time?
For all you know, you might spend a year developing a blog that offers you nothing in return.
But I’m here to tell you that regardless of your intentions for your blog, there are a plethora of skills to be gained through blogging.
Moreover, the skills of which I speak could provide your career with an edge, even if blogging is not an ultimate destination.
In addition to improving your writing and cognitive abilities, blogging can also provide you with a considerable boost when it comes to your resume.
Here are six advantages gained through blogging that could boost your career:
Experience with relationship building. 🤝
Though it might come as a shock to non-bloggers, it’s no secret that blogging is all about relationship building to those involved.
Blogging is completely about building relationships with readers and other bloggers. It’s also about putting your content out there so that you can meet like-minded individuals.
Additionally, if you blog for long enough, you will realize that a large percentage of the work involved is answering emails, answering comments, and engaging with others on social media.
So, you might be asking, how does this help my career? Well, the ability to network matters.
You can most certainly add relationship building skills acquired through blogging to any resume. However, it is most impactful for sales and marketing roles, digital communication jobs, or any customer centric atmosphere.
For the most part, though, relationship building experience is experience that all employers will appreciate.
You are a nerd. 🤓
Even if you write swear words, at least the employer knows you spend your evenings and weekends behind a desk. You’re focussed on something you care about instead of wasting your time.
You are functional with computer systems. 💻
Blogging requires access to the internet, whether it be through a mobile device or laptop. Furthermore, it forces you to go through adjustments like WordPress updates, selecting blog themes, and purchasing domain hosting.
On top of that, now that the internet is becoming increasingly mobile, most bloggers are updating their communities on the go via Snapchat and Instagram too.
All of this experience should lead an employer to believe that you are at least moderately capable at operating a computer.
You have experience with content management systems. 👨🏻💻
As the demand for skill increases, it’s important to have more skills.
Do you recall back to the days when knowing how to use Microsoft Office was an advantage? It doesn’t standout on a resume anymore because practically every single person on the planet knows how to use it.
The same goes for degrees and diplomas now. Everyone has them. Folks are resorting to volunteer work, extra courses, and alternative solutions to gain an advantage.
So why not blog?
Instead of spending your Saturday evening couch locked with your S/O, why not make the time to learn WordPress?
Additionally, you may need to utilize other content management systems such as Hootesuite in order to share content.
Don’t kid yourself with this one either. It’s 2017 and employers are beginning to adapt. Take the time to learn appropriate and relatable systems for your career and you will reap an abundance of rewards in the long run.
You are self-motivated. 👨🏻🎓
In addition to being a nerd, employers will like that you’re a self-starter.
You don’t sit around the entire weekend crushing bags of zesty doritos while you play video games. Ok, maybe you do that a little too. However, the point is that you’re willing to set aside time for what you care about—your blog.
You can articulate an idea and know how to form a proper sentence. ✍🏻
We all took English class during school because we had no choice, right? Everyone knows how to write, right?…WRONG.
Perhaps it’s due to the emergence of emojis, slang, and mobile video, but the majority of human beings have completely lost touch with the ability to write a sentence.
Writers are a seemingly dying breed. Nevertheless, a blog will help you improve at writing and give you the ability to write a better cover letter too.
Blogging is a great way to show your talents and interests to prospective employers, while adding an edge to your resume. If you blog consistently it shows your dedication, passions and creativity – all of which are key attributes employers look for in job candidates. Lauren Conrad
Conclusion
No matter what your aim is with blogging, there are an abundance of benefits to be gained.
Maybe you just want a place to document your family vacations. Perhaps your blogs purpose is for the same reason as most of the PF bloggers out there—to improve your financial situation.
Whatever your reason for blogging is, just know that you are well on your way to acquiring new skills.
Additionally, I wrote this post after proving the concept myself, as I quite literally have brought skills acquired through blogging into my career. In fact, I used them on my resume to gain my employment.
Moreover, as you go forward, think about how your blogging efforts can also benefit your career.
Question: What skills has blogging helped you improve? Would you add blogging skills to your resume? What are you looking to accomplish with your blog?
Mini Retirement: An Extended Break From Work
