Blogger’s Guilt
Even though I started this blog purely as a means of self-expression, I’ve begun to feel guilty whenever I go for more than a couple of days without posting. It’s not as if I’m getting paid for doing this, or anyone out there is just dying to know what I’ll have to say next. I can’t explain why it happens, but since I’ve created this site I feel a deep sense of obligation to keep it current. I’m feeling especially guilty this week since I haven’t posted anything in the last 7 days. Instead of being therapeutic, it just seems like one more responsibility hanging over my head.
What’s the most logical thing to do when you can’t keep up with one blog? If you answered start another one, then you’re just as warped and twisted as I am. I wrote an article here last month about my three year old son showing introverted tendencies, and it has attracted more readers than anything I’ve ever posted. I’m not talking about big numbers, but in the last 5 weeks several hundred new readers have visited my site after searching for topics related to introversion.
I’ve been working for the last week or so to launch a new site dedicated to the challenges that introverts face in the job market. Since job search experts always tell us that 80% of opportunities are discovered through networking, that put introverts like me at a distinct disadvantage. The new site includes a discussion forum where introverted job seekers can share their personal experiences, and give advice and support to fellow introverts.
Careers for Introverts is my first attempt at a truly customized WordPress theme, and my first experience with BBPress. Take a look and let me know what you think. There isn’t much yet in the way of content, but that will just give me one more thing to feel guilty about over the next few weeks.
UPDATE 9/4/08
I couldn’t stand the guilt associated with two blogs, so I had to discontinue the Careers for Introverts site after a couple of months. Most of the content can now be found on this site under the Introversion category.
I used to let it bother me if I missed a few days online, but finally I realized that it all for fun and if something else is more fun at the time there is nothing wrong with that. Or you just get too darned busy and tired. Or there’s a good ball game on TV . . .
Until I actually get paid to blog I’m on no one’s schedule but my own. If it ever starts to feel like an underpaying job, I’ll quit!
Ahh… But the writing aspect of leaving a ‘Comment’ falls into the same category. I write when I want to, when it pleases me, when it is necessary. Like now…
As a Ludite, I can’t necessarily relate to bloggers’ guilt, but I do journal a lot (as an introvert, I don’t like to share my writing very much). When I can’t do that, I do end up feeling guilty. However, not having time to blog or journal can be a good thing. It means you are out there living your life instead of analyzing it.
Thank you so much for starting the introvert website. I am about to go on the job market after grad school, and sometimes I think there won’t be a job out there that will fit my personality. It’s good to know that someone else has faced the challenge of finding a match between a unique personality type and the often extrovert-based requirements of the job market.