I remember my last day at my previous employment (even though at that point I didn’t know it would be) it was just like any other. I waddled in at 8am and got on with my work, chatted to the 40 or so people in the department and at 2.30pm said my goodbyes and went home for the weekend. Little did I know that my pregnancy wasn’t going to allow me to return to work for the remaining ten days and I ended up on an early maternity leave…
In the last week of November 2015, Mummy in a Tutu went live. The first week of January 2016 I got my first paid post. The last week of January I told my work that I would not be returning and on April 16th I became unemployed. On April 17th I registered as self-employed and here we find ourselves almost in September and I am still going strong and haven’t found myself desperate and on the bread line… we’re living, my daughter has everything she needs and this is because I can afford to support us by being a blogger.
However, some people think I am mad and some people think that I don’t work I am merely “playing” so you must forgive me if from this point on this post takes a rather ranty turn. When I went self-employed, I also applied for Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits, which I wasn’t ashamed to do considering that I have been working and paying tax since I was 13 years old. So, I checked all the facts online completed the forms and sent them in and a text followed a few days later to say my claim would be complete in 3 weeks.
Almost 3 weeks later I received a letter asking me for invoices, receipts, correspondence etc. with my clients for the previous month to show how I was working. I phoned to check a few things and when asked what I did I told them I was a freelance blogger. Three times I repeated what I did to which I got the response “what’s that?!” So, I thought I’d make it easier and say I’m a writer to which the response was “but how do you make money doing that… we’re not here to fund your start-up business you know!!” I “calmly” pointed out that I was already earning thank you and did not need funding only the tax credits I was entitled to. In the end I spent an entire day (which in this game i could ill afford) printing over 100 pages of proof of work; highlighting, annotating and grouping to make it as easy to understand as possible and sent it special delivery to arrive the next day.
Two weeks later I got a phone call. “I’m sorry madam but we simply can’t see that you’re doing any or enough work to qualify but thanks for your enquiry.” I don’t work. I don’t work enough. Excuse me?? Let me tell you about my working day…
6am-7am I work before my daughter wakes up
7am-11.30am with my daughter doing mummy things which often involves trialling products and taking photos for social media
11 30am -12.30pm I work while she naps
12.30pm -7pm with my daughter doing mummy things which often involves trialling products and taking photos for social media as well as house work and meals.
7pm-12am/1am I work while my daughter sleeps
1am – 6am I sleep whilst also getting up in the night when my daughter needs me.
(bare in mind this is a guide as my daughter can choose to change the schedule whenever she likes of course!!)
This is generally repeated 7 days a week and you have the audacity to tell me from your Monday – Friday 9-5 job where you have the power to seriously affect people’s lives that I don’t work enough??! Yes, it is my choice to work this hard because I am a single parent who chose to stay at home to work to be with my daughter and am doing everything within my power to make this work and thankfully it is. But what more do you want from me and every other freelance blogger out there??! Blood???
However, it is not only this ignorant man that seems to think I don’t work as it seems to be the general consensus of every person who doesn’t really understand what a blogger is. Some of the best one liners I’ve had include… “So you just get all this stuff for free? For doing nothing?!” Or “You’re just messing around on the Internet aren’t you?!” Now the odd comment I don’t mind but by the tenth one I do feel like having a word – just because I work from home does not mean I have a life of luxury and do nothing.
Yes, there are a few perks to being a Freelance Blogging WAHM, such as being able to work in my pj’s and full access to the fridge ( not so great for my waistline) but I just want to make it clear that us bloggers do work and we work bloody hard! Those items you see that you think I got for free, actually they had to be photographed, in packaging and out and from every angle in the right light. These have to be edited and put on social media with the correct tags and scheduled. Then a blog post has to be written with links and images added as well as making sure that the correct disclaimers are added. If a giveaway is being added too this needs to be created and the html code added. This blog post then needs to be scheduled as well as sent to the PR or brand I am working with and also added to linkies and other promotional sites in order that it achieves maximum exposure and the brand are happy to have worked with you and will do again. Invoices need yo be created, sent and often followed up. We also have to interact with our readers and followers as well as reading other blogs and commenting which is all part of the linkies as well as putting out our own posts to avoid our blogs turning into just one big piece of mass marketing that no one wants to read…. and breathe. We get some amazing items and to do some amazing things but do you really think that’s all for free??
Of course some companies and brands don’t think we’re worth anything and should work for free. The number of times in my 10 months of blogging I’ve heard the phrase “we have no budget available ” is ridiculous! We’re providing a service, a service that takes time, effort, energy and money (purchase blogs and schedulers aren’t free you know!!) and yet despite this we are in fact often expected to do our jobs for nothing. What I don’t understand is, if a brand will pay for a Facebook or Twitter ad why wouldn’t they pay for us?
Also, don’t forget that by putting ourselves out there we are also inviting in trolls and Internet bullies or simply people who don’t agree with what I’m saying, or as a parent blogger, how I’m raising my child. We have to push past all this and carry on… we have no line managers to report it all too.
So in conclusion, if you happen to meet someone new and you ask them what they do and they’re response is “I’m a blogger!” Why not ask them what that involves or if you’re reading this you already know so how about saying ” Oh wow!” or “That’s interesting!” Whatever you do DO NOT tell them it’s not a “real” job or they’re just playing…. don’t be THAT guy from HMRC who even now, still thinks I don’t do enough!! At least I know I do….
163 Comments
That sucks. But maybe you can apply again, and try to make a stronger case for yourself! Unfortunately it is all very bureaucratic and you have to meet very specific criteria. I do agree on blogging being hard work – I often call it my second part time job ha ha 🙂 there is so much to it especially when you try get new work and clients!
Thanks hun x
HMRC aren’t just treating bloggers this way. It is all self employed people who appear to be working for under minimum wage. They have targeted child minders, designers, musicians, you name it. They appear to have been trained to be rude to all. If I had more time, and was not trying to run my own business, I would be taking them through the courts. It would be interesting to make a freedom of information request to find out the ratio of male/female rejections, as women are usually combining caring for elderly parents/young children in addition to paid work.
Well said! I am just starting out in the blogosphere and realising just how undervalued bloggers are.
It sucks really x
Well said. I would like to go self employed one day but I think my family will think I’m crazy for giving up a ‘real’ job, as so many people don’t think it’s a real job. I’ve also had several comments about getting ‘free stuff’ even though often the value doesn’t justify the amount of time spent photographing, editing, writing, posting, scheduling etc. Sounds like you are doing well though, congrats.
You go girl! I really love this article and you’re a totally right. Power mummy!
Hahaha I feel a fist bump there x
I can feel what you’te saying. I’m a newbie mommy blogger and my son is at kindergarten during the day. Althought I have enough time, I always feel that I don’t have enough.
Thanks so much x
just wow … I’m exhausted just reading this! well said and wow to all those working bloggers out there – you are all awesome!! #triballove xx
Oh bless you. So are you xx
Fantastic post! You have said it all! Sometimes my screen can be on the same page for 2 hours while I tend to my daughter. Just think the hourly rate of a blogger can be peanuts with the amount of effort put in. It’s after publishing the work starts promoting! Xx
Thank you hun xx
I absolutely agree with you and can’t say it enough. Almost noone takes what I do seriously in particular family and friends. The truth is we work harder because Social Media is day and night. Daily I am contacted by companies who are almost rude with their requests to be linked on my site. I am sharing this to my facebook group, it is awesome
Thanks so much xx
You’re amazing lovely, I think so many of us look up to you and how well you’ve done in such a short space of time. So well said lovely, I don’t do nearly as much work as you do with brands and in awe of your dedication! Xx
Awww thank you sweetheart xx
Right there with ya mummy! I was told once that “if it’s not in print then you are not working hard enough”. That was a moment when I realized that not everybody gets it! You are valued by those who do get it!
Wise words. Thanks so much x
I wonder if you’d have more luck with DWP if you used more traditional terminology. I can rather imagine the person looking at your case seeing blogging as a profession, not finding it on their computer system and so dismisses it as a hobby or fad, ignorant to it being a legitimate income stream for many.
I wonder if you could describe blogging in terms they might find easier to grasp, say that you’re a freelance writer, producing x articles a week of editorial and commercial content paid for by leading household brands. These articles are published in online family publications.
This shouldn’t be the case but that’s what you get for being on they cutting edge of digital life 😉
People definitely underestimate how much goes into blogging. It literally takes over your life, although I think most of us would agree in the best way. It is definitely a full time job, if not more. Your week sounds pretty intense, I dont know how you do it, its pretty amazing! Emily #bestandworst
I don’t know how you do it. I would love to make a bit of money from my blog but I am also aware that this takes a lot of work and dedication. I would say that blogging is more than a full-time job because it can take over everything if we aren’t careful. It is incredible that you achieved this for yourself. A big power WHOOP! 🙂
Yes yes yes, I can completely relate. I could not have worded it better. I work part-time and blog part-time. However, I plan to go full-time with blogging over the next 12-18 months. Have shared to FB x
I love this. Until now the best I have had is a few freebies in exchange for reviews and I only chose products I can wholeheartedly endorse. Moving to paid posts is something I’d love but how I get there I’m not too sure. Massive high five for taking the jump and making it work x #bestandworst
I totally get you. One of the reasons I have recently taken a huge blogging holiday is because it was getting to be too much work, and that was as a part time hobby blogger.
#bestandworst
Oh dear, I feel ya. I get this all the time. And most annoyingly WHILE I am actually in the process of doing work on my laptop in a cafe or hostel or some other public place where there is wifi and a table and people have the audacity to interrupt and ask me all kinds of questions about my income, contacts, insight tips and more, just to give me their judgemental comments on how I am living a luxury life filled with free stuff and zero effort. We still have a lot of work to do to explain ourselves, when really we shouldn’t. Let’s spread the word. Am sharing your post.
I love the reviews and ops but I do often have to think about how much time I have and can I do it? I cannot work into the night (I admire you. just need my sleep so only really have a couple of hours a day. When a second comes…OMG! Great post and I hope some of the sceptics read and learn! Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst xx
Great post and very inspiring. I’m fairly new to the world of blogging and I’m already getting similar comments from friends and other people I come into contact with. They just seem to think it is just about getting free stuff! They really don’t see the work you have to put into it behind the scenes. I work around 30 hours a week in my usual job, so blogging is something I mainly do in the evenings. I am watching a lot less TV than I did before! Haven’t got the time. I’m still plugging away at various companies to get my foot in the door it is hard work! All the best Joanne X
You are an inspiration! You really are! To work before your daughter gets up and then to work til midnight shows such dedication. I’ve just started blogging to keep my writing and social media/web skills up and would love the idea of making money from it one day, but I just feel so over whelmed with how time consuming it is. I’m a SAHM now and I just don’t have the time. I’m often in bed at 9.30! I think for me I couldn’t commit to working those sorts of hours just yet, but you have shown it can be done, and very quickly. Can you recommend anywhere online with advice about how to start going down the review route?
Oh and as for the HMRC guy, hopefully he’ll get his karma one day! Keep up the fantastic blog xx
Thanks so much – its more a learn as you go. but feel free to email me any time with advice on how to get started xx
You’ve worked really hard Hun and deserve to be recognised for that. What an arse! I am so used to a negative or puzzled reaction that now when people are positive or say wow it shocks me. Isn’t that sad?! Keep doing what you’re doing Hun ?
I didn’t have a clue until I started writing myself, the time and the effort that goes into keeping up to date! I can’t even keep up with Twitter! My only experience of bloggers were those that have made big bucks from it!
I love an honest post and am super glad that you are doing well!
#triballove
Well I think you are fab and work extremely hard.
Such an insightful post to anyone who isn’t aware. Unfortunately I think there are still some pretty ignorant people who, even after reading this, wouldn’t understand the time and effort that goes into everything you have to do. I work with many bloggers in my job, some are millionaires and they’ve done it all from blogging. I certainly don’t expect that for myself and it isn’t why I started mine, but it makes you wonder if they have to have the same conversations as you when they tell someone their occupation!! #ablogginggoodtime x
Aaaw I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had this response. I’ve been blogging 4 mths now and I’ve actually not told any of my real life contacts (apart from hubby) that I blog so I haven’t had to deal with any of this. Blogging is certainly not an easy way out though. Even as a hobby I feel like it’s taking over my life sometimes!
Oops should have said #ablogginggoodtime (I’m rubbish at remembering to do that!)
The same happened to me! I ended up cancelling my tax credits claim just because I didn’t want to deal with them. They’re ridiculous! I am starting to get the same now, my family are seeing the things I’m getting for “free” and don’t really think I do all that much for them! I love it though, it’s hard work but being home and able to be here for my daughter before and after school whilst writing is just perfect for me. 🙂 #bestandworst
Good job for making it pay! Keep it up #ablogginggoodtime x
I hope the situation with the tax people has been sorted out now. What an absolute pain from a practical perspective, and how undermining to be told that your job isn’t a “real job.” You’ve done amazingly well to make enough money to live on from your blog in such a short space of time. I’e been going a lot longer than you and still not made a penny! #ablogginggoodtime
Such a brilliant post! I didn’t realise that you made money doing this, and I think you are doing an amazing job to support your daughter as single-parent, and to have the free-thinking and creativity to do it through blogging! I think the government office needs to get with the times, and learn about the new jobs and ways of earning in this modern world. I’m so sorry you had trouble. Will you be able to sort out your tax credits?
And I can totally relate to that ‘we don’t have the budget’ argument. In our capitalist world, big business will do anything to maximise their profits by doing everything they can to get away with cost cutting. Writers always get such a bad deal. The amount of times I’m recommended to do something for free to build my reputation is just astounding. We all need to earn a living and support out kids! Thank you ranting so eloquently and inspiring me too 🙂 #ablogginggoodtime
Greatest job I’ve ever had! High fives! Everyone I know knows and respects blogging and vlogging, imagine telling people like I did 6 years ago I was a blogger-glazed eyes all round x
I left 9-5 work earlier this year and set up my own business, which at my age was a bit scary, but with a good man with lots of business experience supporting me, I got through the whole setting up a business thing in one piece! What I didn’t expect, and neither did he because of the nature of his business, is just how much time I would spend working with social media, the website and linking in with big sites like netmums! i tell you, it’s been a steep learning curve, but I am pleased I made the decision to change my working life, because, although it’s early days, I feel happier and it’s so more rewarding and I have learnt so much and will continue to do so.
I left 9-5 work earlier this year and set up my own business, which at my age was a bit scary, but with a good man with lots of business experience supporting me, I got through the whole setting up a business thing in one piece! What I didn’t expect, and neither did he because of the nature of his business, is just how much time I would spend working with social media, the website and linking in with big sites like netmums! i tell you, it’s been a steep learning curve, but I am pleased I made the decision to change my working life, because, although it’s early days, I feel happier and it’s so more rewarding and I have learnt so much and will continue to do so.
Most people have no idea how much work blogging involves – they think you can just write a few hundred words, pop it on your site and you’re done. They don’t know about the social media, the linkys, the images, the commenting, etc. it’s bloody hard work and you’re doing a great job at it! #ablogginggoodtime
If you are earning money and can prove it, surely you should be entitled to working tax credits – maybe if you have the energy and time you could try again – did HMRC explain what they need as evidence to meet the criteria for working tax credit? – good luck – you certainly work hard! #ablogginggoodtime
Some people just don’t understand the worth that bloggers provide, like an honest voice that can reach an audience far wider than any other type of marketing depending on the blogger. Good on you for having the strength and going for it, it’s inspiring for everyone else out there hesitating about their own goals #ablogginggoodtime
Loved this – back from #ablogginggoodtime xx
I love you for writing this! How anyone can think it’s not a real job is beyond me. You work so hard and absolutely deserve any perks you get. Some people are just ignorant! I remember when I studied Sociology at uni so many people told me it wasn’t a ‘real degree’ as if I didn’t have to research and write essays and attend seminars just like everyone else!? #ablogginggoodtime
well done you! we have pretty much the same schedule! I never made a penny or got any free stuff though!
#blogginggoodtime
Wow!! This makes me tired just reading it. I have only just started blogging and I look to bloggers like you to see how it is done. You are doing an amazing job!! I struggle sometimes and my kids are much older than your’s so I totally get what you are saying. xxx #Ablogginggoodtime
I am a blogger but no one hires me. I do some review of things for free though. I think I dont have the it that PR companies are looking for. #ablogginggoodtime
I myself still work full time while running my blog and everyone says the same thing!! oh you got that for free, oh why are they paying you, but does anyone actually read it!! I feel your pain 🙂 chin up 🙂 you blog is amazing!
Lx
http://workingmumy.blogspot.com
#ablogginggoodtime
Fab post – the one that really gets me is that people think it’s OK to ask how much you earn!?! In what other job would that be ok??? Eb x
Yikes! I can’t believe that blogging or writing doesn’t count in their book. Perhaps you just got the wrong person on a bad day? You are a brilliant writer, and you do count. We play a huge part *centre stage actually, in the online consumers journey. #ablogginggoodtime
Are you registered as a sole trader for tax purposes? I am about to go freelance and am looking into all this – if you are registered as self employed then surely you are entitled to tax credits. Or are tax credits only for those in PAYE jobs? You have a number of clients and an income like any freelancer, so surely the same rules apply? Do you file a tax return? I have all this to negotiate! I was freelance for a while and registered with HMRC – am about to do it again. I don’t earn anything from blogging yet sadly though but hoping this may change!
I’m sorry to hear this, that is rubbish. I don’t know how you do it though! I just write my blog as a hobby, something to get myself away from work or children, but even that is all-consuming in a way I never imagined! As an avid blog reader for many years even before starting my own, I have been very influenced by my favourites, and bought a lot of things recommended. Bloggers are definitely more influential than much of the advertising that the companies have paid millions for (at least in my experience), but I don’t think a lot of people realise this, or how much effort bloggers put in to allow this to be the case. #ablogginggoodtime
I am in awe of full-time bloggers/mummys it is so time consuming, you literally could do it all day long and still have so much to do. It must be so infurating,until we began blogging I had not idea how much time it would take up. It really is a labour of love #ablogginggoodtime
Once you have a tax return that should make it clear in black and white – shouldn’t it?! #bestandworst
Well said! I couldn’t agree more. I’m just starting to get more enquiries and I can’t believe how many offer derisory sums or want things for free. I keep thinking to myself…These companies are prepared to pay a fortune for TV commercials, posters, ads in newspapers, mags etc. We aren’t asking huge amounts considering the amount of work that goes into each post…Shieshk! You’ve set me off now.
The danger is, if we accept unpaid work or a pittance, it’ll be a race to the bottom. Soon companies will expect us all to be charging next to nowt or £30 for half a days work.
I could go on…But I think you said it all better than me.
Shame on the HMRC.
A very refreshing read! Thank you! #ablogginggoodtime
When I tell people I have a blog or I have an article coming out somewhere- the first question they ask is “are you making money with that?”
sigh.
#ablogginggoodtime
Well done, some people have no perception of how hard others work. Blogging as a job will one day be considered as much more ‘normal’ (whatever normal is), it’s great to speak out about this. Also HMRC is such hard work at the best of times. Sorry you have had to go through this, hopefully you will have some better outcome next time. Xx #ablogginggoodtime
I actually had no idea that some people earn a living from blogging. I am new to it all and not really a “blogger”. I am just a mum who wants to make life better and writes things down to share a message. #ablogginggoodtime
That schedule is insane! How do you survive on so little sleep?! Hats off to you being your own boss and doing what is best for you and your daughter. Fingers crossed that when you reapply they will have a better understanding of this ever growing industry. #ablogginggoodtime
Loving all the comments Katie! We blogges are behind you. I am immensely proud of you and hope the path is cleared for you and future successes. Keep it up x #blogginggoodtime x x x
Utter madness that the guy from HMRC was so ignorant and dismissive. How irritating, unfair and incredibly frustrating of him especially when you put together such evidence to show all the work you too – how can they get away with it – ridiculous?! Hats off to you for all your hard work and having the tenacity to get all this going in under a year…I for one can see how hard you bloody work. I hope you eventually get what is rightfully yours. xx #ablogginggoodtime
I completely agree with you! I have only just started telling people I’m a blogger now after nearly 2 years of doing it as I was embarrassed which I realise now is so silly! I also find it funny when people ask me what I actually do all day! I think I might make myself some cards with my ‘schedule’ on just to whip out on such occasion! 🙂
#brillblogposts
Ugh I can’t stand phoning hmrc. I love this post, you’ve hit the nail right on the head. Blogging is definitely a real job, it may not be a traditional job but that doesn’t mean bloggers don’t work as hard as anyone else. Well done you for making your blog so successful in such a short amount of time.xx #blogginggoodtime
Here, here – you’re so right, blogging takes way more time than I ever gave to my ‘proper’ job, I’m just amazed how you manage it will a little’un and carry on writing till the small hours! Well done…at lease your fellow bloggers know how it is.
I honestly don’t think anyone understands the level of work involved until they actually do it for themselves. I’ve only just got started with my blog and am amazed at just how long everything takes. Writing the posts is the quick part, it’s everything else that takes the time. It’s amazing that you are able to support your daughter while working from home and spending more time together, but it certainly isn’t the easy option! I hope you manage to get through to someone more sensible at hmrc and get your case reviewed, try the citizens advive bureau, they can help you fight the decision, good luck x #ablogginggoodtime
I’ll confess that before I started blogging I never would have guessed how much time goes into it. That being said, I never would have had the audacity to criticize somebody if that is how they were trying to make a living. #blogginggoodtime
I’ve been trying to get to this post for ages, but like you I am busy all day ya know keeping my babies alive and my evenings (sadly I don’t get a nap time blog cause one of mine doesn’t nap anymore) have been so busy trying to do a billion and one blogging related tasks that it’s taken me days to get here. I am at a loss as to what else you could possibly provide the tax office, it’s quite infuriating really. In all honesty people have absolutely no idea just how much work goes into blogging and building your own brand, I didn’t until I started doing it. It also seems as though you don’t get respect for it until you are one of the big names which is upsetting as I still feel as though I work really hard at it and pour my heart and soul into a lot of my content but there you have it. I really hope you are able to sort something out when it comes to the tax credits but in the interim be proud of how much you and your blog have achieved it is nothing short of incredible and a result of hours and hour of hard work! Xx #ablogginggoodtime
Grrrr how frustrating! It annoys me when people belittle something just because they don’t understand it! If it’s any consolation I think what you do is amazing 🙂 I’d LOVE to be able to say ‘I’m a blogger’ when people asked me what my job was! Not that I’d have any idea how to go about doing that!
I used to be a make-up artist before the big and little one came along and primarily did weddings – I used to hate it when people asked me how I could live of ‘just painting a few faces’ every month! Also Grrrr!
Thanks for sharing (ranting ;)) and hosting! #ablogginggoodtime
Great read and unfortunately rather true. There is nothing like a show stopping conversation killer than saying you are a blogger. It’s a bit like if you start a small business and people look sympathetically as though it’s already met its demise. And then it’s never mentioned again. I find it incredibly bizarre that people don’t say ‘that sounds interesting, can you explain’ or even ‘how incredibly dull and foolish, can you explain’. Something rather than silence. If it is mentioned again it’s often as though you are being asked about a health disorder. Hopefully you’ll say ‘it hasn’t worked out’ and then everyone can be ‘normal’ again and get a ‘proper’ job!
I thought I posted a comment yesterday but can’t see it, maybe my fat thumbs.. Anyway it was along the lines of I think you’re amazing and an inspiration to work those crazy hours! I’ve just started blogging and although I’d love to one day turn it into making money I just don’t see how I can at this moment in time. It’s sad that people don’t recognise all your hard work. Not sure I have any words of advice about HMRC other than he sounds like an idiot and I hope he gets some karma!
#ablogginggoodtime
I really enjoyed reading this post – it certainly made me think about the way blogging as a job is seen by others – I’ve only been blogging for a two months and it’s very part time, but it is so much hard work! It’s sad that it’s not recognised as the hard and real work that you are doing! Hopefully it will become rectified in the future! #ablogginggoodtime
this is a great post and spot on. having been blogging seriously for 6 months now, I can say that nothing has been for “free” and it isn’t just messing around on the internet hehe. there is so much involved and any parent blogging, and parenting needs to be super bloody organised!! #ablogginggoodtime
Wow well done you 🙂
The main is this post shows people how much time blogging requires and that it can be a ‘proper job’ my ultimate goal is to bring in enough money blogging 🙂 I don’t know how you survive on so little sleep though! X
A brilliant post and a true testemant to how hard we work as Bloggers and as Mums! xx #fortheloveofBLOG
Yup – it takes a lot of time. Such a shame you got this response, it would’ve been nice to have gotten some recognition. Keep going though hun #fortheloveofBLOG
It’s never pleasant feeling as though you have to justify your existence. It seems strange that after all these years blogging can feel like an unknown!
#fortheloveofblog
Well said! We all pour hours and hours into our blogs. They are a very big part of our lives and should not be trivilised by people.
#fortheloveofBLOG
What an empowering post. It just goes to show that people don’t like what they don’t understand. I’m always impressed by you bloggers who make money at it as I know how much energy that must require. I think you are doing great!#ablogginggoodtime
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[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each along with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she usually began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each along with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she mostly started work during 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when a child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she usually began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each along with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each along with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] photos, editing, scheduling – often writing the piece is the shortest amount of work.”In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
You’re an inspiration you know!! Well done on taking the step and now having a successful blog! I dream of having mine make a little bit of an income one day! Thanks for all your help xxx
Thanks lovely xx
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often… […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
Excellent post and so true!!! Xx
Thanks so much xx
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
You should be able to set up a limited company, and then become a formal employee with set hours of that company.
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
Both me and my wife are self employed and working tax credits were essential when are child came along. So unfair HMRC are not given them to you, had quick look at you blog and saw you did almost 30 posts in August, that’s s over 16 hours a week with everything that goes with it. Fingers cross you get it sorted out!
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
I sympathize completely a short while ago my partner told me we were disqualified from claiming work tax credit anymore this was disturbing as nothing had changed in relation to either of our working hours. A letter from HMRC simply stated we not eligible anymore. Also to add I am currently off work ill with a serious gastric complaint and so also now not eligible for free prescriptions and as I can not afford to buy them on our current income thus have no medication available to me.
To cut this story short I had an online chat with a chap from HMRC called Daniel who told me yesterday 5 sept 2016 that we were not eligible because the company who now deal with work tax credit on behalf of HMRC, an american firm called Concentrix who work from an office in Belfast had altered the information on our claim form so it read that I did 5 hours/week and not the 36 hours/week I had written there myself.
Personaly I am reading the action of this firm Concentrix as fraudulent on their part and will be talking to a solicitor today 6 sept 2016 at some point to see if I have a legal case against Concentrix or indeed HMRC for this fraudulent action they have engaged in. One wonders how many other people have had their forms unwittingly tampered/altered by Concentrix. I understand this third party company staff have to meet a target / day for taking people off work tax credits and also I was told they IE concentrix also get an annual bonus based on how much money they have saved HMRC by removing people / claimants from the work tax credit system.
If the above points on targets and annual bonus are true then it follows that people in fear of losing a job for not hitting targets will do what they can to hit that target no matter who suffers as a result and any company is there to make money so an annual bonus to kick people of a state system would I am sure be abused as seems to be the case by an immoral management staff such as the people both running and working at Concentrix in Belfast.
As fellow Blogger I get the same crap from friends and relatives.”Blogger? What on earth is that?” It’s not a real job get a job etc. This is my second year and my advice to you is to educate them, eventually they get it, at least some do. My mom has even turned supportive too.
[…] In a weblog publish, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
I hate the looks I get when I tell people I’m a blogger. My advice is to prepare an elevator pitch: a few sentences you can memorize and recite perfectly whenever anyone asks what you do. Include what you blog about, why you do it, and how you earn money. Then of course you’ll get the question, “what’s affiliate marketing?” Ah, the life of a blogger!
Just popping back on #BRILLBLOGPOSTS. It suddenly occurred to me – I assume it’s OK for you to pay tax if you earn enough as a blogger? Assume it’s a job then? Just wondering.
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
Good to read so many supportive comments. I’m glad you are managing to get such good press coverage for this issue, the BBC website brought me here. It is not just an issue for bloggers, people working in childcare and the creative industries are also facing similar treatment from HMRC. I hope you manage to achieve a positive outcome and are coping financially, if not try a visit to citizens advice or even your local MP. This is a political issue not a personal one, the Government are trying to force people off tax credits. They are on very shaky legal ground.
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she often started work at 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when the child was asleep. […]
[…] In a blog post, she wrote she mostly started work during 06:00 and worked until 01:00, both with her daughter and when a child was asleep. […]
Great post! I’ve just left my full-time job and started working as a freelance writer & blogger – I’m dreading explaining that one to tax credits! #familyfun
Catchy title! Loved this I think all us bloggers totally get it and so I thank you for getting it out there, awesome post! #familyfun
Calling back in from #FamilyFun! WOWSERS look at all those beautiful pingbacks! You are rocking this xxx
Just came back from #FamilyFun to say thanks for linking but wow look at all those comments! Go you!! xx Thanks for linking lovey
Woop!!! Well done you achieving so much in such a short period #inspirational!! I wouldn’t worry about the computer saying no in this case! #bloggerclubuk
Most people who have never blogger haven’t got the first clue how much work goes into it. I can’t believe how atrociously you were treated by the HMRC, truly shocking.
Best of luck with your self employed business and I hope you continue to strive. #bloggerclubuk
well this post certainly made an impact! have seen it all over social media and elsewhere – well done to you for getting your voice heard! #ablogginggoodtime
You go girl! And you are so right! I think people don’t realise. I have to admit I was the same before starting my blog. They just think it’s free stuff and PR events all the time! I am not planning to be a blogger as a job but I get what you are saying. Don’t listen to them and carry on doing what you (and us as readers!) like ! #FamilyFun
Wow so many comments Katie! A lot of scrolling to get down to the comment box. A great post, and one that you need to continue to fight for. I hope that you’re appearance on BBC News, radio and TV (it was TV?) has made a difference for you. You have done so well with your blog, and people need to realise that blogging is a way that companies promote their products, as we (bloggers) have direct contact via social media with their target audiences. Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
Three cheers to you for this brilliant piece! Self employed people as a whole often seem to get the rough end of the deal when trying to prove income or work, and when you add to that the fact that blogging seems to carry an element of “you do what now?” with it, it must make you want to scream. For me blogging is still just a hobby, but to be successful takes an unbelievable amount of work, energy and determination. Hats off to you lovely! *salutes* x
[…] In a weblog submit, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
[…] In a weblog submit, she wrote she typically began work at 06:00 and labored till 01:00, each together with her daughter and when the kid was asleep. […]
You have clearly put your heart and soul into your blog and it really shows. Well done for achieving so much. I find the little I do so time consuming, so hats off to you for managing to do it full-time whilst bringing up your daughter. #bloggerclubuk
Others have presented such beautiful and deep insights into how society as a whole, whether it is US-American or British perceives a “real” job. I respect and admire your commitment to your work – Blogging in this case. It’s sad that urban codes and language cannot keep up with the rate of dynamism apparent in our professional definitions these days. You hang in there. I am so impressed with all that you have been able to accomplish in such a short time and the connections you have build and wish you well and a lot more success. Keep at it. #familyfun
I found this really interesting, i’ve been going back and forth with the idea of blogging full-time. And hadn’t considered things like tax credits. It’s sad that your hard work isn’t recognised by all, but it’s definitely recognised by me! Thanks for sharing.
#ablogginggoodtime
#ablogginggoodtime
The technology is moving quicker than the public can adapt to a change in times. Wonderfully written and Amen x shall RT