I remember having a conversation with one of my guys and he said that you’ve gotta be doing something outside of your day job because a 9-to-5 just isn’t fulfilling enough. I think about those words a lot if I’m honest lol. Now I’m not gonna get into the whole 9-to-5 debate but having your vice outside of work is definitely something I can agree with. Let’s face it, the majority of us aren’t lucky enough to be working on their passion. I’m sure when you were younger you never intended to be a *insert your current role here*, but you just kinda fell into it. And for all those working as bailiffs or parking wardens, you guys must’ve collapsed into those roles like hastily assembled IKEA furniture and struggling to get out! I’d rather be selling meat pie’s at church than work in a role where I’m consistently p*ssing people off but that’s another blog entirely. And although your passion may not be making you money, it’s a nice balance between doing something you want to do and something you have to do.
Small businesses are becoming second nature; even on Instagram I’m seeing people with their personal accounts and their business accounts. Whether it’s baking, blogging, fashion etc, people are finding their market and running with it. And the first part is easy; you have an idea, showcase it and everybody’s onboard. But as you try to scale and promote further engagement, things may start to plateau. So many times I’ve felt like I was blogging to myself lol, I had less engagement than those Zoom calls where your camera is off, audio’s muted and a man asks if anyone has any questions *crickets*. I remember years ago this guy telling me how much he enjoyed my blogs… but then he clocked that he’s never actually ‘liked’ or commented or shared any of ‘em so started over-explaining himself as to why he didn’t. Man got tongue-tied like Porky Pig and now we’re both feeling awkward. For sure likes and shares don’t equal success but acknowledgement never killed anybody.
And in the midst of local restrictions here in the U.K., people’s social media stories once filled with parties and holidays are now reposts from celebrities or prize giveaways. It really does get me thinking though, why do we tend to promote the work and successes of strangers before our own friends and family? When Fenty drops a new range you’ll be reposting and tagging Rihanna but when your long-term breddrin’ launches her makeup business you’ve become shy. ASOS will have you on the ropes but your mates clothing range isn’t getting a look in. Madness was when this guy told my partner he likes the stuff she bakes on her food blog but doesn’t follow her because he’s “not a fan” lol. My friend, it’s better to keep quiet at the risk of being seen as stupid than to talk and remove all doubt. Imagine admitting you’re a stalker and a lame dude all in the same sentence. Since when did showing support become an inferiority trait?
Regardless these things come full circle. It’s funny how popular you are when other people need your support. It’s a jungle out here so everyone starts acting cordial. I’ve had people ‘just realise I blogged’ once they needed some tips… @JoeOriadeBlogs gets a bit more engagement every now and then once people need a favour but that’s life I supposed. Calling me for answers like it’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire! But of course, it’s not by force to promote others especially if you don’t f*ck with their content. I’ve heard some of you guys mixtapes and track one to twenty should’ve been left in the recycling bin. Music sounding like war cries and you’re now encouraging everybody else’s ears to be abused. Patting mediocrity on the back is not friendship, rather it’s sabotage which I won’t opt into. But hopefully supporting other people’s hustles isn’t a feat reserved just for strangers though rather for those around us too. Everybody has their vice, let’s just hope they have the support that comes with it.
Joe
