I caught COVID in October of 2022. It was the first time I’d been really sick since 2015. When I tell you that I was completely unprepared for how long it would take me to recover-it was so humbling. Finally, in February of 2023 I had to admit to myself that I just had run out of steam. But, it wasn’t just because I wasn’t feeling 100%-I’d run out of steam because running a content creation business focused on empowering other people (as well as myself) takes a lot of energy.
As I struggled with the physical fatigue that lingered, I discovered that I also was dealing with mental fatigue. So, I decided to take a break from creating content (podcasts, blog posts and more) and I took a break. It ended up being a five month break and it was the best thing that I could have done for myself. If you’re a personal finance content creator wanting to take a break and are scared to do it-I want to share some of lessons learned during my time away.
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Listen to the Episode
Your American Money
While I was gone, I thought about all of the weird and interesting money stories that I love to talk about but weren’t ideal for my website or podcast. I launched Your American Money as a way to keep my audience connected with podcast episodes and blog posts as their published, cool fintech and random financial stories like Gabrielle Union and the Infamous 50/50 Split. If you’re unfamiliar with her, she’s an actress and is married to a high profile former basketball player. She became a story of interest because she shared that she and her husband split their expenses 50/50 even though he makes 3x her income (yes, they’re millionaires ) but she’s supporting other family members. Want to stay in the loop and hear about other pop culture financial stories like Vanna White never getting a raise? SIgn up for Your American Money Today. Sign up form is in the show notes.
Your American Money Newsletter
Show Notes
Recently I was asked “Do you ever get tired of talking about money?” And what many people might not know is that in college I planned on getting an economics degree. How money worked was fascinating to me. I also thought very seriously about going into politics and thought about becoming Secretary of State. Then, like many people, something happened that disillusioned me about going into public office. I find it amusing to think that after all this time I’m actually focused on what I’ve always been interested in-but, on my terms: money and policy. I love having conversations about how politics, power, policy and perception influences our money. But, building a content creation business focused on the intersection of these things can sometimes feel very overwhelming.
The week that I’m preparing this episode the Supreme Court or SCOTUS shared rulings on policy that will impact millions directly and indirectly. My website, which I had walked away from actively working on had a spike in traffic that week-that spike telling me in real time that people are scared, need resources and that I’m in the place and space that I should be.
If you’re thinking about taking a break-for whatever reason here’s some of what I discovered during mine.
Lesson #1-There’s Time to Rethink How You Serve
At the heart of Michelle is Money Hungry is a mission of service to those who are done a disservice by the powers that be. I realized that there were certain impactful and vital conversations that had to be had and that I was one of many folks out there equipped to have them without worrying that a job or organizational mission would skew or negatively influence important conversations on money and policy that need to be had. Serving as an online content creator takes shape in many ways and I had to figure out what that looked like for me-my ultimate goal is to uplift voices, viewpoints and topics that otherwise wouldn’t be had because people may be disinterested, nervous or scared to have these conversations. You also need space to HEAR the important financial conversations that your community is having without giving input into those conversations or trying to assert your expertise. I spent a lot of the past 5 months just listening, watching and reading stories related to personal finance (and other adjacent topics)
Lesson #2-Content Design is Everything
I realized that I needed to tweak my content strategy. I’d unintentionally suppressed the growth of Michelle is Money Hungry by ignoring SEO in my content-especially my podcast content. While this project was growing and getting accolades, it was clear to me that the growth was slower than other content creators’ projects. No, I don’t like to compare myself to others. But, I do want to make sure that what I’m working on is seen. I was especially aware of this when using SEO for a different website in a different niche and seeing the insane growth on that website. I was doing a great job with my “Michelle is Money Hungry” podcast but ignored my website and it showed. The time off allowed me to audit my website, my SEO (search engine optimization) the topics I covered and whether or not I was working on the right kind of content for the people that I wanted to serve.
Lesson #3-Dream Bigger!
I am working on a very special podcast season for this Fall and I’m so excited about it. In order to produce this work-I’m going to take some risks and do things a little differently. I’ll be candid and say that I’m a little nervous about it. But, I also think that with great risk, there’s great reward and that this upcoming project will also help me grow personally and professionally. The idea for that project wouldn’t have happened if I were still actively working on the website and podcast.
Lesson #4 Connecting with Creative Ideas Need Dedicated Time
I have come up with so many cool projects, pieces of content, etc. because I have given my brain time to just “be” Rest has allowed me to easily come up with ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of without the free time to dream them up.
Lesson #5 Be Honest
I shared that I was tired and needed a break. People were so supportive and kind as I took my time to rest and reenergize. I recorded a podcast episode and then took my break.
Best decision ever.
I’m back now and ready to do this. The need for empathetic personal content creators and content is needed more than ever. I’m rested and ready to get back in it and I hope that if you’re struggling with lack of energy, inspiration or even creative boredom-that you will take that break.
Next Episode:
Billionaires and the Deep Blue Sea. A Financial Conversation About Empathy
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