So Problogger – an annual gathering of hundreds of enthusiastic bloggers – is done and dusted for another year.
After attending for the past two years, this time I just played along at home by following the #pbevent hashtag on social media.
So now to answer the question burning on everybody’s lips: Why wasn’t *I* there? I mean, when it comes to blogging, you don’t get much more enthusiastic than me!
Why I Didn’t Go to Problogger This Year
There is no simple answer, rather, it was a combination of factors:
1. Money Money Money – I wouldn’t have much change from $1000, even without needing to pay for flights (I only live 45 minutes’ drive from the conference venue on the Gold Coast). That’s a lot of money!
2. My Personal Blogging Journey – I’ve reached a point where what is meant to be “inspirational”, instead leaves me feeling discouraged. Despite my best efforts, my blog hasn’t achieved super stardom. Hearing about others and how they have found fame and fortune, doesn’t help ME to achieve the same. I’ve come to realise there are no magic formulas for success …
Besides, what is “success” really? I love blogging and sharing about my life as a middle aged mama, and the lovely community that gathers here (that’s YOU!); you seem to read and like what I’m doing, which feels pretty good to me!
I felt going to Problogger wasn’t a “healthy choice” for me in 2015. I don’t want to compare myself with others. I just want to do what I do, and do it well 🙂 .
3. Have I Outgrown Problogger?! This year, I felt my professional development dollars could be better spent attending more specific, focused training in other aspects of my business, rather than just the blog. I want to learn more about social media management and the mysteries of Google and Search Engine Optimisation – getting into the real nitty gritty, beyond the basics. Although Problogger *does* cover these subjects, it’s not in enough depth for my needs.
When I tried to articulate this to the hubster, he laughed. “So you think you’re too good for Problogger now?!”
At the end of the day, although I enjoyed Problogger in 2013 and 2014, this year I just didn’t feel the same urgency to attend (and I knew the conference would manage quite well without me 😉 ).
The only thing I really missed was getting to chat bloggy stuff with other people, who are just as passionate about it as I am. Luckily, I was able to attend the Brisbane Bloggers Meetup at The Greek Club last Tuesday; so at least I still got my blogger fix.
As for next year – who knows? Just because these are the reasons I didn’t go to Problogger this year, doesn’t mean I’ll feel the same in twelve months’ time …
Now it’s your turn! If you didn’t go – why not; and if you did – I’d love to hear what meant the most to you!
Linking up with My Home Truths.