Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?
Last week I went on a cruise with my son, husband and in-laws. The ship was beautiful, the food even better and we stopped in some gorgeous locations. Although it wasn’t a kid-focused boat (the cruise line caters to retired folk), my son still had a blast running up and down the deck, exploring the beach when we docked and entertaining every person he encountered with a wave, a smile and often, a perfectly awkward dance move. I had never been on a cruise before and although it was very different than any other travel experience I’ve had, I wouldn’t entirely rule out trying out another more kid-friendly ship. Maybe a Disney Cruise? I’ve heard great things. Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?
But I digress- this post isn’t about the cruise. Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?
The thing that really threw me on this trip was the lack of free wiFi on the ship. At this point, I feel like wiFi is a basic human right so I was gobsmacked when internet access passes started at $150 USD for 250 minutes. We decided that it wasn’t worth the money so I locked my phone in our safe where it stayed for the entire week. As someone who makes their living primarily ON the internet, I’m still not sure if the experience was liberating or if it just highlighted how quickly I can be forgotten. I think the answer is both.
While I was on the cruise I forgot about instagram and Twitter, and only brought out my proper camera when I remembered. Not being connected meant that I didn’t have to decide if a moment was ‘instagrammable’ and if so, if it would meet brand standards. I didn’t think about filters and hashtags, liking or not liking; I forgot about followers and ‘connecting with my audience.’ I took the time to play with my son uninterrupted, have a focused conversation with my husband and actually laid on the beach, listening to the water! I think the increased attention made my son less whiny, my husband happier and every moment just a little more real. And I didn’t tell anyone about it (except for you guys right now, I guess) or capture that ‘authentic’ moment- I just did it. And it was glorious. In fact, someone else on the beach offered to take a picture of my husband & I, hardly believing that we went somewhere without some sort of device. I could hardly believe it myself. The whole trip, I felt a little bit lighter.
While I know we often lament about a pre-smart phone existence, I’m not saying that I wish for days when we were not connected. No – I can do what I do, as can many people, because of the internet. As with anything, it has its positives and as of late, glaring negatives, but overall, I think it is safe to say that the internet has propelled us forward as an intelligent and developing species. All I’m saying it that it was really nice to have a break. Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?
The real issue hit me when I got back.
When I opened my email (keep in mind I had my Out Of Office on), I had missed opportunities to cover exciting stories abroad because an editor couldn’t get ahold of me. I hadn’t responded to PR people and brand reps, producers and editors and in a mere 5 working days, it seemed that I had been written off or forgotten. I get it – Everyone is busy but still…
While I was gone, no one had mentioned me on Twitter; I had lost followers on instagram and my blog numbers dipped. I know, I know- that sounds extremely self indulgent and petty but for someone who, again, makes their living primarily on the internet, this lack on digital interaction was not a great moment for me. Everything that I had spent years growing felt forgotten in an instant- Natalie Preddie had disappeared in a haze of Trump scandals, Kardashians and videos of kittens. Don’t get me wrong: I was never under the illusion that I was ‘famous’ or anything, but I did feel like I had some visibility in my (very) small, focused online community. On my return, however, I felt disconnected, rejected, vulnerable and really shitty.
I always promised myself that I would blog about adventures in my life and those around me. I promised myself that I would write inspiring travel stories, capture moments that were relevant to me, not worry about the numbers, make meaningful connections (with people and yes, brands) and try to enjoy the journey. I decided to keep my head down, not compare myself to colleagues and just be me. This was the intention.
Yet as I scrolled through my feeds on my return to reality, I came to the realization that I had let the numbers get into my head. I let myself down. I broke all of the promises I made to me and lost my original intention. Resentment toward fellow bloggers/friends had started seeping in, self doubt became overwhelming, as did a need to create an existence rather than just live one. I did exactly what I told myself I would not do. I went inside my head, a dangerous place, and valued myself on how many people like a picture of my toddler singing ‘The Wheels On The Bus’- again. Even writing this post I feel silly, overdramatic and selfish. I chose a career in a fast-paced, hustling and competitive world, right? I brought this on myself, right? I have unreal expectations, right? Who knows. I was just hoping to make some sort of ripple in this massive pond we all inhabit and in that moment, I felt like I failed.Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?
I’d like to end this post with some summation of my feelings and a grand gesture like ‘from here on out, I will keep my promises,’ but I don’t know exactly what that statement looks like. Is time away from the internet really a career killer? Probably not. As fast as a post becomes popular, so does it disappear into oblivion. One minute we are all doing ‘The Macarana’ and the next, we are dabbing. I like to think that I am not a fad and I have continue to tell my story in my way. While I’d be silly to think the numbers are irrelevant, I also need to know that my story is unique and most importantly, mine. This post is likely way over-the-top and definitely overdramatic but for me, necessary to try and understand the mixed emotions I am having surrounding my week ‘away.’ Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?
Irregardless of all this social media, my blog and my writing, while disconnected from the world-wide-web, Natalie Preddie-Zamojc had a fabulous, relaxing week with her beautiful family sailing the Caribbean sea, soaking up the hot sun and making wonderful memories with the people she loves. That’s the part of my story that matters the most. Is A WiFi Free Vacation A Blogger Career Killer?