3.31.2011

Thank You, BlogHer, for Betting on the Blogosphere

Two years ago, my family hit a financial rough patch. We weren't alone in being broadsided by the free-falling economy, and we weren't as badly affected as many others, but it wasn't good. I needed to find a job, one to supplement our income, one that could keep the roof that we'd gambled everything on over our heads.

But who would hire me for anything other than short-term writing or editing gigs? What kind of company would take a chance on me, would risk a position on a frantically busy mom-of-three who was already juggling several other projects?

I'll tell you who: BlogHer.

And I'll tell you what: I'm not the only person they've bet on. Every time I go to a BlogHer event, I encounter more BlogHer employees who've been plucked from the Blogosphere. Wonderful people who couldn't deserve it more, who made me even giddier to be a part of such a fast-thinking, community-centric, resource-optimizing organization.

Since I started my BlogHer job eighteen months ago, my husband and I have made a lot of changes. He has made managing and streamlining our family finances his part-time job, and he kicks ass at it (I keep telling him he should consult). We're budgeting better, and our finances have improved in general. I think we're going to be OK.

I've also been getting more speaking, writing, and consulting gigs, which are thrilling. And there's the fantastic Thinking Person's Guide to Autism blog-to-book project which will the set autism community alight once we get the book out -- in May, or June. It really needs my attention.

But getting everything done, and done well, means something has to give. In the past year or so, that something has been sleep. But now that our finances are more stable, that means ... the BlogHer job.

It's time to leave. It's time to pass on to someone else the chance I was given.

I'll still be writing columns as BlogHer's contributing editor for parenting kids with special needs, but my behind-the-scenes work is all done. My last shift is today.

So, I'd like to thank BlogHer in general -- and producer Jenifer Monroe specifically -- for being there when I desperately needed support. And if, by chance, you encounter that rare person who doubts the Blogosphere's ability to make a real difference in someone's life, just tell them my BlogHer story.

4 comments:

  1. But.. i just got here! What do you mean you're going?? ;)

    Seriously, I wish you and your family the very best.

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  2. Heh. I'm still a CE! :)


    Thanks, Laura. Good luck to you!

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  3. Congrats to you Shannon! I'm sure you endeavors will do very well! BlogHer will be hurting to find someone as talented as you.

    Best of luck. I can't wait for the book to come out. I'm definitely buying it!

    I hope to meet you at the BlogHer 11 conference. You are going, right?

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  4. Thanks Cheryl, I'm still writing for BlogHer! Separate gig from the one I passed on.

    See you in San Diego, most definitely.

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