Teaching And Blogging: The Life Of A Bleacher Revealed

We’ve been blogging and teaching now for a year and it has been an amazing journey. We’ve moulded two lifestyles into one and we call it “bleaching”.

We recommend that more people become bleachers and here’s why!

How To Become A Bleacher

For us, bleaching is a segway into the ultimate lifestyle of pure blogging, but for many it could be the perfect longterm career. We enjoy teaching English in China so much that it will be hard to give it up. Many people around the world are now teaching English and blogging about it. Teaching has become a digital nomad’s hobby and extra income earner.

We spend 20 hours a week in front of a class and 30 more in front of a computer screen. We’ve learned a lot about both jobs and we have found a great balance in our lives.

Today’s post comes from Goats on The Road who are about to embark on exciting journey through Central Asia.

Working On The Blog At Home

We work mostly in the afternoon, so our days always start with a nice cup of coffee and a little bit of music. We talk about the plan for the day both in our classes and on our laptops. We then move from the couch to the “office” (our kitchen table) and begin a shift of blogging.

We usually write posts, update social media, connect with other bloggers and work on SEO on our site for about 5 hours before stopping for lunch. We then move away from the computer and make lunch. After lunch we usually go out for a few hours. Some days we meet up with friends. Some days we just take a nice walk around our beautiful city of Yangzhou, China, before getting ready for our evening class.

Teaching English In China

We then go to school for 2 hours where we teach our adorable students. Our minds are completely in “school mode” and we play games and teach new grammar points to our classes. Sometimes we teach in class while other times we teach at promotions in front of a crowd.

Teaching has enabled us to really spend more time on our website, while completely enjoying our “real jobs”.

At home we worked between 50 – 80 hours / week and had absolutely no time to work online while we were saving money for our next trip.

Teaching in China not only pays enough ($1500 per month/person) for any budget traveller to save money, but it also gives us a ton of extra time to work on our online business. We work between 16-20 hours per week teaching, so even with all the hours spent on our website, we still have plenty of time for exploring China.

Teaching By The Numbers:

Hours/week: 16 – 20

Salary: ¥9000 ($1465/person)

Housing, bills, going out, beers & living well: ¥3400 ($570/person)

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Monthly Savings: ¥5480 ($895) / person

That means that after a 1 year contract in China you should have over $10,000! That’s enough to travel for 5 – 10 months depending on your travel style and choice of destinations.

Add potential blog earnings to that and you’ve got yourself some hefty savings! But how much is your blog worth? The chart below outlines vague monetization potential of the average blog:

Blogging By The Numbers:

Monthly Income: $0 – $7,500+

Remember… you’re only teaching 16-20 hours/week. This means that you can still travel around China while you’re working because your online business is completely mobile!

Since we started working here we’ve travelled to Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi and more. We’ve met a ton of new friends both local and foreign and have learned some amazing new skills (like making dumplings).

So if you’re a blogger and you want to find the perfect job to travel, explore and build your online business… then consider teaching English.

China has a plethora of excellent job opportunities and you don’t necessarily need a degree or CELTA to find a job! The pay is great and living expenses are very low (especially outside of the big cities).

So what are you waiting for?! It’s time to leave the 9-5 and explore a world of freedom and opportunities! If you need some inspiration or someone to help you through the steps, check out our website in the bio below.

We’ve got plenty of tips and information on how to sustain a life of travel, fun and adventure while never being stuck in a cubicle.

**A Note From The Goats: In 2 days we are packing up our lives here in China and taking off on a 5 month backpacking journey! We will be camping, trekking, fishing and exploring Mongolia, Central Asia and Iran. Follow our adventure for tips, photos, videos and cool stories from this off-the-beaten-path region. We look forward to having you along for the ride!

About The Authors:

Nick & Dariece have left everything behind in search of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches and off the beaten path adventures. They call themselves Goats On The Road and their website for independent and off the beaten path travel encourages others to pack their bags and leave the ordinary behind. Visit Goats On The Road and get excellent tips for the adventurous traveler!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

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10 Tips On How To Blog and Work A Regular Job At The Same Time

Balancing a blog with a regular job is a unique challenge. It pushes you to manage time efficiently and make the most of your creativity within the constraints of a busy schedule. However, it’s a rewarding experience that builds discipline, helps you develop valuable skills like time management, and gives you an outlet for your creativity and passion. Plus, there’s something exciting about growing your own side project.

1. Create a Content Calendar

Consistency is key. A content calendar helps you plan blog posts ahead of time. Dedicate specific days to writing, editing, and publishing so that you’re not overwhelmed.

• Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to visually map out your schedule. Break tasks down by week or month to stay organized.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Blogging alongside a full-time job can be tricky, so set goals that are achievable. Whether it’s posting once a week or every two weeks, make sure the frequency aligns with your availability.

• Stay Consistent: Aim for quality over quantity. If once a week feels too much, shift to bi-weekly, but keep it regular.

3. Time Blocking: Be Efficient with Your Time

Time blocking is a game-changer. Dedicate specific blocks of time to blogging, whether it’s early mornings, lunch breaks, or late evenings. Use uninterrupted time to draft posts, brainstorm ideas, or edit content.

• Structure Your Week: Assign blocks for different tasks—Monday for writing, Wednesday for editing, and Saturday for publishing. This structure makes it easier to balance both your job and blogging.

4. Prioritize High-Impact Tasks

With limited time, focus on tasks that will have the greatest impact. Content creation should be your top priority—everything else (social media, design, etc.) can be secondary.

• Tip: Write first, then worry about formatting and visuals later. It’s easier to get the core content down before perfecting the details.

5. Repurpose Content

Maximize your efforts by repurposing blog posts into other formats. Turn a blog post into multiple social media updates, email newsletters, or even short videos.

• Extend Your Reach: You don’t need fresh content for every platform. A well-written blog post can easily be reshaped into multiple pieces of content.

6. Automate Your Social Media

Social media is essential for growing your blog, but it can be time-consuming. Use tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later to schedule posts in advance, freeing up time to focus on writing.

• Batch Scheduling: Dedicate an hour a week to schedule all your posts. This keeps your blog active on social media without the daily effort.

7. Write in Batches

Instead of writing one post at a time, try batching your writing. Spend a few hours drafting several posts in one go. This way, you’ll have content ready to go when your schedule gets tight.

• Create a Stockpile: Having a backlog of blog posts means you won’t fall behind, even if work becomes more demanding.

8. Use Downtime Wisely

If you’re balancing a full-time job, finding spare time can be tricky. Use your lunch breaks or commutes to brainstorm, outline, or draft blog ideas. Even 10–15 minutes a day can add up.

• Maximize Spare Moments: Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones. Use mobile apps like Evernote or Google Docs to jot down ideas on the go.

9. Don’t Overcommit

Know your limits. It’s easy to overpromise and underdeliver. If posting daily isn’t feasible, switch to weekly or bi-weekly posts. Your readers will appreciate quality over frequency.

• Tip: Communicate your schedule to your audience. If you’re scaling back to fewer posts, be transparent. Your readers will understand.

10. Stay Organized with Productivity Tools

Staying organized is critical when juggling blogging and a job. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to track blog ideas, drafts, deadlines, and to-do lists.

• Track Progress: Create a workflow for each blog post—brainstorm, draft, edit, publish—to ensure nothing gets missed. These tools help keep you on top of both your blog and your work responsibilities.

How To Transition From A Regular Job To Full-Time Digital Nomad

Becoming a digital nomad is a unique experience because it blends work with travel, allowing you to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 structure. You get to explore new cultures, meet people from around the world, and enjoy a flexible work-life balance. While it requires careful planning and discipline, the rewards of freedom and personal growth make the journey worthwhile for many folks.

1. Start with a Clear Plan

Transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle requires strategic planning. Start by identifying the skills or services you can offer remotely. Whether it’s freelancing, online consulting, or running an e-commerce store, having a solid plan for generating income is crucial.

• Tip: Begin by setting clear financial goals and estimating your monthly expenses as a digital nomad. This will help you gauge how much work you need to secure before fully transitioning.

2. Build a Side Hustle First

Before you quit your regular job, it’s a good idea to test the waters. Start building your online business or freelance work while still employed. This allows you to grow your digital income without the immediate pressure of needing it to replace your full-time salary.

• Pro Tip: Use evenings and weekends to grow your side hustle. Once you have a steady stream of income, you’ll feel more secure making the leap to full-time digital work.

3. Save for the Transition

One of the most important steps is to build up savings before making the transition. Having a financial buffer will give you peace of mind as you navigate the uncertainties of freelancing or remote work. Aim to save at least 6-12 months of living expenses before leaving your job.

• Financial Safety Net: This savings will also help cover initial travel expenses or emergencies that might arise during your digital nomad journey.

4. Establish a Reliable Income Stream

Make sure your digital income is steady before quitting your regular job. Whether through multiple freelance clients, passive income streams, or remote job contracts, you want to ensure that you can consistently cover your expenses.

• Diversify Your Income: Don’t rely on a single source of income. Diversifying can provide financial stability, especially if one income stream slows down.

5. Plan for Healthcare and Insurance

As a full-time digital nomad, you’ll need to consider how you’ll handle healthcare and insurance. Research international health insurance plans, and ensure you have coverage while traveling.

• Stay Protected: Many digital nomads opt for international insurance plans that cover medical emergencies, travel mishaps, and lost property.

6. Minimize Your Belongings

The digital nomad lifestyle is all about mobility. You’ll need to travel light, so start downsizing your possessions. Sell or store items that you won’t need while on the road. Focus on essentials like your laptop, portable tech gadgets, and clothing.

• Embrace Minimalism: Keep your belongings to a minimum for easier and less stressful travel. Invest in quality, multi-purpose gear to reduce clutter.

7. Research Digital Nomad-Friendly Locations

One of the perks of being a digital nomad is that you can work from virtually anywhere. Research cities or countries that offer good infrastructure for remote work, such as reliable internet, affordable living costs, and vibrant digital nomad communities.

• Popular Hubs: Places like Chiang Mai, Bali, and Lisbon are popular among digital nomads for their affordable lifestyles and coworking spaces.

8. Invest in Good Tech Gear

Your laptop and internet connection are your lifelines as a digital nomad. Make sure you invest in a reliable laptop, backup storage devices, and portable Wi-Fi or SIM cards for internet access on the go.

• Must-Have Gear: A lightweight, high-performance laptop, noise-canceling headphones, and a good backup system for your files will help you work efficiently from anywhere.

9. Join Digital Nomad Communities

Connect with other digital nomads by joining online forums, social media groups, or attending nomad meetups. These communities can provide valuable insights, support, and networking opportunities.

• Get Connected: Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and platforms like Nomad List are great places to ask questions and get advice from seasoned digital nomads.

10. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

Transitioning from a regular job to being a digital nomad will require flexibility. You’ll need to adapt to different time zones, adjust your work hours, and manage the occasional travel hiccups. Being open to change and resilient in the face of challenges will help you thrive in this lifestyle.

• Stay Open-Minded: While the digital nomad lifestyle offers freedom, it also comes with unpredictability. Embrace the adventure and learn to go with the flow.