The one thing I learnt after one week as a Social Media Manager

As a Digital Marketing Specialist and enthusiast, I know the benefits of Social Media and the Internet, but it was working as a Social Media Manager that opened my eyes to the other facet of the medal.

In February, in the first days of my new job, I was creating content both for my company’s Instagram and my account. It was exciting to engage with such a different variety of users on this platform.

A few days in and I felt like Social Media was sucking up most of my daily life. I did not have any time for myself because I was, voluntarily or not, spending most of my day on Instagram, to the point of spending the weekend working, up to 15 hours.

Some blame is on me. I want to give my 100%. However, my performance was never linked to Social Media. This was a new field for me to explore on a productivity level.

I was sure I would be able to create a work-life balance from the very first day. I was wrong.

This is the lesson I learnt after only one week of being paid to be on Social Media, me-time. I love my job, but it got to a pivotal point. It was my first Sunday afternoon in London, I had been working on my company’s Instagram for 4 hours, switching unconsciously between two accounts for longer. It was not until one of my closest friends asked me how I spent my first weekend in London that I realised I worked my weekend away.

I had been dreaming to work in London ever since I was 15. I envisioned my job in this city as a mixture between hard work and amazing time out, exploring hidden sceneries as I liked to do when I was working in Shanghai.

The time of realisation right after my friend’s question felt like a jump in the deep end of my overthinking mind. I wanted to enjoy my time and make my 15-year-old self proud. I had to do something about it.

Deleting my personal Instagram account is still too scary for me, for some reason. Mainly for my inclination to feel FOMO. I decided to take baby steps. I logged out of both accounts on that same Sunday and decided to take the metro to the city centre. I had been seeing the Shard every day on my way to work, determined to get closer one day when I had some free time. That was the time. I turned off any type of internet connection and tried not to listen to anything, as a form of mindfulness, of being present during that me-time.

On my way to the city centre, I did one of my favourite things: people-watching. I know some people think this is weird or creepy, but it made me realise how many people around me were scrolling through their phones. I was just there looking around and being mindful in my way. I caught myself being bored in many moments during my commute and lost without Google Maps, but I was determined to give my 100% to myself for the first time in 7 days.

When I got to the destination, I was astonished, and I had memories from my first trip to London in 2012. It was unbelievable. Firstly, because I have always loved architecture (hated sculptures, loved buildings like the Shanghai Tower) but I somehow completely forgot about it; secondly, because I had a car accident a week after that first trip, so most of my memories were buried due to the trauma I experienced. My first instinct was to do as everyone else was doing, taking picture to post on the ‘gram. I stopped myself by starting walking. After a few steps I felt lost, so I carved at the power of Google Maps, hoping it would tell me where I am without turning on my internet connection. It did and I was able to find the way to the London Bridge without asking it for directions, especially because it was a 5 min walk. No need for directions.

When I got on the bridge I started to cry. It was overwhelming. I was finally living the life I dreamt about 10 years ago. I felt great. For the first time in a while, I was proud of how far I had come. Me, who is used to self-criticism. I wasn’t in London for a weekend getaway like most of the Italians I heard around me (and they were a lot). I lived in London and I was paid to be here.

One part of me wanted to catch the moment to flaunt my gratefulness on my accounts. I stopped myself a second time. I changed the point of view on it: it was time for myself, to think about the next steps in my life, starting from my job.

I found myself so grateful to my company for believing in me and giving me this challenging role, therefore I would not lessen my efforts for it, I would channel them into high-performing moments. It is easier said than done, especially for someone who loves to be busy. A first step towards this goal would be to prioritise times on Instagram.

When I got home, I felt even more proud of myself for spending time away from my phone without using it for anything and experiencing everything else.

After those 3 hours, I decided to carve and check both Instagram accounts again. I gave myself the chance to spend just 10 min on each. As I was scrolling, I realised the importance of my decision to prioritise. I changed my mind immediately and got to cook, watch something funny (Netflix will be a problem for another time) and get to bed earlier than usual.

Then, I defined boundaries with my boss, getting to a more flexible work schedule in order not to jeopardise my personal life.

I love digital marketing, I love social media and the possibility to engage with dog lovers like me, but, as my manager told me shortly after that event “Your health is more important. You need to be at your best to perform!” which could sound cliché, but it is surprisingly difficult to understand for many of us!

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