15 April 2009 View Comments

Setting Up A Schedule

Since I started freelancing, it seems like am working 25 hours without a break. Finding balance as a freelancer can be such a challenge. When having a day job, one is controlled by times and interval breaks; morning session, coffee break then move to mid-morning working sessions after which is lunch. Come afternoon, it’s a slow session as one keeps checking the wall clock to the end of another working day. 

But this cannot be said it is so for freelancers. I find working in the middle of the night a thrill and convenient for me, but very detrimental to my health, clients and mental faculties in the morning. For any freelancer the only way out of this quagmire is having a structure and well defined working hours. This will eliminate those hours where one feels like playing dead or walking around like a zombie with puffy eyes and two duffel bags hanging dangerously from your eyes.

When jumping into the freelancing bandwagon, most envision a life free of bossy ungrateful bosses, green-eyed colleagues who will do anything to see you at the bottom the corporate ladder and customers/clients from hell. Though this maybe true to some extend, having and sticking to a routine will prevent those thoughts of falling off the freelancing bandwagon and joining the donkey-ridden corporate wagon. So, how does a freelancer set a routine?

Time

It’s a wise idea and advice to have a start and end timelines for your work. And who said it should be 9-5. It could be 6-2 or 4-11. Just set hours that suit your lifestyle, ensuring these hours are convenient for you and your clients.

The beauty of the internet and freelancing is the ability to work from any part of the world. So, if you are a nocturnal animal you could benefit by working or marketing to people on the both sides of the Atlantic. Just know your and their time zones before you wake someone in the middle of the night to sell them your services.

Breaks

As you punch the hours away, do not forget to take regular breaks. However, these breaks should be controlled. Yes, you may have gone shopping yesterday but that does not give you the green light to invade the fridge or cookie jar at every conceivable excuse. Just like in the office, set some few minutes for your coffee, lunch and afternoon breaks. This will not only keep you sane, but will replenish those lost calories (thinking and working is hard work).

This will ensure you avoid nightmares like the ones have been having lately.

What say you?


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  • Anonymous

    very true. a routine helps you stay focused.

  • Anonymous

    very true. a routine helps you stay focused.

  • Anonymous

    This is hilarious keep it coming.

  • Anonymous

    This is hilarious keep it coming.

  • http://www.rinforsideweb.com mumbidanik

    Very important

    It is true, sometimes when you start working you don’t want to stop. The effect of this is 20hrs of constructive work and a lot of unproductive hours nursing the hangover. Having a schedule will definitely help you plan for your work and organize your priorities.

  • http://www.rinforsideweb.com mumbidanik

    Very important

    It is true, sometimes when you start working you don’t want to stop. The effect of this is 20hrs of constructive work and a lot of unproductive hours nursing the hangover. Having a schedule will definitely help you plan for your work and organize your priorities.

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