The best and worst part of being a freelancer is that it’s up to you! How long you work, where you work, when you work and finish deadlines… freelancing gives you these options. Compared to working in an office, freelancing also gives you more flexibility in terms of work/life balance. However, in order to be successful as a freelancer, you have to be able to prioritize and balance your life. Here are a few tips that can help you find that balance:
Prioritize
Know when to say “No” and when to say “Yes”. You can’t do everything. Don’t overcommit to jobs if you don’t have the time. This is tricky as a freelancer because it’s easy to feel compelled to take on jobs when they come in. However, overcommitting can cause burnout, missing deadlines and decrease the quality of your work. You need to know your priorities are (for work, life, and family) so that you can communicate these priorities to others, and keep them straight.
Set a schedule
While it is a great perk having the flexibility to work from home, working from home can also cause you to be less productive if you aren’t mindful. Figure out what hours you work most productively and schedule your work hours then.
Eliminate distractions
Similar to setting boundaries, eliminate distractions. When you are with your family, be with your family and put your phone and laptop away so you can enjoy time with them. When you are working, focus on work and decrease as many non-work related distractions as possible. Designate a working space where you can work productively.
What tips do you have balancing your life as a freelancer? Comment below to share with us.