Not having a schedule and not having to spend time in traffic going to the office is the dream of every worker. And even if freelancers don’t struggle with that, the freedom and flexibility can have a high price! time management can become a headache for freelancers.
Now, you define your working hours. But the thing is that it is very important to organize your schedule efficiently. Especially when you take freelancing as a long-term career.
To be a freelancer starts when you are a master of your craft. It does not mean you are an expert on the administrative work freelancing implies. All the activities on your shoulders as a self-employed could be overwhelming. Luckily it is possible to find some strategies to make it easier to organize your time.
Here you have the top 3 techniques that will ensure your success. Whether you have full blown home-based business or a side hustle this tips are for you. Learn how to embrace these 3 simple – and free – techniques today! you’ll not only increase your productivity, but will help you to find life-work balance.
Deal With Procrastination
If you are a procrastinator, then you aren’t alone. There are many more people like you who are waiting for an answer to their problem. When they get an assignment, a job, or a task to perform, they wait until the last possible moment to get it done. But when you are a freelancer your job is time management, not the projects on your plate. So, to have a clear schedule will help you to also have chilling time. The first tool you should know if you are not good at organizing is toggl. In this app you can assign time to each project you have and add every task you have to do to achieve your goal.
Otherwise, if you find it difficult to focus on your job, you should tr the pomodoro technique. This technique will help you to work hard and then take a short rest. This is very important when you have long work shifts, like when approaching a deadline. No matter which technique you use, you have one goal: remember to have free time for other activities! With this, you make sure you stay creative and continue giving the best of you on your projects. Freelancing is challenging but if you’re organized you will also have time to enjoy life your new life.
Control Your Administrative Work
Freelancers spend almost 50% of their time doing administrative work. Finding new clients, manage invoices… freelancing can seem far away from creative work. Sometimes a good strategy is to hire an accountant to help you out. But if you cannot yet afford it, use technology! There are some apps, like Billing Pro that, can help you to know the money you are receiving and how you spend it.
Also, keep in mind that to find enough work and new clients it’s up to you, not your employer. Listen, this is a demanding activity. Remember how important it is to you to do work that you enjoy. So assign some time to find and learn more about people and businesses that you would love to work with. Also keep in mind that any person can drive new business to yo so stay social. So here’s the thing: take the initiative and start promoting yourself every time and in any way you can!
Life-Work Balance
Do you live to work or work to live? Every freelancer has set themselves up for exhaustion by taking on too many projects. Cramming your days with work will only get you burnt out. In short, if you want to grow remember why you became a freelancer in the first place and try to find time for yourself. Don’t allow yourself to be a victim of stress, it reduces your creativity and efficiency at working
Letting yourself enjoy free time will lead you to creative moments and to find freedom. Activities such as take your dog for a walk or practicing a sport will let ideas come up. Freelancing is about managing your own time. Trust us, if you succeed at this, you are on for a thrill ride… a very rewarding ride!