Freelancers understand the phrase “time is money” better than any other type of worker.
Even if you start to think of your expenses as the amount of work required to pay for them, it will be easier to manage. When you look at a bill, your brain will translate the amount due automatically into the number hours that you worked.
Time management is therefore very important to freelancers. You’re wasting your valuable working time and money.
Five time management tips for freelancers
These time management tips can help you, whether you are just starting out on the freelance path or need to be reminded of how you can make your day productive.
1. Create a schedule
Many freelancers have a flexible work schedule. It is a common mistake for new freelancers to take advantage of this flexibility and use it as an excuse for procrastination. Set a schedule, and then stick to it.
Freelancing can be a 9 to 5 job, or a 10-to-6 or an 8-to-4. You’ll likely be working in the morning when clients are at work, no matter what your schedule is. You might lose a job or be passed over for upcoming assignments if you don’t answer the phone.
Even if you work on a project-basis and are able to set your own working hours, it is in your best interest to keep them regular.
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When you plan to work at a specific time, it is easier to focus and to relax when the time comes.
can also earn a living by working as a freelancer.
2. Enjoy Days Off
Don’t forget about the time you will spend not working when planning your schedule.
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It’s not just about having fun; taking time out for yourself is an important part of achieving a work-life equilibrium. To be productive, it’s important to take time to recharge and rest.
Work and play are not compatible. This can lead to diminished creativity, stress, and even cognitive impairment. It’s also just plain boring. Work to live and not live to work.
You’ll need to work extra hours when deadlines are approaching. You can ensure that you have enough time in the day if you set a regular stop time. Give yourself regular days off work and go on vacations, even if it means you have to plan ahead and be careful with your finances.
3. Note it down
Do you feel like your spinning wheels, and that nothing is getting done? Try keeping a time journal. Write down what you do for a certain period of time (say a day or week) and when. Think of it as a food journal, but instead of calories or nutrition you record time and activities.
After the time allotted, you should be able to tell if you are wasting time on social media and if your time is not being billed correctly. You can adjust accordingly.
4. You are in charge of your time.
In a world of non-followers, the downside to being a highly productive and reliable freelancer is that your clients will come to depend on you. What’s the problem with that? You can do absolutely nothing as long as they remember that you are not their employee and they are not your boss.
You have a responsibility as a freelancer to deliver on what you promise, and to the best ability you can, in order to help your clients achieve their goals. This is done in exchange for payment. Never forget this essential fact, no matter how much work you enjoy or how much the client is appreciated. You should only be loyal to your own business and yourself. From there, you can make all the other decisions about whether to accept clients or keep.
Does this mean that you cannot help a customer in an urgent situation? It’s the exact opposite.
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When you can, it’s a good idea always to try and accommodate your clients’ requests. This builds trust and confidence and strengthens the relationship. It’s also the right thing to do.
If you feel that your client is telling you to do more work and not asking you to, then you should start establishing boundaries as soon as possible. You and your client will not benefit if both of you are confused about how things work.
5. Say No
The ability to draw boundaries is the most important talent that any worker can possess, regardless of whether they are working for a company, or on their own. You shouldn’t hesitate to refuse a job that you can’t do. Or, you should resist adding work to your portfolio or portfolio.
The freedom to be your own boss is one of the biggest benefits that comes with the freelance lifestyle. No one can tell what you should do, at least not in the same way as a manager could tell an employee. Do not waste your time by forgetting you are your own boss.
