Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
One of the perks of working from home and being your own boss is being able to set your own hours. However, I have to commit to a precise freelance and blogging schedule. But, not because it’s required for success.
On the contrary, I know a lot of people who are successful writers without having a specific schedule each day.
Unfortunately, I am not one of those people who can work in their pajamas and just write whenever the mood suits them. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but something has to be said about structure.
At least it does from my perspective.
Why Maintain a Freelance and Blogging Schedule?
I start my “workday” at 8 am until 5 pm. And sometimes, I do wind up going beyond that time frame. In my experience, though, having this type of schedule has been greatly beneficial in my success.
I know that precise schedules aren’t for everyone. But here are some of the benefits I experience on a daily basis.
Most of My Clients are Businesses in the US
Since the moment I started writing in 2012, I found the majority of my clients are businesses here in the United States. This means it’s more ideal for me to maintain a similar work schedule to the traditional 9-to-5.
This is true whether they are in Textbroker or working with private clients. People who hire me for a project find it beneficial as they can interact, chat, or call me during hours of operation.
And this is probably one of the biggest reasons why I kept so many Direct Order clients in Textbroker. They didn’t have to wait until the next day for message replies or completed jobs.
Keeps Me Focused on When I Need Things Completed
Having a daily deadline helps me focus on getting projects done. Whether I’m editing a writer’s article for a company or blogging on my own websites, I know that I need to get certain things done before the “end of day.”
This helps me schedule content, plan out my afternoon, and encourages me to eliminate distractions while writing.
Once you put more emphasis on needing things done at a certain time, it can help make you more aware of what you’re doing. Especially when working from home.
Prevents Burnout from Overworking
Yes, even bloggers can burn themselves out when trying to do too much. Setting a blogging schedule means I am focused for that chunk of time on creating content, marketing, or website improvements.
After 5 pm, I try to relax and remove myself from writing and blogging. Otherwise, I run the risk of burning out because that’s all I’ll ever do throughout the day.
Just as things are starting to get good, the last thing I want to do is throw in the towel from being overworked.
Provides Ample “Me” Time
No matter what kind of job you perform, taking care of yourself is a priority. Because if you don’t take time to do the things you enjoy or relax from a busy day of writing, you’ll crash.
By finishing up at 5 pm, I’m able to delve into the things I enjoy while recharging my batteries before the next day. It doesn’t always work out like this, as some projects wind up taking far too long to complete.
For the most part, however, having that cut-off time usually gives me a few hours to relax and unwind before theoretically going to bed.
I Work Better When the Day Isn’t Broken Up
I am far more productive when I don’t break up the day. If I can maintain a solid freelance and blogging schedule, I am more focused and less likely to get sidetracked with other things.
For example, if my friend asks me to go to Costco, I usually tend to take the rest of the day off. So, if I go shopping at 1 pm, half of my day is shot down the tubes.
This is one of the reasons why I started saying, “no” to people in the first place. I have stuff to do and a schedule to keep.
Making More Money
Because I do maintain a solid schedule and am more productive, I make more money today than I did when I first started writing. And that’s a bonus when working from home.
Remember, most of my clients are businesses. And because I am available when they are, they usually send me work more often.
I saw this from the very beginning in Textbroker. I received far more Direct Orders during the day than I did trying to write at night after working for the school district for eight hours.
Do You NEED a Freelance and Blogging Schedule?
You don’t need to have such a precise schedule for success. Like I said, I know a lot of writers who are productive without one.
However, I find it quite beneficial to have a structure in terms of work.
Not only can business clients easily get in touch with me, but I focus more on what I’m doing. And without interruptions throughout the day, I am more accomplished.
Especially when you consider the sheer amount of blogs, videos, editing, and other work I do throughout the week.
In fact, using Asana to manage my freelance and blogging schedule as made a profound impact on my success. If I didn’t have so many blogs to care for, it might be a different story.
But in the end, it all comes down to what works best for you. Some people thrive on structure while others handle the daily chaos without a problem.
No one can say one method works better than the other. This is because everyone is different and has varying needs and wants.
As long as you can stay productive and are able to sustain yourself, then who’s to say you’re doing it wrong?
What Kind of Freelance and Blogging Schedule Do You Keep?
How chaotic is your day as a freelance writer or blogger? Personally, I know it’s fairly easy for me to feel overwhelmed thanks to the number of projects I maintain.
But like I said, it all comes down to what works best for you. Keep yourself moving forward.
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