Many freelancers find themselves in what seems like a sudden work slump but there's a way to avoid it.
Ever heard someone say "they cant tell if they are coming or going"? Perhaps you were speaking to a freelancer! Many freelancers think their line of work requires them to be available all the time, working every minute and having no time to disconnect. Its very common that a full time job is priority making after 5p primetime for freelancing, yet resulting in late night hours.
What is Freelancer Burnout?
Freelancer burnout is a real thing. In fact, many freelancers end up working even harder, with longer hours, than they do for an employer. Because of this, freelancers, contractors, and other self-employed workers are at high risk for burning out, even if they love their job.
People experiencing burnout may find themselves highly disengaged with work and dreading the start of their work week or even the task at hand. As a freelancer, this can manifest in a number of different ways—like feeling isolated, overcommitted, overwhelmed with deadlines for different clients as well as all the administrative and other tasks freelancers have to take care of beyond their core work, exhausted by the prospect of holding it all together as a one-person band, and indifferent about the projects you used to be most excited to land and execute.
How to avoid the slump...
Set goals and priorities. You know that $40 Planner with all the organized tabs...use it!
Set Boundaries. You’re a freelancer, but you need your free-time as well. Set a workday schedule and stick to that. Understandably things come up--but if you allow it all things will be urgent.
Use Productivity Tools & Outsource What You Can--It’s not just about getting tools and services but rather about automating and outsourcing the tasks that keep you from doing what you love doing. Although the money looks good when you keep it all to yourself, sometimes help is required. Know when its time to get some extra hands from a virtual assistance or other freelancers.
Take some you time--in the world of freelancing its easy to forget to take a break or even a day off. Stretching yourself too thin will do more harm than good, so remember freelancers need some free time too.
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