Living The Freelance Life: How To Stay Sane More and more people are ditching office life in favour of freelance work. Working as a freelancer can offer plenty of advantages including greater freedom over your work schedule, no commuting costs, and a better work-life balance. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to be your own boss and reap the full financial benefits of your hard work. By IMOGEN CLARKE That being said, working freelance does have its challenges and many people find it difficult to adjust to remote work in the beginning. The good news is that there are dozens of ways to make the transition easier and, for most freelancers, the benefits far outweigh the potential challenges. If you’re considering taking the leap into the exciting world of freelancing, then here are some tips to help you stay sane while working remotely. Stick with a work schedule One of the major benefits of working as a freelancer is that you have the ability to work when and where you want. This means you can complete work tasks at a time and place that is convenient for you. However, you shouldn’t use this as an excuse to sleep in and get distracted during the day. Studies have found that freelancers are far more productive when they maintain a consistent freelance work schedule. This should involve starting and finishing work at roughly the same time each day. Following a schedule will help you plan your workload effectively and ensure that you meet deadlines without becoming stressed. Create a separate workspace Many freelancers choose to complete their work tasks from home. Working from home has its benefits, i.e., no time or money spent commuting, but it can also cause some difficulties. In particular, many freelancers struggle to engage in their work tasks or become distracted during the day. Working and living in the same place can also make it difficult to maintain a work-life balance. One of the easiest ways to keep your work and home life separate is by creating a distinct workspace. If you have a spare room, then transform this into an office where you can go each day to complete your work activities. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a spare room, then convert another area of your home into a dedicated workspace. There are plenty of articles and blogs offering tips on how to create a productive home office. Learn good financial habits Managing your finances is often more challenging when you’re a freelancer, as you’re unlikely to have a stable income. In most cases, freelancers are paid a different amount each month based on how many hours they work, what projects they complete, and so on. You must learn good financial habits when it comes to budgeting and spending. You should open a business account and keep your personal finances separate. This will make it far easier when it comes to doing your tax returns at the end of the financial year. According to small […]
