Lucky for me, I work remotely. It didn't come into effect while COVID-19 was going crazy, I've just always worked from home. Like most freelancers, I learned the hard way that working from home doesn't mean unlimited time off and watching Netflix all day. What I learned was that it takes a ton of patience, incredible time management skills, and sometimes, a little extra coffee.
Being a freelancer was the best way to get started in the journalism industry. I felt that I could really delve into my career, learn the craft, and build up a killer portfolio. I also knew that working from home would provide the opportunity for me to hold down a few side jobs on the months that were less busy. At one point during my freelance journey, I was working four side jobs to be able to afford all the things I wanted to do.
Working from home is not the perfect fit for everyone and at the beginning, it wasn't the easiest thing for me. However, with some of the tips I'm going to give you, it might help you start to establish a routine and you'll be a work from home pro in no time.
1. Establish a Schedule
Make yourself a schedule and treat everyday like a day as you would if you were in an office setting. One of the biggest things that helped me when I started working from home was actually getting out of my bed, making my bed, and putting on work clothes. I also made a vow to myself to not get back into my bed as I was working. I would work from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and then take an hour long lunch break. Once that was over, I'd log back on my computer and wrap up my day around 5:00 PM.
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was keeping myself in line with business hours. All too often, I'd be hard at work at 2:00 AM, writing and editing to my hearts content after already putting in a full day of work. While the drive and determination were great, it took a toll on my mental health. I had thought that because I was working from home, I always needed to respond to an email, no matter what time of day or night it was. I felt guilty if I wasn't on my laptop 24/7.
To put it in laymen's terms, your boss is likely not worried about work on a Sunday afternoon, why don't you take some time to yourself as well? Now, of course, if there is a deadline looming, by all means work but always remember to allow yourself the opportunity to have fun once in a while.
2. Organization 101
One of the best tips I can give you is to organize, organize, organize. With a freelancing schedule like I had, some days would include multiple phone or in person interviews. On many occasions, I'd drive into a local town for a meeting at the elementary school, drive back home, and come back later that night for a board of education meeting or a school play performance. With a schedule like that, everything had to be written down and organized in a way that could keep me moving.
One of the best techniques for me was a color coding system. To this day, I have a physical planner that I use. The light blue pen is for interviews, work, blogs, editing, while the purple pen is for personal things like doctors appointments, day off plans, or big events. When I see red in my planner, I know that it's because a bill is due or it's payday. My lime green gel pen helps me remember birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, while finally, pink helps me track my health and fitness goals and remind me of what exercise program I need to do on that particular day.
Whatever way you want to keep track of your interviews and things to do, do it. Find the system that works for you and write everything down.
3. Dedicated Space
I've had a very personal experience that where you work can also have an effect on your success. Before I moved to Virginia, I lived in a very old 1907 farm house. It was in a great town that was a perfect place to raise a family. My bedroom was located in the attic and I had the entire third floor of the house to myself. One side of the floor housed my bed, desk and television, while the other side of the staircase was my devoted dressing room complete with vanity and built in closets. There was a downside though, one window in each room that barely let in enough light.
Working from home, I had the perfect system set up at my desk. Armed with a desktop calendar, a planner, and a monthly whiteboard, I was always on top of what was due when. As I started to spend more and more time at the desk, my mood got darker and darker. There were many days where I realized I never left the house or my bedroom unless it was for a bathroom break or to stuff a few cookies into my mouth between articles. After having a serious conversation with my grandma about my depressive state, she suggested I explore other avenues of where I could work.
I moved my desk and work space to our old desktop computer cabinet in our dining room. The dining room had loads of natural light, I was able to get easy access to my front door for package deliveries during the day, and I was around family when they would have the day off from work. Goodbye little hole in the wall desk in my bedroom.
Sometimes, your ideal working space will not be in the house, but at a Starbucks, or a Panera. Somedays, you'll get the best work written while you are sitting in your car waiting to head to an interview. Find your space and be self aware of when you need a change of scenery.
4. Minimize Distractions
Some people work best when there is television on in the background, while others need absolute silence. For me, the best way to work is getting comfortable, lighting a candle, and writing out a to do list. I also know that if I turn on the television or text too much with friends, my mind will quickly veer from work to play.
Make a plan for your day and know what you need to do ahead of time. Of course, some days will be a lot less crazy than others, but when I've had those kinds of days, I've saved the personal errands I've needed to run for those moments. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten the oil changed in my car on a quiet writing day. There is also the occasional hair cut, manicure, or lunch date.
Get into the zone and don't let the little nuances take your eye off the prize. If you set a goal to write four articles in one day, write two, have lunch, and come back to finish the other two. I guarantee you that lunch will be sweeter because you'll know that you're halfway to completing your project for the day.
5. Don't Forget to Take Time For You
At the end of the day, we are all human and we all need and deserve a break. If you work from home, make sure you find the time to do little things for yourself. One of my daily treats is taking a 1.5 mile walk around my neighborhood. I have a course that I walk everyday and it helps to clear my head, get in my daily exercise, and take a moment to enjoy nature. I also always make sure to take breaks throughout the day, as I've been prone to headaches due to staring at my computer screen all day long. On certain days, I allow myself to get a treat at Dunkin Donuts.
When I first started working from home, I'd often find myself checking emails and working on spreadsheets on Sundays. I'd be replying to messages at 2:00 in the morning, feeling like I was chained to my phone. I had to learn that keeping time for myself was also a key factor in successfully working from home.
Remember that when it comes to a job, you can be easily replaced should you quit or be fired. Stay dedicated to your career path, but don't overwork yourself to a point that you lose who you are and what you love.
Make this freelancer lifestyle work for you. Prove to yourself that you can handle working from home. Set yourself up for success everyday by being prepared, treating each day like an office day, and tackling projects, both big and small. I promise that eventually you will get in the groove, and you'll never want to step foot in an office again.
Signing off,
Comments