THE TOP 7 TIPS TO STOP FREELANCER BURNOUT
Introduction Every freelancer experiences burnout at least once in their lives. Burnout rates among freelancers are sometimes higher than those at traditional, high-competitive jobs. Even though it’s expected for self-employed workers, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Getting into a rut happens to every person now and then in any kind of work, but if it’s staying around for a while, you should be careful. So to help you out, here we’ll look at the 7 best tips to avoid burnout.
Get an office, or a door One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get a dedicated work space because it: • allows your mind to focus on the necessary tasks • gives you a physical barrier to your work space • can impact the way your memory works For freelancers, your work life and your home life are the exact same thing. If you don’t have that separation, you are going to burn out sooner or later
Set a strict schedule Freelancers often work too much and blur the line between home and work. Set a schedule so that: • you can have a work-life balance • you work for no more than 10 hours (8 is best) • set a social/personal schedule and follow it • don’t do any work-related things in your free time • It will be hard at first to have these restrictions, but regular workers do it all the time and they’re happier because of it.
Be social you should probably get out of the house from time to time: • social isolation is bad for health and leads to burnout • socializing helps your mental well-being • take vacation, with absolutely no work Whatever you do, don’t take your work with you. Let your clients know you’ll be “out of office” and disconnect as much as you can. Your brain will thank you for it.
Reduce expenses Many of our daily or monthly purchases can be reduced, altered, or delayed. Ask yourself: • • • •
do I really need a new laptop or phone now? do I really need cable with 200+ channels? what unnecessary expenses can I cut out? what expenses can I reduce, even gradually?
You can do it with online software, such as InvoiceBerry’s, which helps you track and manage your expenses.
Think long-term To maintain or improve your motivation, you need to change your routine in part or completely: • • • •
sit down and set yourself bigger goals goals include not just more clients, but better clients try to expand into a larger or even new area of work set your sights on employing other people
This kind of larger goal-setting will keep you focused on a bigger task and increase the motivation you may be lacking.
Set realistic goals Sometimes freelancers push themselves too hard and end up promising unrealistic results. Don’t, because: • you’ll promise something to everyone and do nothing • your clients will have to put up with your lateness • you will increase your stress levels to the maximum Give yourself enough time plus a day to get that project finished. Your clients will get better products, and you’ll get more satisfaction from your work.
Learn to say ‘No’ The autonomy you experience in freelancing can actually be offset by the servitude you feel to your client: • some clients are demanding and request too much • sometimes you accept it out of niceness • say no at these times or request extra payment When you set these restrictions on your clients, you’ll get a sense of authority back on your end, and it’ll also be great for your self-esteem.
Read our full article by following the link below:
The Top 7 Tips to Stop Freelancer Burnout
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