Comments on: Putting the “Work” Back Into “Freelance Worker”

By: mspennylane

mspennylane — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:13:30 +0000

Great tips. I am glad to see that it is possible to be disorganized in some ways but become more organized when it comes to writing. Working in the morning is definitely something that motivates me too. Great advice!

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:40:10 +0000

Ivan: I agree with your rules about no partying, etc. during the work week. (And it is a “work” week, despite no time-clock or boss.) The quicker people understand freelancing is far harder work than traditional jobs, the sooner is understood a work-style regimen must be maintained. As often is remarked, it is much more difficult having yourself as your boss.

I also think having kids and a family is good training for effective freelancing. Not only do you realize the joys of a routine, but you become adept at prioritization and doing things that might be unpleasant, such as changing diapers or telling your teen daughter she cannot have the keys tonight.

By: Working at Home: Myths vs. Reality | Freelance Writing Jobs

Working at Home: Myths vs. Reality | Freelance Writing Jobs — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:37:11 +0000

[...] I’d like to explore some popular work at home myths and set the record [...]

By: Ivan

Ivan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:01:57 +0000

Liked the post. Although I do work for a company, but it’s writing, and a flex schedule, that do make me sometimes wary of doing anything.

It’s interesting to note that I think the Author’s Type, say Type 1, is closer to more mature (aged) people, at least it is very true for me: when I was younger and still had to set my own schedule (at different schools while I was getting my 2 MAs and a PhD), I could be pretty lax (say, Type 2, who enjoy late and relaxed style).

Now with a kid and family and health alarms, it is totally destructive not to adhere to strict rules. To this end, I would include NO PARTYING, GOING OUT, or CELEBRATING during the work week. ))

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:35:39 +0000

One of the avenues I have pursued with my freelance writing is grants writing. I have found that getting up and getting dressed each morning prepares me for those unexpected calls to meet for lunch or to discuss a project. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t get dressed in a suit or anything. Instead, I dress like I would if I was going to my sons’ ballgames or to a class at the church – nice, but not over the top. The added benefit is that I look good for my husband (who can get tired of seeing the baggy sweats and t-shirt all the time).

By: Jaq

Jaq — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:46:59 +0000

I wake up at 6 or 7 in the morning and take a shower immediately to wake myself up so that I’d be fully alert when I start my work. That helps because by lunch time, I’ve already done almost all of my work for the day.

By: Victoria Trix

Victoria Trix — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:21:51 +0000

Excellent post! I have found that I need to follow a similar routine to be able to be the most productive although I am still guilty of spending the day in my PJ’s at least they are clean PJ’s =)

By: Eating Better While Working At Home : Feed Money

Eating Better While Working At Home : Feed Money — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:14:22 +0000

[...] saw this article on Putting the “Work” Back Into “Freelance Worker” on Freelance Writing Jobs There was quite long list of ways to treat your home office more like a clock-in job (although [...]

By: Eating Better While Working At Home : My Secret Side Biz

Eating Better While Working At Home : My Secret Side Biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:14:05 +0000

By: monica

monica — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:49:40 +0000

You’re advice about sleeping is so right on (this I write at 5:45am!). I get my best work done in the mornings, between about 6 and 9. Then I go to the gym (which is nice is quiet as everyone has gone off to work!).

As far as eating goes, one trap I often fall into is making elaborate lunches. I love to cook (oh if I were only a food writer!) but this can take out a huge chunk of my day. I need to be disciplined and remind myself that I can wait until dinner for a cooking extravaganza. This is where having leftovers on hand is good.

11 minutes to 6am… I better start working.