In other words I was able to turn a full-time job into part time without losing pay. Not always possible, but more often possible than you might imagine… and it doesn’t hurt to ask, usually.
.-= Anne Wayman´s last blog ..New Worlds – Quotes To Inspire Writers =-.

I thought I was finding it hard with two cats!
.-= Dan´s last blog ..Just A Quick Update Then Back To The Blog Posts – Promise! =-.

But I have to disagree somewhat with No. 1. Take on as many clients as you can get (and pay what you consider to be an acceptable rate). If you find yourself with too many, raise rates. Or outsource work during busy times (can only be done with selective clients) and pull it back when times are slow.

Another suggestion: Schedule as much as possible, including family events. I coached for a few years. That was on the schedule. Helps make sure you keep professional/personal balance.

Other scheduling can be a little more fluid, without specific times of the day, but by listing it, you know it’s something you have to do. James Chartrand had an interesting idea of scheduling for “stuff happens” or something like that every day for the unexpected. This allows one to build time in the schedule for unexpected phone calls, dealing with insurance (something I need to do today) or other issues that come up daily. Right now, until my bad knee says enough, I’m scheduling 6 miles on the treadmill every day, but it tends to be 10 minutes here, 8 minutes there, etc., until after the work day, when I finish up what’s left. (I have found in the past that anything more than six miles leaves me too worn out the next day).

I’m working 70+ hours a week at the minute. Including commuting, I’m out of the house from 8:00am in the morning until 6:00pm at night, Monday to Friday.

From 6:00pm until 11:30pm (on average – it was 1:30am the other night – ugh) I carry out my freelance writing and maintaining my own blogs. I’ll also generally put in a few hours on a weekend if time permits.

Fortunately, I really do enjoy my writing, so whilst the days are long at the minute, it’s not a chore and hopefully, it won’t be forever.

I think the most difficult point for me is finding the time to look for new clients that pay higher than a lot of my current work. Whilst a lot of the clients I work with pay relatively well, it’s not great, but the work is regular and makes up a substantial amount of freelance income, meaning i’m in a bit of Catch 22 situation.

I’m slowly but surely managing to take on higher paying work and let the lower paying gigs go, but it’s taking time. Hopefully it will all be worth it in a year or so.

Great post, Deb and again, proof that putting in the long hours really does pay off!
.-= Dan´s last blog ..Just A Quick Update Then Back To The Blog Posts – Promise! =-.