Last Updated on March 29, 2020 by Ludiah
Time management is one of the biggest predicaments many freelancers face. Whether you are just starting off your freelance career or have been doing it for some years, proper time management is imperative. A few years ago, the only way you could make a living was through a 9-5 job. But the growing freelance economy has changed everything, and you can now work from the comfort of your home. This means you are the boss; you manage your job and yourself. Managing your schedule efficiently can increase your efficiency, income, and reduce stress associated with late submissions.
Several marketplaces offer platforms for freelancers to connect with employers fromacross the world. But you need good time management skills for everything to work well for you. In the article below, we are about to share some time management tips that will help you become a better freelancer.
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Time Management Tips
Have a schedule
The best way to meet deadlines is to make a program. If you are handling several projects, ensure you have a plan in place that helps track the time limits. Additionally, set specific deadlines for each step in every project. This will contribute to avoiding rushing to complete projects at once when you realize time is not on your side. Having a schedule is another way of avoiding being stress with what you should do for an individual project and when. Several apps can help with scheduling.
Avoid distractions
This is the most time waster for freelancers, especially me. I can’t log out of my email when working because I have to communicate with some clients. Though it is a good way to keep in touch with customers in every step of the project, distractions can come in between. Distractions are not caused by emails alone, but also by platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, to name but a few.
Avoid working while you are into these platforms unless you have a good reason to remain logged in. Since you are working from distractions are many from people to your kids. Set specific times for checking emails or attending to children or responding to Facebook messages. If you are keen enough, you will understand that you waste a lot of time reading and responding to messages.
Treat freelance like 9-5 job
When I started my freelance career, I used to be influenced by clients. I remember one time a customer pressured me until I left the church to go and handle his project. Explain to your clients how you work. Let the clients know that even if you are working from home, this is a job like any other office work. When it is time for a trip, let it be. Otherwise, you will end up a working machine. Remember the sweetness of freelancing, is the freedom that comes with it.
Be organized
If you want to waste time when you have an urgent project, then don’t be organized. Being unorganized means, you are a poor time manager. Avoid wasting time searching for files by organizing and labeling them to make it easier to find when you need them. Just know where your notebook is, the records for the marketing project and so on. If you do this, you will not spend even a single minute searching for your documents. Working in a messy surrounding has been found to reduce productivity.
Set reasonable deadlines
It is easy to set unachievable deadlines because you want to win the client. But hey! Don’t pressure yourself. A client will always hire you if your work is impressive. Setting unrealistic deadlines means low quality work, no mental break, and most of all you might lose the client. Yes, you heard me right. You can lose the customer if you submit poor quality work. You need a mental break from your job. Therefore, set deadlines that give you a break between projects.
Bottom line
I hope after reading this, you will practice proper time management habits that will help you to be productive while focusing on projects. Proper time management will also assist you to prevent clients from leaving. Need something else or have any tip we didn’t include? Please SHARE in the comments section below.
