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Last weekend the boyfriend and I took a little vacay to Cape Cod. Since neither of us works a standard 9-5 day, we figured we could leave Friday afternoon and beat the traffic. But just as I was leaving my apartment, my cell phone rang.I didn't recognize the number, so I answered it in case it was Random House calling to offer me a six figure book deal (OK, I'm partly joking). It was a potential client returning my call, so we chatted for a few minutes while the boyfriend sat in his car waiting for me. I apologized for the wait, and we hit the road.
Then, just as we turned onto the freeway (which was already congested with weekend drivers, by the way), I got another call. It was a current client who is really hard to reach. Again, I answered and the boyfriend waited patiently.
After call #2, he made this observation: "I'm really proud of you, but I don't think I could ever be a freelance writer. How do you know when to stop working? I'd be at my computer 24/7."
Well, I am sort of at my computer 24/7 (probably more like 18/7). When I get an idea for an article, I can't resist the temptation to google the topic and see what's been covered in the past. Or I'll check my email one last time before bed, which turns into an hour long blogfest.
But even I know how important it is to set aside personal time, whether that means sneaking off to the Cape or squeezing in an afternoon workout. I actually schedule that time in Google calendar. So, in the morning, when Google sends me my agenda for the day, it reads something like this:
8-9am answer emails/send follow-ups
9-11am research for career article
11:30am phone interview with Sally Smith
noon-1pm lunch/blog reading
1-3pm write career article
3pm leave for matinee of Sex and the City
6pm writing class
Seeing the time blocked out on my calendar legitimizes it. Sure, sometimes I'll shift personal time so I can finish an email or answer the phone (as mentioned above), but having that downtime written down is really important. That's really the secret: not waiting until everything else is done before you allow yourself to rest. I've learned to schedule downtime and treat it with (almost) as much respect as I would a professional appointment.
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Comments
06.18.08
I'm not as structured as you Susan, but I also plan my fun. Because it's true, how do you know when to stop? Sometimes you don't.
Last night I did a ton of work because this Friday a few friends are coming to visit and I want to be able to hang out. So now I'll feel more comfortable taking off work early at the end of the week because I planned ahead.
Side note: I'm jealous of your Cape Cod visit. It's possibly my favorite place in the world. Been going there since I was born.
06.18.08
@Ryan: I should have asked for your recommendations for the Cape! We stayed in Orleans and drove through Wellfleet and Provincetown on Saturday.
My normal schedule often isn't that detailed, but of course I didn't want readers to think that freelance writers can loaf around the house all day! If I don't produce, then I don't get any money. And if I don't get any money, then I definitely can't go to the Cape!
06.18.08
Good for you, finding a system that works so well and that you are comfortable with. I have been thinking about the same sort of thing, but for me it comes down to putting a list of the 2-3 things I want to clear off of my super To Do list and finish that day (not worrying about the other stuff that lies ahead).
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