While it’s true that freelancing work can be flexible, it can also be challenging to get work done while the kids are home. Just how challenging depends on the kids and the freelancer… But there are ways to make freelancing with kids easier.

In this post, I’ll provide some easy tips for freelancers who juggle freelancing with parenting.

If you have children at home while you freelance, please add your own tips in the comments so that we can learn from each other.

The Childcare Question

Many freelancers turned to freelancing specifically so that they could spend more time with their kids. For many that works well. Parenting is an important life phase.

However, it’s important to remember that freelancing takes time too. So, a parent who freelances needs to make sure that they allow themselves enough time (and the proper conditions) to get their work done and done well.

While some freelancers thrive in a noisy environment (arguing kids in the background, babies crying, frequent interruptions), other freelancing work requires more concentration and quiet. If you find that you are a freelancer who can’t focus when your kids are noisy, you may want to consider paid childcare for at least a few hours a day. Of course, childcare can be costly, so make sure that you are charging enough for your freelancing services to cover the cost of childcare and still earn a profit.

Remember, that childcare does not necessarily mean dropping your kid off at the local daycare center (although that’s an option). Here are some other childcare options you may want to consider:

• Swap babysitting tasks with another local freelancer. Alternate the days that each of you watches both sets of kids.
• Hire a teen to watch kids and keep them quiet in your own home for the summer.
• Hire a trusted relative to watch kids for a few days a week.

Some freelancers don’t want to rely on any form of childcare. This may be an economic or a personal decision. Those freelancers are not without alternatives.

Other Alternatives to Paid Childcare

If you can’t afford childcare or don’t wish to use it, you may still have some free and low cost options that will give you some quiet time to get your work done:

• Mother’s Day Out Programs–Many churches and community centers offer childcare for one or several days a week.
• Community Programs–Many libraries have a free story time for preschool and elementary age children. As a bonus, many libraries also offer free WiFi access to patrons.
• Summer Activities–Look for children’s community activities and lessons as well as summer camps. With your mobile device, you may be able to freelance while your child participates.

When my own kids were younger, they loved the library story times in our community. I loved the hour or so that I could sit in the relative quiet of the library with my laptop getting some serious work done.

Another option that many freelancers choose is to work while the children sleep. This can work well if your child still takes a nap or has an early bedtime. Take care to get enough sleep yourself, though.

Some freelancers delegate childcare to their partner while they work. If you’re the primary caregiver for your children, this can also be a great opportunity for your kids to spend some quality time with the other parent.

Make the Children a Part of the Business

You may be able to hire older children to perform basic tasks for your business. Is your teen an aspiring writer or web designer? Give him or her a chance to show you what they can do.

Younger teens may be able to help by making copies, filing, or performing other simple office tasks. This is a great way to pass on some basic business knowledge to your kids.

There may even be some tax benefits and other advantages to hiring your own child. Check with your accountant to make sure.

Your Turn

Do you freelance with children at home? How do you juggle freelancing and raising kids?

It’s the freelancing plan nobody wants to make, but every freelancer needs to think about. If you were suddenly to become critically ill or even to die, do you know what would happen to your freelancing business?

Most of us can’t answer that question. That’s because most of us haven’t really given it much thought. However, the unexpected happens every day. And during a critical illness or after your death your loved ones may really need to access any payments that you are entitled to. For the sake of your loved ones, it’s best to be ready.

I’m not a lawyer, but this post contains some actions that a freelancer can take to make sure that, in a worst case scenario, your loved ones know your wishes regarding your freelancing business and understand how to carry them out.

Make an Information Packet

You can start by creating an information packet about your business. The packet should contain detailed information about every aspect of your freelancing.

(Note: if you don’t want to write passwords out in the packet, consider using a software tool that stores passwords securely. You need only provide your loved one with access to this software tool and they should be able to open your accounts.)

Your packet should include information about:

• Your Business–It’s not unusual for the friends and family members of a freelancer to have no idea of what their freelancing business is all about. Your packet should include a detailed description of your freelancing business.
• Your Website(s)–Make a complete list of all websites that you own pertaining to your freelancing business. This could include: your business site, your business blog, and your portfolio site.
• Accounting Information–Explain where the accounting information for your business is kept. Be sure to specifically mention where they will find your accounts receivable (money owed to you) and your accounts payable (money that you owe).
• Your Social Media Accounts–If you’ve created social media accounts specifically for your business, make a list of those accounts. Make sure that your loved one knows about your wishes regarding these accounts.
• Online Payment Sites–Your information needs to include your accounts at any online payment sites, such as PayPal, that you use to receive money.
• Your Client List–Your loved one may need to contact your current clients to collect payments that are due and to let them know that you will be unable to complete work in progress. Make sure that your contact information is complete and up to date.
• Your Vendor List–You should also make a list of the companies that you regularly do business with. Your loved one may need to cancel or change any standing orders that you have. This could include your business phone line, internet hosting service, and other service proivders.

After you go over the information packet with your loved one, put it in a safe place that you both agree upon. Your shared safe deposit box might be one such place.

Go Over the Information Personally

There’s nothing like hands-on experience to help aid the memory. If at all possible, I recommend going over the information packet with your loved one personally ahead of time. That way, you can answer questions and clear up any misconceptions that they may have.

Show them each of your websites and social media accounts and have them practice logging in. Ask them to find your accounts payable file or your client list. Make sure that they understand how your PayPal account works.

Document Your Wishes

Make your wishes regarding your freelancing business known in your will or in another written document. Remember, no one will carry out your wishes if they don’t know what they are.

It’s particularly important to leave instructions regarding the disposition of your freelancing business if you have a sizable business. For example, if you are in a partnership or your business has evolved into a small agency, you especially need to document your wishes regarding the future of your business.

For example, in a partnership does your share of the business go to your spouse or to your partner? If you have an agency, do you wish the freelancing business to be sold for a profit after your demise?

A good attorney can help you determine what is realistic and appropriate for your situation.

Your Turn

Have you made any plans for your freelancing business if you become sick or die? If so, did I leave any steps out?

Share your answers in the comments.

Image by Thom Quine

Chances are that you answered “yes.” Studies show that up to one third of all adults don’t get enough sleep. If you’re a freelancer, chances are good that you’re among the sleepless.

The problems associated with sleeplessness can be severe. They range from overeating to poor driving to irritability. A sleepless freelancer is also more likely to make mistakes in his or her work.

In this post, I outline ten helpful tips to help you get a better night’s rest.

How to Get More Sleep

As a freelancer you need to be at your best. That means getting enough sleep, which most experts define as at least seven hours a night.

Not only does a lack of sleep affect your quality of life, it can also be detrimental to your freelancing business. Imagine working on a high-pressure assignment after getting only a few hours of sleep. Sure, you may be able to do it once or twice–but no one can keep it up night after night.

Yet, that’s exactly what many freelancers try to do. If they are having trouble managing their time and behind on a project, the first thing that they do is skimp on the amount of sleep they are getting.

If you’re not getting enough sleep, there are some actions you can take that may help. Here they are:

1. Turn off the electronics–Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, laptop, and other electronic devices are far away from your bed. If possible, keep them in another room. Turn the devices off so that you can’t hear the beeps when someone updates Facebook or Twitter.
2. Stick to a routine–As much as possible go to bed and get up at the same time every day. This lets your body gets into a regular routine for sleeping. Allow time each evening for winding down before you go to bed.
3. Get a comfortable mattress–Did you know that most mattresses need to be replaced after about ten years? An old, worn out mattress can keep you from getting your best rest at night. I recently replaced my mattress and I can really tell the difference.
4. Stay away from caffeine–It’s no secret that some people are bothered by caffeine intake. If caffeine keeps you awake, you should limit your caffeine intake. Try drinking caffeine only in the morning and avoiding it after lunch.
5. Exercise regularly–Having a regular exercise routine can help regulate your sleep. However, you should avoid exercising immediately before you go to bed since many people feel more alert after exercise.
6. Don’t go to bed hungry–The old advice says not to eat before you go to bed, but the new advice says that a small, healthy snack before bedtime is okay. A small bedtime snack can eliminate nighttime hunger pangs that might keep you awake.
7. Check the temperature–A hot, stuffy room can keep you from sleeping comfortably. Likewise, if your room is too cold you may have trouble going to sleep. Find out what sleeping temperature is most comfortable for you and program your thermostat accordingly.
8. Avoid alcohol before bedtime–A nightcap just before bedtime is a bad idea. While alcohol is a depressant, studies show that alcohol consumption can disrupt your sleep.
9. Dedicate a room to sleeping–Do you have a big screen TV, a work desk, and other non-sleep essentials in your bedroom? Well, try taking them out. If you use your bedroom for too many activities during the day, you may have trouble sleeping at night.
10. Get a physical–Remember to get regular checkups to make sure that there is no physical problem keeping you from getting enough sleep. If there is a physical cause for your lack of sleep (such as sleep apnea), your doctor can prescribe the best course of action for you.
11. Bonus tip: Learn to manage your time–Often, an overcrowded schedule doesn’t include enough time to get a good night’s rest. Make sure that you are managing your time well.

Your Turn

Do you get enough sleep at night? Do you think your freelancing business is affected by the amount of sleep you get? What are your tips for getting a good night’s rest?

Share your answers in the comments.

Image by nickfarr

The problem is that this can lead to an awful lot of stress if we’re not careful. And too much stress can be the enemy of productivity. The key to reducing stress is relaxation.

That’s why I’ve written this post that includes over forty things that freelancers can do to relax. Some of these will take a few minutes. Others will take a few days. Some may even take a few weeks. But if you’re stressed, it’s worth trying one or more of these ideas.

Unwind and Relax in Less Than a Day

If you’re short on time, here are a few ideas that will help you unwind in less than a day (along with the estimated time for each):

1. Pray or Meditate (Time Spent: 15 Minutes)–Prayer or meditation is a simple way to unwind. Surprisingly, many people forget to do it.
2. Read a Book (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Losing yourself in a good book is a great way to forget your worries and relax.
3. Watch a Movie (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Pop some popcorn and rent your favorite movie for a quick escape from your day-to-day problems.
4. Take a Bath (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–Imagine luxuriating in a warm bubble bath or jacuzzi? Try dimming the lights and lighting some candles.
5. Take a Nap (Time Spent: 45 Minutes)–A short power nap can be a great way to refresh yourself.
6. Take a Walk (Time Spent 1/2 hour)–Whether it’s a short walk around the block or a quick hike through the nearest park, walking is a great way to reduce stress.
7. Work Out (Time Spent: 30 Minutes)–Many freelancers find that a quick work out eases tension.
8. Clean Up (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–De-cluttering a cluttered workspace or home can make you feel better.
9. Have Lunch with Friends (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Every freelancer should plan on getting out from behind the computer regularly.
10. Listen to Music (Time Spent: Varies)–The healing and relaxing properties of music are well documented.
11. Go Shopping (Time Spent: At Least 4 Hours)–If shopping relaxes you, head for the nearest mall.
12. Go to the Art Museum (Time Spent: 3 Hours)–Get inspired by wandering through the works of the masters.
13. Treat Yourself (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Whether it’s a pedicure or a new software program, treating yourself to something you enjoy can relax you.
14. Go to a Garden (Time Spent: Half a Day)–Spend some time enjoying plants and flowers.
15. Take a Coffee or Tea Break (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–Brew yourself a pot of coffee or make yourself some tea.
16. Go Swimming (Time Spent: 2 to 4 Hours)–Almost everybody loves to swim. Head to your local pool.
17. Plan and Cook a Special Meal (Time Spent: 4 to 6 Hours)–When was the last time you baked your favorite food? Why not make it today?
18. Walk Your Dog (Time Spent: 30 minutes)–There’s something special (and relaxing) about the relationship between a dog and its master.
19. Go Fishing (Time Spent: At least Half a Day)–It doesn’t matter whether you catch anything. Just hanging out at your local fishing hole can help you to unwind.
20. Get a Massage (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–If your muscles feel tight, a trained masseuse can help.
21. List Your Blessings (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–It’s hard to be stressed if you’re focused on what’s going well. Make a list of everything that you are thankful for.
22. Eat Outdoors (Time Spent: 1 to 2 Hours)–Pack a lunch and take it outside to eat. There’s a reason everyone loves a picnic.

Of course, if you have more time to relax there are even more options for unwinding.

Unwind and Relax in a Few Days

Here are a few things that you can do to unwind in a long weekend (up to four days):

23. Get Out of Town (Time Spent: 3 Days or more)–Literally. There are a lot of vacation specials that you can get at the last minute online.
24. Do a Staycation (Time Spent: 3 Days or more)–If you can’t afford to get out of town, don’t worry. Be the tourist right where you live.
25. Proclaim a Technology-Free Weekend (Time Spent: 2 Days)–Spend a weekend without your computer, phone, and other electronic devices.
26. Go Camping (Time Spent: 2 to 2 Days)–A camping trip may be just what you need to get away from your day-to-day stresses.
27. Join a Tour Group (Time Spent: 2 to 3 Days)–Many cities have regular tours for vacationers. Try joining the one in your own town.
28. Visit Your Favorite Out-Of-Town Relatives or Friends (Time Spent: 3 Days)–While spending time with the wrong family could be stressful, think about how good your favorite relatives make you feel.
29. Take a Road Trip (Time Spent: 2 to 3 Days)–Just get in the car and drive. Stop at anything interesting along the way.
30. Explore Your Roots (Time Spent: 2 to 3 Days)–Go back to the town where you (or your parents) were raised and revisit familiar sites.
31. Visit a National Park (Time Spent: 2 to 3 Days)–Many U.S. National Parks have cabins to rent.
32. Take the Family to a Theme Park (Time Spent: 2 Days)–Find the nearest theme park and plan on spending a few days there.

Changing your life habits can also help you to unwind.

Unwind and Relax in a Week, or More

Here is a list of good habits that will help you relax over time. Try devoting a few hours a week to these activities:

33. Volunteer–Volunteering on a regular basis can help you to put things in perspective.
34. Take a Class–Learn something new just for fun.
35. Start a Hobby–What are you interested in outside of work?
36. Take Your Dream Vacation–Save your money and take that ultimate vacation you’ve always dreamed about.
37. Start a Garden–Many people find gardening relaxing (and you get a bonus of fresh flowers or vegetables).
38. Start an Old-Fashioned Journal–Even if you have a blog, it’s not quite the same as keeping a diary. Try old-fashioned journaling.
39. Remodel Something–There’s nothing better than fixing something up.
40. Get Crafty–Try your hand at a craft.
41. Pay off a Bill–Finances are a top source of stress. Target a bill and start to pay it down so that you can ultimately pay it off.

Your Turn

How do you relax and relieve stress?

Share your tips in the comments.

Image by eagan

You’ve probably heard that statement before, and in a sense, it’s true. But lifestyle or not, one of the biggest struggles that freelancers face is balancing work and life.

This is ironic, because the search for work/life balance is one of the primary motivators that drives many to freelancing.

Is work/life balance really possible? The answer is yes–usually, but not perfectly and not always. A balanced life takes some planning.

And of course, there will be some times when you feel that your life is more balanced and other times when you feel that it is less balanced. That’s just normal.

In this post, I’ll provide some tips to help you to integrate your freelancing career into the rest of your life. With a bit of work on your part, you should be on your way to finding a better work/life balance.

Know Yourself

What enables you to do your best work?

• Do you need quiet, or do you thrive in the midst of chaos?
• Are you your most creative first thing in the morning, or are you best late at night?
• What inspires you? Some freelancers are inspired by music, others by art or nature.
• Does clutter bother you, or can you work just about anywhere?

Once you understand what enables you to do your best work, you can make sure that your work environment fits the bill.

Be Realistic

Even though, as a freelancer, you are likely now working at home–eight hours of work still takes eight hours to complete.

Know what you are committed to and how much time you really have to devote to your freelance work each day.

Too many freelancers take on more than they could possibly handle. You may feel more comfortable at home and you may have fewer interruptions, but becoming a freelancer doesn’t mean that you can suddenly achieve double the workload that you used to handle.

Make sure that your rates are high enough so that you don’t feel financial pressure to take on more work than you can realistically handle.

Plan for Breaks

Everyone needs a break from work. Taking a break is an important part of work/life balance.

Since you’re self-employed as a freelancer, it may seem like you could take off from work whenever you felt like it. But, that’s just not the case.

As a freelancer, you may not have to ask a boss for permission to take a vacation–but you still need to make plans to make sure that vacation happens.

Here are some easy steps to get ready for a freelancing vacation:

1. Notify long-term and recurring clients that you will be taking a vacation.
2. Plan what you will tell new prospects who contact you immediately before or during your time off.
3. Decide how connected you will be during your break. Some freelancers check email while others go completely off the grid.

Don’t Reinvent Everything

It’s likely that you are paid for original work as a freelancer. Whether you’re a writer, a designer, a programmer, or some other type of freelancer–your clients want fresh and innovative ideas.

Just because your work is original, it doesn’t mean that your administrative processes have to be new each time you perform a task. As much as possible, develop standard responses for the following situations and adapt them for each new situation:

• Initial contact letter
• Freelancer agreement
• Invoice Letter
• Collection letter

The more you standardize your administrative tasks, the more time that you will save.

Nurture Yourself

You do so much for so many people. You make time for your clients, your family, and your friends–yet, you rarely make time for yourself.

If you would live a balanced life, it’s important to take time for those things that help you to feel good. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or even a hobby–make sure to schedule some time each day to nurture yourself.

You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of time each on self-nurturing. Just spend enough time that you need to feel good and healthy for that day.

What Do You Think?

Remember, your work/life balance won’t always be perfect. However, you can definitely make sure that there is a comfortable balance between freelancing and your personal life most of the time.

How do you maintain work/life balance? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments.

Image by Martin Lopatka

What most of those articles don’t mention is that a sizable number of freelancers are part-time freelancers. That means that they have another job and freelance on the side or that they work less than a full workweek by choice. (A full workweek is usually defined as thirty hours.)

In this post, we’ll explore the world of part-time freelancing. We’ll look at some of the reasons people freelance part-time and explore some of the unique challenges they face. Plus, I’ll incorporate tips and advice from five freelancers who work part-time.

Why Freelance Part-time?

There are many reasons that a freelancer may choose to work part-time. Here are just a few:

1. Gives the freelancer the opportunity to “try” freelancing while still working their regular job–Many people are interested in freelancing, but they aren’t sure if they can make it as a freelancer. Working part-time, they can try to get their freelancing career started and still get a regular paycheck.
2. Allows the freelancer to hold onto the employment benefits that go along with a traditional job–The one thing keeping many employees from freelancing is the loss of the “safety net” of benefits that comes along with most full-time jobs. This safety net can include health insurance, sick pay, and many other perks.
3. Offers a higher pay scale for those who can’t work a full-time job due to their other responsibilities–Many freelancers need to earn money, but can’t put in a thirty-hour week due to their life situation. They may be the caretaker for a young child or for someone who is sick. They may be located too far from most employment centers.
4. Lets some in-demand professionals earn extra money–Some professionals take on occasional freelancing gigs so that they can purchase something they wouldn’t be able to afford on the income from their salaried jobs. Others may take on freelance work to reduce or eliminate debt.
5. Provides an income when no other opportunities are available–In today’s economy, traditional employment is often hard to find. This is particularly true for those who are just starting out in their profession. Often, taking on freelancing work is the quickest and easiest way for a new professional to start earning an income.

Despite the many reasons for freelancing part-time, it is not without its challenges.

Part-time Freelancer Challenges

While part-time freelancing may seem safer and offer some advantages that full-time freelancing doesn’t provide, part-timers have their own problems. Here are some challenges that part-time freelancers face:

1. Time crunch–All freelancers must learn to manage their time, but part-time freelancers can be especially vulnerable to running out of time. Lynda Bullock has been a part-time freelance writer for the last two years. She has this to say, “My greatest challenge is finding enough time during the day.”
2. Rate pressure–A part-time freelancer may be tempted to accept a lower rate since they have another job. Also, if a client realizes that a freelancer has traditional employment to fall back on, they may offer less money.
3. Life balance–For many part-time freelancers, finding the right balance can be a real struggle. For Michelle Kulas, who has been a part-time freelance blogger for five years, balance is critical. She says “It’s hard to find the time to fit it all in. It’s a constant juggling act.” Jessie Fitzgerald, a part-time health and nutrition writer, agrees. Fitzgerald also lists work/life balance as her biggest challenge.
4. Keeping up with clients and other commitments–Most freelancers work with more than one client at a time, but for part-timers this can be difficult. Osny Santos Netto has been freelancing for five years. According to Netto, his biggest challenge is “dealing with different clients” and “having the time to do the tasks on time for the clients.” Samuel James White is a student who has been a part-time freelancer for the last six months. White says, “I have to be careful, or I risk losing control of my studies.”

Fortunately, there are few guidelines you can follow to help overcome these challenges if you freelance part-time.

Part-time Freelancer Guidelines

As a part-time freelancer, how can you make sure that everything goes smoothly? Here are some guidelines to help part-time freelancers:

1. Manage your time–Don’t overschedule yourself. If you have ten hours to spend freelancing, don’t schedule fifteen. Netto advises other part-timers to “take control of your time.”
2. Prioritize your schedule–White says, “My advice to other part-time freelancers would be to prioritize correctly.” His advice for doing this is “don’t get carried away by ignoring what really matters.”
3. Keep going–Bullock says, “The best advice I could give other part-time freelancers is to simply never give up. Despite what many believe, freelancing isn’t easy and requires a lot of hard work.”
4. Don’t cave in to rate pressure–What you charge for your work is just as important as what a full-timer charges.
5. Get help–Kulas delegates “household tasks to my kids and outsources some projects to carefully hand-picked fellow professional writers at times.”
6. Focus on profit–Fitzgerald says, “Keep your time profitable and make every minute matter.”
7. Remember that you’re not locked in to part-time freelancing–One of the beauties of freelancing is that it’s flexible. You may be a part-time freelancer now, but you can change that if and when you want.

Your Turn

Are you a part-time freelancer? Add your own tips and challenges in the comments.

Are you thinking of freelancing part-time? Ask your questions to our freelance community in the comments.

Image by peretzpup

Of course, we readily acknowledge a few of the ways that freelancing affects our psyches. For example, we’ve written a boatload of materials about stress. We’ve also written a lot about loneliness.

But stress and loneliness are not the only ways that freelancing affects us. (Of course, we’ll continue to write about stress and loneliness from time to time because those are very real problems that affect a lot of people.)

In this post, however, we’ll cover some of the less discussed psychological aspects of freelancing. We’ll also look at how freelancing can really affect your outlook on life. As you review these mental struggles that we all face as freelancers, I think you’ll come to agree with me that we freelancers are a unique breed.

Freelancers and Security

We freelancers can’t count on much.

You’ve heard of job security, right? Well, freelancers don’t have it. And job security is just one type of security that freelancers don’t have.

For most employees, if they lose their job at least they know that they’ll probably be given some sort of severance package. For a freelancer, however, when the work is done they are out of a job.

Of course, the lack of job security can also lead to a lack of financial security for freelancers. A successful freelancer can’t afford to live from paycheck to paycheck. They’ve got to set something extra aside for those times they won’t be getting a paycheck.

However, not having these common factors that many people rely on to feel secure actually strengthens most freelancers. They develop strategies (such as saving and continually marketing) so that they can rely more on themselves and less on an employer.

Freelancers and Flexibility

While everyone must eventually deal with change, keeping up with changes in technology and in his or her field is what makes a freelancer marketable. A freelancer has to be ready to learn new things.

Also, remember that the people a freelancer must deal with changes constantly as they move from project to project.

All of these changes mean that freelancers learn to be very flexible if they’re going to last. In the end, the ability to adjust to and manage change is a strength that a freelancer can apply to every aspect of their life.

Freelancers and Confidence

Some people say that freelancers are risk-takers, but I tend to disagree.

Yes, there is some risk inherent in starting a new business, but a true risk-taker often takes unreasonable chances. A good freelancer doesn’t. Instead, he or she studies the odds of success and then charts out the path most likely to succeed.

Rather than call that risk-taking behavior, I would call it confidence. And it does take confidence to succeed as a freelancer. It takes confidence to launch a new business. It takes confidence to sell a product or service. It takes confidence to keep going day after day without the encouragement of a staff or manager.

So, even a freelancer isn’t confident at first, he or she usually develops a confidence in his or her abilities.

Which brings me to another psychological trait common to successful freelancers . . .

Freelancers and Persistence

Successful freelancers are nothing, if not persistent.

Talk to any freelancer who has been around for more than a few years and surprisingly you’ll notice that most of them have their stories of failures as well as successes. That’s because a defining characteristic for most freelancers is the ability to stick with it.

The freelancers who succeed don’t quit. It’s just that simple. In fact, sometimes sticking with it is the main difference between a freelancer who makes it and one who does not.

Persistence is not a bad trait, though. Persistence learned from freelancing can keep freelancers from giving up too soon in other areas of their life.

Freelancers and Drive

Finally, it takes a lot of drive to be a freelancer. For whatever reason, you have to want it. I mean really want it.

The forces that drive freelancers vary, but without a driving force to keep them going most freelancers just won’t make it.

Again, like so many of the other psychological aspects of freelancing, drive can’t really be taught. It’s simply there, or it isn’t. As a matter fact, drive is a leadership quality that freelancers share with many other successful people throughout history.

Your Turn

As you can see from this post, there’s more to winning at freelancing than meets the eye. Freelancing is not just working from home in your pajamas.

What’s inside of you that makes you want to be a successful freelancer? What keeps you going?

Share your answers in the comments.

Image by Sweet Evie

If you wait in line to be one of the first to purchase a new product version (such as for an iPhone, iPad, or Android) or if you are among the first to sign up for a new social media site (such as Google+), chances are that you are already an early adopter.

Companies count on early adopters to provide crucial feedback on new products and other consumers count on early adopters to find the bugs and teach them the best way to use technology products and services.

As a freelancer, should you be an early adopter? The answer is, that depends… In this post, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of becoming an early adopter from a freelancing standpoint.

Advantages of Becoming an Early Adopter

There are some different advantages for freelancers who try products and services first. Here are some of the benefits of early adoption:

1. Positions you as an expert. If you try software first, you are likely to discover the details about how that software or technology works before anyone else. You can be one of the first to write an article or a blog post about that technology product. Because people learned about the product from you, they are likely to come to you for more advice and information.
2. Allows you to stake your claim. This is particularly true of new social media services. Early adopters usually get the first pick of user names. If you have a common name or a brand, you may wish to become an early adopter to “claim” your name.
3. May enable you to expand your services. Some freelancers have even used their early adoption to expand their servicves. For example, if you offered the service of helping clients set up Facebook Fan Pages, you may wish to also offer the service of helping clients set up their Google+ brand page.
4. Some companies may offer incentives to early adopters. Last, but not least, there’s often a financial incentive to becoming an early adopter. Many companies offer discounts, special add-ons, or other limited time offers to those who purchase a product or service first.

Now that we’ve examined the freelancing advantages of becoming an early adopter, let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages.

Disadvantages of Becoming an Early Adopter

While the advantages of early adoption might seem enticing, there are disadvantages to consider also. Here are some of the drawbacks of early adoption:

1. Takes time. Make no mistake. If you decide to become an early adopter, you can expect to spend some serious time learning about the new product. Keep in mind that the helpful posts and books that you rely on when you try something new aren’t written yet.
2. May not take off. Then, after you’ve invested all that time in a product or service, there’s no guarantee that it will catch on. You could spend literally days learning something new, only to have it fizzle in the marketplace–or, worse yet, the provider could go out of business.
3. Could cost money. Many new products cost money. For example, iPads, iPhones, and other newer technology products can come with a rather large price tag. If you’re an early adopter, you may be spending money on something without being sure that you can use it.
4. Product or service may not have all the kinks worked out. Finally, there are bugs. Even if the software or hardware you are using is bug-free, the company’s customer service may not be running smoothly yet.

Now that we’ve looked at the advantages and disadvantages of early adoption, you may wonder what it’s like.

What’s It Really Like to Be an Early Adopter?

I got a chance to be an early adopter this past summer when I set up my Google+ account while you still needed an invitation to do so. (You may have done the same thing.)

I remember spending quite a while figuring out what circles were for and thinking about how I could use this social media tool in a better way than I had been using other social media tools. It took quite a bit of time to figure everything out.

However, I also remember that there was quite a bit of excitement involved with trying something new. And, of course, the first thing that many of us discussed on Google+ was Google+. A sort of community spirit formed between those of us who were trying to learn a new tool at the same time.

Your Turn

Have you ever been an early adopter? Share your experience in the comments.

Image by Evelyn Giggles

Are you one of those people who always get the Monday Blues?

Do you have to drag yourself out of bed? Do you feel sluggish and unmotivated all day Monday? And does every thing seem to go wrong on this day?

The Monday blues are common. In fact, a study by the firm Mercer found that 35% of all sick leave is taken on a Monday. In another study, more than 25% of people surveyed said the thought of going back to work on Monday morning was enough to ruin their weekend.

These studies were done among employees, and you’re a freelancer. But I’ll bet if you could take Mondays off, you would.

What’s Wrong with Mondays Anyway?

It’s natural to be in a bad mood on Mondays. Most likely, you spent the weekend having fun, going to bed late and then sleeping in. You’re sleep deprived, and your body clock has been reset to “weekend mode.”

Of course you’re going to be particularly exhausted on Monday morning. You won’t be ready to take on a new work day, because your physically fatigued.

You’re also longing to extend the leisurely pace of the weekend, the absence of obligations, and the time spent with family and friends. Weekends mean fun and relaxation. Mondays mean work and responsibilities. The choice is obvious, isn’t it?

And if you hateyour work, then Mondays become even more torturous.

Make Mondays Marvelous

You don’t have to give in to the melancholy of Mondays. Below are six tips for making Mondays marvelous.

1. Wake up early — or not

The jury’s still out on this one. Some people advise getting up early on Monday mornings, so we can get an early start and avoid the stress and problems that come with being late.

Others suggest sleeping in for at least an hour, and then gradually easing into the rest of the day.

I say you experiment and do what works best for you. In my case, when children have school, I have no choice but to get up early, pack lunches, and get the munchkins ready for school. On vacations, I find that waking up late tends to make me more depressed. The morning seems to fly by and I find myself having very little time left to tackle my to-do list.

2. Cheer yourself up

You know yourself best, so you know how to get yourself out of a Monday morning funk. This could mean wearing your favorite clothes (fortunately for us freelancers, we can work in our jammies, if that’s what cheers you up). Ladies, put on some makeup. You’ll look and feel better. Put on your fave music. Talk to friends who always manage to make you laugh.

3. Schedule a fun activity

Nothing will get you jumping out of bed faster than knowing you’re going to do something you enjoy. Schedule a favorite activity on Mondays. Plan to work in a coffee shop, if that floats your boat. Make a lunch date with a friend. Or reward yourself with a cupcake at the end of the day. Promise yourself a long, hot bath before bed.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It does have to be something you’ll look forward to.

4. Take it easy

Don’t schedule difficult, complicated, or important activities on Monday. Instead, use that time for menial tasks, jobs you enjoy (to the point you’d do them even if you weren’t paid). For example, if you hate updating your books, don’t do that on Mondays. Fridays might be a better day.

If you can help it, don’t arrange interviews or client meetings on Mondays. Your client or prospect is probably having the Monday blues too.

5. Get a head-start

Sometimes, we dread Mondays, because we left loose ends the week before. Make Mondays easier for you by preparing for it the week or the day before.

On Fridays, make sure to tie up loose ends involving work (that is, unless you work on Saturdays). Write Monday’s to-do list on Friday, too, or on Sunday at the latest.

On Sunday evening, review your task list for Monday. Imagine yourself tackling each activity with energy and clarity, completing each one on time. Make plans: schedule when you will do each task and rest easy in the knowledge that you’re prepared for Monday.

6. Look on the bright side

Finally, a simple change in attitude and perspective will make Mondays, not just tolerable, but something you look forward to. Remind yourself how many people are struggling because they don’t have work. Imagine the unemployed who does not have a reason to get out of bed — except to hit the pavement again, looking for a job. Look at all the blessings you have: your clients, your projects, your family and friends, your health.

Soon you’ll realize each Monday is a sign that you’re still alive. You have a fresh week to achieve your goals and accomplish what you’ve set out to do.

If you think about Mondays this way, then you just might be grateful for each Monday, instead of dreading it.

How Do You Deal with Mondays?

I know someone who actually gets a high every time Monday rolls in. While I’m not that enthusiastic about Mondays, I don’t dread them all that much, either. I use some of the techniques I described above to recognize the gift and all the possibilities that each Monday offers.

How about you? How do you deal with Mondays? Is it a tough day for you to get over? Or is it just like any other week day?

I’d love to hear about your experience. Tell us about it in the comments below.

Image by Perfecto Insecto

Most freelancers do, but the challenges of working from home can sometimes make life/work balance seem unattainable. You may feel like you are constantly being pulled towards both family and work commitments–a bit like being in the middle of a tug-of-war.

One answer that can help you achieve better balance between your work and personal life is boundaries. In this post, I’ll explain how boundaries help freelancers. I’ll also list some of the areas where you should consider establishing boundaries in your own freelancing business.

Why Boundaries Help

All of us have many personal and professional responsibilities. While sometimes the two can be handled simultaneously, often they cannot.

For most freelancers, boundaries can help maintain a semblance of order in their lives. When you set up a boundary, you are creating a separation between your work and personal life. Or, you are limiting the scope of your professional life so that it doesn’t affect your personal life. While some freelancers may not wish for such a division, most find it helpful.

Setting boundaries also helps protect freelancers from burnout. Without boundaries and with an office in your home, it can be just too tempting to work all of the time. But, overwork is a sure path to stress and ultimate burnout.

7 Areas Where Boundaries Can Help

Where should you set your boundaries? Every freelancer will have a different answer. Some may wish for a quiet environment, while others can happily work in the midst of a commotion. You will have to decide which boundaries will help you the most.

Here are some common boundaries that many freelancers set. You may find that one or more of these also works for you:

1. Space boundaries. Many freelancers benefit from having a specific space dedicated to work in their home. This can be an actual home office with a door (think: spare bedroom) or an unused corner of a much larger room. Designating a particular space for work tells others in your home that the space is off-limits for other uses. Be sure to enforce your boundaries. If another family member wants to use your space, tell them that it is not available.
2. Privacy boundaries. Often freelancers seek to keep personal information (such as their home phone number or the names of family members) separate from professional information. This can be accomplished with a dedicated business line. This keeps clients (and others) from calling you on your home phone at all hours of the night and day. Many freelancers also dedicate one social media platform (often Facebook) to sharing with friends and family only.
3. Limiting interruptions. Interruptions can really throw a freelancer off. That’s why many freelancers develop a boundary that helps limit those interruptions. For physical interruptions, an office with a door helps. For telephone interruptions, requiring an appointment for calls (and otherwise using voice mail) can keep interruptions to a minimum. Some freelancers designate certain hours during the day as the “office hours” and only answer calls during those times.
4. Managing expectations. It’s important to have happy clients. Surprisingly, one of the best ways get happy clients is by not promising too much initially and then exceeding expectations. If you fail to set a boundary of reasonable expectations with your client and promise too much, your clients will expect you to live up to your promises. Worse yet, they will have unreasonable expectations in future dealings with you as well.
5. Limiting distractions. Distractions are everywhere. If they’re not managed carefully, distractions can really cut into a freelancer’s time. Who hasn’t lost track of time while surfing the Web? Fortunately, there are now many online tools to help you eliminate distractions. A good schedule can also help. If you plan how you are going to spend your day, you are less likely to fritter time away.
6. Protecting your daily schedule. Limiting distractions and interruptions is just one way of protecting your time, but it is important to have boundaries in place to make sure that you get the most out of your day. Unfortunately, freelancers who work from home are often perceived as being “available.” Friends and family members come out of the woodwork to ask for favors. Make it clear that you work too. Refuse time-consuming tasks by stating unapologetically, “I’m sorry, I have to work.”
7. Protecting personal time. As a freelancer, I’ve been tempted to work right through weekends and holidays, haven’t you? However, it’s important to take time off if you’re in freelancing for the long haul. That means you have to set aside personal time. When a client asks you to work on a day that you already have scheduled as a day off, try negotiating with that client. Usually they will understand.

Your Turn

How do you set boundaries in your freelancing business? Share some of the specific boundaries you’ve set and explain why you set them in the comments.

Image by sludgeulper