Time is money, and that’s the universal truth. And time management is very essential for freelancers. Whether you are starting your business right now or having issues being productive, our best time management tips for freelancers will help you out.
According to an annual report by Upwork, freelancers contributed around $1.3 trillion to the American economy in 2021. So, it’s clear that the market is expanding day by day. And it’s the best time to start freelancing.
After doing some research, we handpicked the best time management tips for freelancers. Keep reading our blog to find the best ways to manage your precious time.
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Time Management Tips For Freelancers
It’s no secret that freelancing is the most flexible career path. However, it’s not that fancy all the time. You have to maintain a proper schedule to grow your career. And that’s why you have to excel at time management skills from the beginning.
You can manage your time by doing some simple activities. In the following list, let’s find out about the best time management tips for freelancers:
1. Make a Schedule
Freelancing gives you freedom and flexibility. And you have to take advantage of this to design your work schedule. You don’t have to work like a traditional employee, but maintaining a schedule can improve your career.
Before you make a schedule, figure out what time works best for you. And it’s also important for maintaining deadlines.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Nearly every freelancer faces the same issue; it’s a distraction. Well, it’s very easy to get distracted when you are working from home, especially as a freelancer. In that case, it’s better to eliminate distractions while deep working.
For example, if your phone is killing your time, try to activate DND or keep it on silent while working. Similarly, choose a quiet place at home if you get distracted by family members or kids.
3. Practice Saying ‘No’
One of the best time management tips for freelancers is practicing saying ‘No’. When you work as an independent professional, you have to set boundaries. Avoid extra projects that don’t add value to your portfolio. They will only waste your time.
4. Organize Your Day
As we noted before, a scheduled day can make everything easier. It can be great if you organize your day beforehand. On the other hand, you can also use a project management tool to stay organized.
5. Take Frequent Breaks
An office worker takes frequent breaks, like going for a coffee run or grabbing food. However, things aren’t the same with freelancers. However, taking breaks is very important, especially when you have a creative niche.
There are so many things you can do, such as taking a nap, reading a book, having a coffee, or getting social media updates. Here, you can go for the iconic Pomodoro Technique, which is a 5 minutes break after working for 25 minutes.
6. Change Your Work Environment
Working from home isn’t an easy job, especially when you live with your family. And an incompatible work environment can waste your time. As a result, you will be less productive, too.
If you are serious about time management, you have to change your work environment first. Here, you can organize a separate working space. On the other hand, you can also install a soundproofing system.
7. Use The Right Tools
Many newbie freelancers have no idea about time management tools. If you have the same issue, you have to choose the right tools. We always suggest our readers use a time-tracking tool that can help them grow their careers.
On the other hand, using an all-in-one project management tool can solve your issues. Get one as per your requirements and budget.
Conclusion
When you have a scheduled routine, it will be easier to do everything. However, make sure you don’t mix up your professional life with your personal life. Make time for your family and friends to add more value.
Ruchira is the founder of Pro Freelancing Blog, a writer by passion and profession. Besides writing, she’s a travel buff, foodie, and culture enthusiast.
