Q+A: How do you find consistency in your freelance schedule?
Building a routine around creativity, not necessarily productivity (though that's hopefully a byproduct)
Happy Friday!
I recently opened myself up to an “ask me anything” thread. I really enjoyed getting to communicate with you in that way, and I think I’m planning another one for February or March. You’re also welcome to add questions to the last thread. These questions helped me collect ideas for future posts, like this one. I started work again after a month-long vacation, which has me thinking a lot lately about my ideal schedule. I thought I’d use this space to expand upon one of the questions, which came from rockstar freelance writer Erica Zazo:
The Short Answer
Here’s how I replied:
Weekday mornings before work, I use 7-9 to journal, read, do yoga or run, and walk the dog. Then I keep a strict 9-5 work schedule. When my workload is lighter, I'll take Friday afternoons off—or sometimes the whole day if I can afford it. This usually becomes a rest day, rather than a day for building pitches or personal writing. I like to build in my creative/art time for sewing or other projects on weeknights and weekends, so it's something I can look forward to once the work is done. Essentially, I'm maximizing my time in a way that doesn't require extra energy.
But travel? Travel always messes things up.
The Long Answer
Below, I’m going to describe my weekly work routine in as much detail as possible. I’m entering my fourth year of freelancing and I feel like I’m finally closing in on the perfect schedule—at least, for this time in my life. I did a lot of work in 2022, under the direction of a mentor and leadership program, to fine tune my calendar. So if you want to nerd out on some schedule engineering, read on.