Why it’s Great to Be a Freelancer in the Summer

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Credit: elenathewise on Photodune

When you started out in freelancing, you probably daydreamed about the perks of the lifestyle: make your own hours, choose your own clients, do things your way. Then business picked up and you daydreamed less often. You found yourself working long hours, even weekends. Your choice of client became driven less by preference and more by the economy. And while you still do things your way, it’s definitely more of a give-and-take.

That’s okay; you still wouldn’t have it any other way. But why not let the summer take you back to that day-dreamy feeling that freelancing first instilled upon you? Here’s some suggestions to get it back, if only for the sunny months ahead.

• Squeeze your week. Sure, most full time freelancers work at least five days a week. But for the summer, see if you can squeeze your work into four days. You may find it’s easier than you think, just by tightening up your planning and organizing. Or work out a compromise: if you can’t manage to free up a whole day, squeeze out an afternoon, or a day every other week.
• Get outside. If you work from home, there’s probably a perfectly nice backyard just a few steps away. Grab your laptop and get outside. Or, take your lunch outside – without your computer.  If you live in an apartment or city environment, hop in the car, drive to the nearest park, and soak up that vitamin D.
• Plan your vacation. Don’t leave it to chance, telling yourself you’ll take a spontaneous vacation during a ‘slow week’. It’s likely that you’ll want to use that slow week to focus on your marketing efforts. Well in advance, cross a week off your calendar, get your family or friends in alignment, and take that vacation.
• Juggle your schedule. Most freelancers try to work the typical 9-5 day, finding it easier to fit in with the rest of the working world and to accommodate family needs. But there’s nothing wrong with occasional deviations. You may not want to work late everyday, but what about once a week in exchange for a morning off?
• Be spontaneous. Discipline is definitely a desired trait of a freelancer, but remember that adage about all work and no play. Allow yourself some leeway this summer; step out to watch your children in the camp talent show, or take the dog for an extended walk on the beach.

Embracing the flexibility of summer can be just what you need to recharge your creative juices. Soon enough the temperature will drop, the days will grow shorter, and the idea of confining yourself to your workspace will become much more appealing.

Photo credit: Some rights reserved by elenathewise.