How to Set a Schedule as a Freelance Writer

One of the great benefits of becoming a freelance writer is the freedom it permits you to set your own schedule. When you’re a full-time freelancer, you can work any hour of the day—just as long as you meet your deadlines, of course. Instead of clocking in and out, driving to and from work during rush hour, and getting only limited breaks, you get to decide when you work.

Along with this benefit, however, comes a challenge: How can you make sure that you stick to your schedule? It may be a great feeling to be working independently, without a boss peering over your shoulder—but it also means that you have to find ways to motivate yourself without that pressure. Here are some tips for setting a productive schedule for your freelancing work—and sticking to it.

Get an early start every day.

No matter what time of day you wake up, it’s a good idea to schedule your workday to begin as soon as possible after that. Getting an early start will help you make the most of your day, and it will allow you to minimize the number of potential distractions you could run into before you start working. Studies have shown that we’re most likely to be productive creatively right after we wake up, so be sure to take advantage of that!

Buy a desk calendar and use it.

Every freelancer’s schedule will be different, but having a schedule at all will help you envision your entire day and keep on task. It’s a good idea to assign specific tasks to certain parts of the day. For instance, you might spend 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. working on your current assignments, take a half-hour lunch break, spend 1 to 2:30 p.m. looking for new work, 2:30 to 4 p.m. working on current assignments, and 4 to 5 p.m. working on your pitches and story ideas for the future. Of course, that’s just an example—your real schedule is entirely up to you!

Schedule regular breaks for yourself.

Many freelancers assume that the only way to get work done is to simply plow ahead until an assignment is finished. In fact, you’re much more likely to be productive and stay on task if you take regular breaks. Taking brief computer breaks every 20 minutes is important for protecting your eyesight, and taking longer breaks every hour or so will keep you from feeling burned out and fatigued. Don’t just sit around during your breaks—take a run around the block, call a friend, or take out the trash. Anything that gets your mind off your work will help you come back to it feeling refreshed.

If you’re ready to discover the world of freelancing for yourself, it’s time to connect with Writers Work. Our freelance writing community offers everything you need to get your new career off the ground, from our search-and-save job finding tools to our easy-to-use document editor. Visit our website and watch our introductory video to learn how you can become a member of Writers Work today!