Comments on: Working Yourself to “Death” – How Many Hours Should You Work as a Freelance Writer?

By: Wolf Shadow

Wolf Shadow — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:10:40 +0000

I don’t know if anyone reads these posts months later, but I have a follow-up question to those or would love to hear the perspective of other freelancers.

I am a relatively new freelaners (9 months), and like most people new to this, I have limitted experience in the types of writng that I do and would like to acquire more experience, etc. Also, as a freelancers (for me) there are feast/famine times. Also, some of my projects from 1 clients are intensive (20 to 40 hours per week…for a few weeks).

So 1) I need to get and try more clients 2) I need to get $ at the feast times (and save for the famine times) 3) I want the experience/new type of work if it presents itself.

I also rationalize working more hours (even if it is below my “rate”) because I used to work 40 – 60 hours per week. So if I did it before…why not do it now?

Also, if you don’t work the extra hours, how do you balance the other stuff (eg, famine time will come)

Curious how others rationalize this.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:27:02 +0000

Oh goodness. I remember those crazy college days. I didn’t have the full-time job, but 3 part-time ones (plus an internship senior year) on top of full-time school. Yuck. While I wasn’t a stranger to 60+ hour weeks when I first went into business for myself (not uncommon during the startup phase), I’m happy to say I’ve left that life behind. While I work late occasionally these days, it’s only ever because I want to (usually meaning getting the work done that evening means I can take time off the next day to do something more enticing). While I didn’t write a formal work / life balance policy, I think that’s a fantastic idea. Maybe that’s a free resource you could put together and release through your blog – a sample or template to encourage other freelancers to do the same. :)

By: Jennifer Escalona

Jennifer Escalona — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:29:37 +0000

This is without a doubt my #1 struggle as a freelance writer. I came from a high-stress corporate middle-management job where I routinely worked 60-80 hour weeks, and before that I had worked full time while attending college full time, which averaged out to basically ALL the hours in the week. (I was a history major, and I swear I thought about Manifest Destiny in my sleep.)

For a long time, my attitude was, “It has to get done and I have to be the one to do it.” Now, though, as I run my own business, I work more than ever, but I also at least can write my own Work/Life Balance policy. Though I may not be great at stopping at 5pm yet, I at least see the problem. And isn’t that the first step to a resolution?

Maybe, just like you mentioned with business plans last week, we freelance writers should all also write our own work/life balance policies, too. Thanks for the thoughtful post!

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Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:18:27 +0000

[...] familiar with the issue of burnout and Jennifer explores this notion a little further by discussing how many hours you should work as a freelance writer. Is seven days a week a bit much? I think [...]

By: The Best of What’s Around, July 7: Useful Article On Freelance Writing : The Freelance Adventure: Robert Minto

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:46:59 +0000

[...] Working Yourself to “Death” — How Many Hours Should You Work As A Freelance Writer… [...]

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:55:37 +0000

I hear you Deb. I have periods where I’m really good at leaving work behind during evenings and weekends, and periods where I’m terrible at it (right now I’m struggling with it). Work seems to be my version of comfort food sometimes – when I’m stressed or upset about something else, I drown it out by keeping insanely busy. I’ve had a lot to drown out the last few weeks – although working on improving that (spent a good bit of time this past weekend on housework – and boy did it need to be done!).

I’d heard about your new job a while back. Congrats. :) I haven’t used BTR in quite a few months now, but was considering running another show for one of my sites. Thanks for bringing that up – reminds me that I need to check it out and see what, if anything, has changed there. :)

By: Deborah Ng

Deborah Ng — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:46:02 +0000

I shouldn’t complain too much because I had full time freelance work and a client waiting list, but I quit freelancing last month. The offer was one I couldn’t refuse – as full time community manager at BlogTalkRadio – and I could work from home.

Something wonderful happened after I got rid of all my freelance gigs and began to work a 40 hour week – I had more time for my family, I spent my evening watching tv, swimming or reading instead of working and my house is clean and organized. Now, this is my own fault. I could have said no to many of my freelance gigs. But being able to shut down at 5 or 6 each day and not have to work on nights or weekends is wonderful.

I probably wouldn’t have taken this gig if I couldn’t work at home and if it doesn’t work out I’m back to freelancing. But I doubt I’ll ever give up my weekends for freelance work again.

Nice food for thought.

By: Julia

Julia — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:51:46 +0000

This can also apply to full-time jobs as well. I’ve often looked at my current full-time colleagues and wonder why the hell they are killing themselves for a job that while interesting & rewarding financially, doesn’t give them the true “reward” that they need. This is why I leave my desk after 8 hours of work, regardless if my daily task list is done. I hope to translate this work “ethic” to my freelancing life, because in the end, we are here to live, not here to work. Life outside of work is important.

By: Opal @ Addicted to Writing

Opal @ Addicted to Writing — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:28:38 +0000

I recently was contacted by a blog I write for the owner wanted me to post every single day. When I joined I made it clear that was out of the question. I reminded him of that fact in my response. I included my original email. I didn’t hear anything more about the issue. :-)

I think some people assume that since you write you can do it every day. While it’s true that I write daily I don’t write for pay daily.

We all need “me time” I make sure I take time to relax and do things I enjoy like spending time with the family, reading, exercise, hiking…

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:27:16 +0000

I agree Hendry (which is why we talk so much about starting blogs, writing e-books, etc. here). :)