Let’s say you are new to freelance work. You’re eager to start your own service-based company. You’ve built up a steady stream for projects over the course of a few months. But now it’s difficult to keep track of what needs to be done and when.
Self-employment can be overwhelming because of the many tasks involved. These include time tracking, project management and invoicing. Marketing, networking, and other work. If you don’t have a system to manage your workflow and keep everything organized, it can quickly become overwhelming.
These tips are great for anyone who is struggling to manage their time and feels burnt out.
1. Use Project Management Software
To manage your projects, you can use software such as Hectic(tm),. This will help you complete them on time and ensure that you don’t overwork yourself. It is easier to complete your project if it is broken down into smaller pieces.
If you have a client who needs an article by the week’s end, you can use project management software to break it down into smaller steps like research and writing.
You can then cross off each step at your own pace, rather than waiting until the end, which is when you feel the most pressure.
2. Communicate your turnaround time accurately
It is impossible to please everyone. Don’t give up on your clients’ requests for unrealistic deadlines or deliverables. It will only increase stress and make the relationship with clients less enjoyable if you set a deadline that isn’t feasible.
3. Keep Clients Updated Throughout the Engagement
Clients won’t ask you for progress updates unless they are clear about the amount of work that remains before final delivery. If you are unsure whether to give an update, it is better to over-communicate than under-communicating.
4. Be aware of your limits and don’t take on too much
It is important to know how much work you are able to handle at any one time. Accepting projects that are too difficult for you will cause your output to drop and also your quality of work to suffer.
5. Take a break
Understanding your work-life balance is the first thing you should do. While we love to get work done and make money for our freelance businesses, it is important to understand how to relax.
It is important to take a break when you are feeling exhausted. Do not wait until you are mentally exhausted and stressed before you decide it is time to take a break. It’s too late! It is always better to recognize signs of burnout early and stop working.
The Last Word
Freelancers can be a rewarding and exciting experience. Freelancers have the freedom to create their own schedules, work with clients that you choose, and retain some control over their lives.
Freelancing work can lead to burnout if you don’t manage your time and projects well. These five simple hacks will help you improve your freelance project management system and prevent you from getting overwhelmed by your workload.
