As someone who has worked full-time and freelance at home, I understand the challenges of each role. While freelancing offers more flexibility and control, it can also be unpredictable. It also needs more self-discipline. On the other hand, full-time work from home can provide stability and benefits. Still, it may also lack the autonomy that freelancing can offer.
Today, I will share tips for balancing freelance and full-time work from home. I hope these can help you improve your work and career goals.
Freelance and Full-time Work from Home
Before we dive into balancing freelance and full-time work, let’s check the pros and cons of each.
Freelancing
Freelancing can be a fantastic option if you value flexibility and autonomy. You have complete control over your schedule, workload, and the clients you work with. It means you can focus on your work-life balance. You can take on projects that interest you and set your rates. However, there are also some cons to it.
Firstly, freelancing comes with unpredictable income. You may have months with plenty of work and income now, then none the next. There may be times when you may struggle to find clients.
Secondly, you must be good at budgeting your income and planning your expenses. Doing so will ensure you have enough savings to cover any gaps in income. Lastly, freelancing requires more self-discipline and time management skills. That is because you don’t have a set routine or a boss to hold you accountable.
Full-time Work from Home
Full-time work can offer stability and benefits that freelancing may not provide. You have a set salary, benefits, and routine. It can be particularly appealing for those who prefer structure and stability. However, there are also some challenges with full-time work from home.
One challenge of full-time work is maintaining a work-life balance. Switching off from work and relaxing can be difficult when your home is also your office. Additionally, you may have less autonomy over your schedule and workload. That is because you work for an employer with specific expectations and deadlines. So, they set a schedule and routine that you must follow.
Balancing Freelance and Full-time Work from Home
We’ve examined the pros and cons of freelance and full-time work from home. Now I’ll be sharing with you some tips that helped me manage to do both at home.
Set a Schedule That Works for You
The key to balancing freelance and full-time work is to set a schedule that works for you. You must find a routine that allows you to effectively manage both roles without burning out.
You can start by mapping out your weekly schedule. Identify your most important tasks for each role. What I do is that I mark the specific hours of my full-time job and the hours I dedicate to freelance work. You can do the same.
Once you’ve mapped out your schedule, stick to it as much as possible. Doing so will help you establish a routine and maintain a work-life balance.
Download the FREE WEEKLY PLANNER & SCHEDULE below to get started!
Manage Your Time Properly
Effective time management is crucial for balancing freelance and full-time work from home. Here are some ways you can manage your time properly:
Use Time-Blocking
Time-blocking is a popular technique for managing your time effectively. It involves breaking your day into dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks. This can help you focus on one task and avoid distractions.
Prioritize Your Tasks
Another essential time management technique is prioritizing your tasks. This means identifying the most critical tasks for each role and focusing on them first. This will ensure you make the most of your time and meet your deadlines.
Use Productivity Tools
Don’t stress too much about managing your time. You can use productivity tools to do it. Personally, I use Focus To-Do. I like this tool because it works as a to-do list and a Pomodoro timer.
A Pomodoro timer lets you break your work hour into 25-minute work time. You finish everything you can within 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. I usually use the 5-minute intervals to stretch or feed my fish friends. After four consecutive sets of 25 minutes, you get a longer break of 15 minutes. For an 8-hour work, you can get two 15-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They become my AM and PM breaks.
I also shared how to top your productivity while working from home here.
Establish Boundaries with Clients and Employers
You must also establish clear boundaries with your clients and employers. It means setting expectations around your availability, response times, and deadlines.
For freelancers, this may mean setting specific hours for communication with clients. It also includes setting boundaries around when you will take on new projects. For full-time workers from home, it means establishing working hours with your employer. For my full-time work, my colleagues and employer usually don’t contact me outside of my shift.
Avoiding Burnout
Balancing freelance and full-time work from home can be challenging. If you leave it unmanaged, it can lead to burnout. I have tried this before, and it was not fun. I had to take a 3-month break from freelancing to refocus myself and relax. Here are some things I realized I was missing and sharing with you as helpful tips to avoid burnout:
Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day. Doing so can help you recharge and avoid burnout. You can walk, stretch, or step away from your computer for a few minutes. I am doing this now with the 5-minute mini breaks I get from following Pomodoro.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is crucial for avoiding burnout. Before, I was so focused on freelancing and overworking that I ended up getting sick more often. The stress was too much. Don’t do the same.
Do something productive and beneficial for your health. For example, you can exercise, meditate or do hobbies to relax and unwind. I dedicate an hour daily to reading because it relaxes me. I also sit in front of my fish tank and stare at my fish friends swimming and picking food from plants.
Find something that will make you cozy and happy after a full day and more of work.
Set Realistic Expectations
Finally, it’s essential to set realistic expectations for yourself. It’s critical to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you cannot do everything at once. Do not take on more jobs than you can handle.
Conclusion
Balancing freelance and full-time work from home can be challenging, but it’s also gratifying. You can achieve this balance by setting a schedule and managing your time well. You must also establish boundaries and avoid burnout. Doing so can get you closer to achieving your career goals with fewer worries.
It may take you some time, and you may take trials and errors, so be patient and kind to yourself. You can successfully balance roles and thrive in your career with the right mindset.
If you find these tips helpful, share this article with your friends and colleagues who may also be balancing freelance and full-time work from home. And if you have any suggestions or tricks for balancing both roles, please share them in the comments below!
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