A lot of people think that writers wake up late, hit the whiskey before noon, and party into the small hours of the morning.
Whilst I’d like to say this is true for the sake of Hollywood movies and the legacy of Hemingway, this isn’t the case. Or, it’s not the case for me, at least.
Since becoming a freelance writer in September last year, I’ve had to readjust to the self-employed life. I’ve had to work out a schedule that not only works for me, but that works for my clients, too.
Because even though I’m essentially my own boss, I’m still at the mercy of my clients. They’re the ones who pay the money at the end of the day. I’ve come to learn that there’s always someone to answer to, even if it’s myself at the end of the week when I haven’t finished everything I planned too.
This also means that it’s kind of inappropriate to start chugging whiskey at 11am just in case a client gets in touch wanting a Skype meeting at 2pm.
Just to clarify, in the past 8 months I have never drunk whiskey before noon. Or after noon for that matter. I hate whiskey.
This is not my desk. I wish it was this clean and tidy.
I’ve been describing lots of facets of my freelance life to you guys for a couple of months now and it seems to be something you enjoy. But, looking over my posts, I realised that I haven’t opened up about my daily schedule.
Now, I personally LOVE taking a look at other people’s schedules, comparing them to my own, and taking inspiration if it’s there.
So, today I’m opening up my working day to you guys and sharing a bit about what I do. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments – or if you have any comments about my schedule (and how I can improve it!).
Sometimes I’ll have very few projects, so I’ll spend more time on my novel or the blogs. Other times I’ll be overrun with work and will be writing away into the evening.
Let’s roll!
8.30am – Wake up
I set my alarm for 8.30am but I usually wake up before then (thanks to the devil-bells that clang away outside my apartment every half an hour from 7am in the morning). As soon as I wake up I check my emails and Facebook, and then I get up and take a shower.
This IS my kitchen, though
9am – Coffee time!
My favourite part of the morning! As soon as I get downstairs I put the kettle on and boot up my laptop. I’ll sip my coffee and have breakfast whilst I catch up on blogs, the news, and anything else I feel like checking out on the internet.
10am-12pm – Work
I get up at 8.30am with the aim of starting work at 9, but that never works out. I find that if I do all the blog reading and news checking in the morning then I’m not distracted throughout the day.
During this time, I’ll usually write about 2,000 words. This can be anything from hotel blurbs, city guides, or client blog posts. Whatever I have to do that day.
(Sidenote: On Sundays I write a list of the work I need to carry out the following week. Then I’ll split it up in my day-by-day diary and spread it out over the week. I try not to cram too much into one day in case something comes up last minute.
This helps keep me on track, and know what I have to achieve each week. Plus, it feels pretty good to look back and see all those awesome ticks decorating the page!).
12pm – Time out
Most days I’ll head out the shop to get some food, grab a coffee somewhere, or just go for a wander so I get out of the apartment for a bit. I’m lucky because my apartment is spacious and light, so I don’t really get cabin fever.
Still, I try to get out and about to give myself a different perspective and some time to soak up some fresh inspiration.
1-2pm – Lunchtime
I tried sticking to Spanish schedules and eating lunch at 3 or 4, but it just didn’t work out for me. I can’t work if I’m hungry, so I eat early to fuel myself for the next few hours. Whilst I’m having lunch, I’ll catch up on the news, browse through some more blogs, and research and pitch for new work.
2pm-5/6pm – Work
During this time I’ll finish the rest of the work I’ve set out for myself that day. I like to finish everything I planned on having finished, so I’ll keep at it until it’s done. That being said, when it hits 6pm, I’ll stop and take a break. But, unless I’m working on a huge project with a tight deadline, I usually finish before then.
I’ll probably write another 2,000 words or so during this time, reply to a few emails that I might have received in the morning, and might have a Skype interview or meeting with a client.
6-10pm – Personal time
Yay, the working day is over! It’s funny how, even though I’m self-employed and can pretty much work to any schedule I want to within reason, I’ve settled into a traditional working day. I actually work best during 9 and 5, and I find that most of my clients are online during this time so it’s easy to contact them (and get back to them quickly if they contact me).
During this time I’ll do some yoga (something I’ve been getting into over the past few months), practice my Spanish either with a book or a TV show or a podcast on the balcony, write a blog post, edit a blog post, or spend some time on my novel. I might also go out for dinner, grab a few drinks with some friends, or go shopping (the benefit of the shops being open late in Spain!).
I wish I had this book… how awesome does it look?!
I won’t even think about work during this time, and even if I get an email through from a client I’ll ignore it until the morning (unless it’s urgent, of course). I think it’s so important to differentiate between work and home life, especially if you’re working from home.
I have a designated workspace which I move away from after 6pm to trick my brain into thinking I’m in a different location.
10pm – Dinnertime!
I’m still getting used to eating this late. Even on days where I finish work early, I’ll have dinner at around 10pm as it’s the time my boyfriend gets back from work. Whilst eating, I’ll catch up on a few TV shows or read a book.
10pm-12am – More personal time
This time tends to be reserved for watching a film, catching up on TV, or reading. Downtime stuff that gets me ready for bed. I’ll also check over my diary and see what work I have planned for the next day.
So there you have it. A day in the life of a freelance travel writer. Not that exciting is it? In fact, I’m willing to bet it’s not much different to yours!
Thanks for sharing this Lizzie!! I will be cruising through your site as i prepare to try and land myself some freelance writing work, ahhhh! Thanks for being such an inspiration!! I do admire your self discipline, and I like how you have divided the day into manageable sections. I tend to get distracted (ha) so this was useful to read 🙂
also, wonderful to meet you at TBEX!!
Mel recently posted…Indoor Skydiving in Spain
I replied to this on the FB page, but just want to reiterate that you can get in touch at any time with questions 😉
I’m a freelance writer, too! Fun insights here, and glad to know I’m not alone out there in the way I do things (although I do like whiskey, but never before noon!) 🙂
Anne recently posted…What A Difference A Year Makes
You’re definitely not alone out there! (Though maybe you are with the whiskey!)
I love to write but have not mastered how to go about getting freelance writing assignments. This post has inspired me to get out there and start looking for a way to freelance and travel more.
Kim recently posted…Guest Post: Why you should not skip a visit to Bogotá when travelling to Colombia
Glad it inspired you, Kim! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions 🙂
It’s good to see other people’s schedule doing freelance job. I think I need to tone down a bit of my work and give time to my love ones. Thanks for sharing your personal story.
Christian from Squeeze Pod recently posted…Tips for Family Travel within Your Budget (Infographic)
Yep, there is always that balance between work and life that needs to be made… Sometimes easier said than done, though!
It took me years but I have finally found my own schedule, although it is vastly different from yours. I used to work 9 to 6 but keep discovering as the day went on, my mind become cluttered, I couldn’t write effectively and around 2pm, I also had an energy slump. Apparently the 2pm to 4pm energy slump is quite common, and I discovered I was more productive in the morning. So my working day is 4am to 2pm! Weird or what? But it works
Natalie recently posted…Laodicea & the Seven Churches of Revelation
It definitely takes a while to figure out what’s best for you. I’m glad you found a schedule that works! I’m finding my work day is starting earlier and earlier as I work best in the morning, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if my schedule ends up looking a bit like yours in a year or so!
Hi Lizzie,
We have a lot in common! Great post. I am more of a night writer. As long as the work gets done, right? Nice blog, too 😀
Marissa Tejada recently posted…photo of the week: swirls of sunset in kea
Thanks Marissa! And absolutely – as long as the work gets done!
This was such an interesting post. I’m always interested about what the life of freelance workers are like! I guess you have to be a very disciplined person!
Rachel recently posted…Lake District: A Photo Diary
Me too, I love seeing how other people plan their day! It definitely takes some control to not hit the sofa and Netflix at 2pm!
I’m not a freelancer, but I do put in many hours every day into our site and wish that I structured my day out as you have for more personal time. In fact, these past few weeks we’ve been spending fewer hours on the blog to try whilst also trying to switch off our laptops after about seven o’clock, otherwise I would normally carry on through until eleven or twelve quite easily.
I’m going to follow your example and see if there’s not more personal time I can find to create a happier me between all the work.
Dale @ Angloitalian – Slow Vegan Travel Blog recently posted…How to Help (and Not Just Cope) When Your Hotel Isn’t Vegan
Hi Dale! It does take some time finding that balance between work and play, and when you’re working for yourself or passionate about a side project, it’s easy to get sucked into it during all of your free time. For me, I think it’s important to do other stuff outside of working and blogging, just so I can bring a fresh perspective to the whole thing. I hope you can create a happier you ASAP 🙂
Really cool and interesting reading about your day! I’ve thought about working from home and living the freelance life before, very inspirational 🙂
Lauren recently posted…Our Flight to Italy: A Review of Air Transat with Vegan Meals
Hi Lauren! Glad you liked it 🙂
Wow! I wish I could get up that early but sometimes I just can’t do it. But oh well…I’ll practice at it until I get a good rhythm going. Your schedule gives me inspiration to set up a better schedule for myself and my clients. I don’t want them to think I’m a nightmare to get a hold of, after all. Thank you for the inspiration, Lizzie!
Lisa Fourman recently posted…My Life, My Job, My Career: 5 Simple Ways Overwhelm Helps Me Succeed in My Business