It’s been a week and a half since I traded in my 9-to-5 for working out of the comfort of my home and being my own boss. So far, I love the creative freedom to do with my days as I please, and get work done…of course! But there are some things that I found myself missing on day one.
The first thing that was noticeably absent from the start of my day was not having to get in my car and endure a 40-minute commute (and traffic!). I can’t say that I miss it at all, but it was a strange feeling to walk from my bedroom to my home office, all of five steps away. I did miss my old morning routine of greeting my co-workers and the chit-chats we would have throughout the day. Somehow, random household appliances are a poor substitute for human interaction!
I found, almost immediately, that sticking to a routine was the best way for me to feel productive. So, I thought I would share how I’ve been structuring my days now that I have joined the freelance world.
8:00 am: I am by no means a morning person, so getting out of bed by this time is really the best I can hope for. I know for most of you this may seem late, but since I am fairly unproductive in the morning (especially without a few cups of coffee) this is a reasonable time for me.
8:00 – 8:45 am: I am not someone who can stay in pajamas all day (okay, I am, but I’m trying to work on that). Since I am working from home, I make it a priority to do my hair, put makeup on, and get dressed in a work-appropriate outfit to feel put together. Some days, “work-appropriate” means yoga clothes, but that is the beauty of being your own boss.
9:00 am: Starbucks run! I have tried and tried to curtail my Starbucks habit, but it just refuses to be curbed. It doesn’t help that I have made friends with half of the baristas at my local joint. I always wondered how many times a week you needed to frequent a Starbucks before they had your name and order down. The answer: every day!
9:30 am – 1:00 pm: Once I have my coffee fix I can start working. I usually check Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook before anything else. I purchased a Day Designer recently, and not only does it match the color of my office, it helps keep me on track and accountable for my daily progress. I spend a few minutes at the start of each day writing out my to-do list and seeing where I left off the day before. After I get caught up, I’ll begin reading and commenting on other blogs, responding to comments on my blog, posting photos to social media, and sending out a tweet or two. By then, it’s usually time to break for lunch (I’m still looking for quick and easy lunch options, so if you have any ideas send them my way).
1:30 – 3:00 pm: I am someone who can’t stay in one spot all day, so getting out for a bit is crucial. I like to take an afternoon walk, meet a friend for coffee, or take a slightly longer break and head to the beach to clear my head.
3:00 – 5:30 pm: I use the afternoon to work on writing, schedule posts for the blog, catch up on social media and emails, read the news, do photo shoots, and tackle anything else that needs my attention.
6:00 – 7:00 pm: Dinner and news time! I try to unplug from my iPad and iPhone for a bit (keyword is try!).
After dinner, it’s back to technology and one final look at upcoming posts being scheduled; I’ll scroll through social media, and check emails. My schedule is still a work in progress, and since the weather has been so nice I plan on taking full advantage of the ability to do day trips and “work” from the beach.
I’d love to hear how you organize your day, and if you work from home, how you utilize your time.
mornings are hard for me too !
m
SIMPLY SUTTER
I’m glad I’m not the only one, Monic!
I’m now on Week 2 right alongside you! I get up usually around the same time The Mister leaves for his office, which is between 7:30 and 8:00. 2 days of the week, I then get dressed and head to yoga class. Then, my days go like this: Mon – change sheets, laundry, work on project (yesterday it was shredding old taxes). Tues – hair & makeup, run errands, water and fertilize house plants and exterior pots, laundry, project. Wed – finances, laundry. Thurs – hair & makeup, pet store, Target/ groceries, laundry. Fri – clean home. 2 days of the week, I meet The Mister for lunch. I try to keep my appointments like Drs, dentist to days I don’t have yoga so that my schedule stays steady and not cramped up on 1 day, then dead the next. Does that help?
Thanks, Jenny! That was helpful and it sounds like you have very productive days. I’m finding it hard not to spend all my time at the beach, but creating a to-do list each day (which I used to do at the office) has really helped keep me on track. Your comment reminds me that I need to get back to my yoga practice. Now that I have a little more time there are no excuses. Congratulations on week two. Can’t wait to hear about how next week goes for you!
The key to a quick lunch break for me is early prep. I’m a huge fan of “mason jar” salads, but I put mine in tupperware. I make individual salads for the week every Sunday, just be sure you put any juicy or soggy bits on the bottom of the container. You can also use flatbread or naan and do a quick frying pan “pizza” – melt some cheese, add some greens and tomatoes (this is a favorite for weekends).
Good luck working from home, currently jealous over here.
xoxo
Katie
http://beyondtheclothing.com
Thanks for sharing your lunch tips, Kate! I like the idea of preparing everything on the weekend so it is ready to go for the week. That simple pizza sounds delicious. Definitely going to give it a try!
This is a great schedule- very important to stick to the things you enjoy, like Starbucks! At my 8:30-5:30 office job, a 2pm or 3pm Starbucks run sometimes is all that gets me through the afternoons. Lately I’ve been coming home to a very unhappy 4 year old (I keep saying to myself- this too shall pass- and then praying it does!) so anything small you can fit into your routine that gives you a shot of energy, a reason to smile, or a ray of hope is always the right move!
xo,
Christina, Esq.
Thanks, Christina! So far this schedule seems to be working out well for me. As long as I can resist the urge to “oversleep,” I should be fine. Starbucks is definitely an essential part of our routine ; )
Oh I like the sound of a day designer.. I definitely need to get myself one of those!
x
http://shedoes.com.au
The Day Designer is great, Emily! I highly recommend purchasing one. I love that it has space for important to-do’s, notes, and goals.