Freelance.
Everyone who has ever been employed has secretly wished to enter the circle of freelancers – the lucky people, who allegedly travel 24/7 around the world and manage to get their work done using only a laptop/phone in between sipping cappuccinos in Rome and climbing the Eifel tower in Paris.
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The idea of being a freelancer is often based on a deceitful notion of freedom.
However, my experience is different.
When you come to a well-formed company, all you have to do is play by their well-developed rules and, maybe, in the best-case scenario, add some more value to their organization bringing a fresh idea from outside. That´s it.
When you are a freelancer, you have to develop your system on your own. By yourself.
This system has to allow you to work properly, spread the work evenly between the clients and allow you to run a long distance with it, without drastically changing it.
Development and organization of the freelancing routine is a complex, multi-step process.
Honestly, it took me years before I could say that my working routine is well-adapted to my reality and my work is automated as much as it can possibly be.
This has allowed me to outline the five most important tips for freelancers to help them organize their home workplace and routine to achieve a better productivity and time-management.
Having a proper workplace is key to successful freelancing activities and happy customers.
Tip 1: Clean Up Your Space
It might sound disappointing what I am going to say next, but let´s face it – working from a fancy café is not always the best decision.
Being a freelancer allows you to be flexible in working hours and in picking your working stations, but there should be at least one stable place in this world where all of your work is organized and compiled.
They say genius people rule the chaos, but I would still insist on organizing your personal chaos in one place.
Why?
The space around you is a reflection of your inner self.
Messy desktop – messy thoughts.
Declutter your workplace in order to clear up some space for fresh ideas and creative thoughts.
Moreover, keep it away from the distractions, such as social media or newspapers that put too much informational pressure on you while working.
Think of an environment that fosters creativity and productivity, but is not personal enough to distract you from the work mode.
File and store your papers properly. Make them accessible for you any time to review.
Tip 2: Good Chair Don´t Care
What is most important in your workplace?
Of course, a comfortable chair, Â that allows maintaining a proper back position even while seated.
The main reason why such chairs are so good for your posture: they allow to support the 90- degree angles while seated on, and it includes:
- upper arms and lower arms (elbows)
- torso and upper legs (lower back and hips)
- lower legs and upper legs (Knees)
- feet and lower legs (ankles)
If you plan on spending a lot of time sitting in one place, investing your time in the research on ergonomic office chairs is crucial. Find yourself a good one and your back, neck and entire body and even your soul will say thank you. Sedentary work is not a reason to neglect your physical health.
Tip 3: Green Up
It might sound trivial, but adding some greens to your workplace may result in a better productivity.
How?
A 2010 study conducted by the University of Technology in Sydney have found out that having green plants in the office help to significantly reduce stress. Even one plant per workplace can provide a huge increase in the overall spirit of the staff. Imagine what it is able to do with only one member, being you?
Tip 4: All of The Lights
Lighting is extremely important.
I am a late night worker and often I finish my projects when everyone in the house is already asleep.
I have not paid enough attention to the lighting in my workplace until I faced the problem of itching eyes and impossible tense feeling I started to experience after hours of looking at the monitor or writing.
Adjustable lightening is essential and is able to boost productivity and make the process of concentrated working a lot easier.
Tip 5: Whatever Works for You
We are all different.
What works for me, might not work for you, and in reverse.
My last tip is to listen to yourself and your body.
Being a freelancer has a privilege to choose between working spaces and having an ability to always chose to work in the nearest park instead of staying at home.
Whenever you feel like changing the environment might help you to be more productive and creative, as well as do your work better, go for your gut feeling.
Overall, being a freelancer does not always mean being free from responsibilities.
Organization of the workspace has been a great challenge for me when I just started my business; therefore, I hope my tips will do good for those, who are beginning their path now.
