How To Keep Work-Life Balance As A Freelancer & Avoid That Awful Burnout

Freelancers are a part of the rising gig economy which is all set to take over at least half of the jobs by 2020. Apart from the obvious benefits that make freelancing lucrative such as flexible work hours, attractive pay and being able to work from anywhere, studies also show that 82% of remote employees report lower levels of stress. Perhaps, it has to do with not being in the midst of office politics or spending hours a day commuting which can contribute to stress significantly.  

So, does that mean being a freelance designer or an independent professional comes with no risks and only perks?

Absolutely not. While being a part of the gig economy lends a certain level of autonomy to freelancers, there are a few hurdles.

The pay scale is not the same in every country which can lead to say, a freelance WordPress developer getting paid differs depending in which country he/she is catering to. It can also lead to a freelancer taking up multiple gigs and meeting hard deadlines in order to make ends meet which can put them under extreme duress.

In certain situations, this culminates in a state of chronic stress otherwise known as burnout.

The good news is that as a independent freelancer, there are several ways to avoid dreaded burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5 ways to strike a healthy work-life balance to avoid a burnout as a freelancer

1.  Update your skills: This might seem counter-intuitive at first because it seems like putting in more work than taking it easy. But, being a highly skilled remote worker can actually help you cut down on your hours and give you more time to spend on your other hobbies because you can get paid handsomely for the gigs that you do take on or like the most. Whether you take online courses or join a school, upgrading your skills or diversifying your portfolio will always work in your favour. Interestingly, 61% of freelancers specialize in more than 1 area and have 2x opportunity in hand.( source: Glassdoor).

It may also be prudent to indulge in skills that are in high demand. For instance, Artificial Intelligence, Brand strategy, Instagram marketing and Machine Learning were in high demand in 2017-18.( source:Inc report)  

2. Jump-start your career by choosing a well-paying niche: While more money does not equal more happiness beyond a point, it definitely does not hurt to inculcate skills that can land you a well-paying gig. For someone who is considering a career in freelancing as a part time or a full time or someone who is looking to branch out, this is of prime importance.

For freelance web designing jobs and work from home programming jobs, rake in no less than $1000/hour ( Source: Report by FreelanceHacks). So, you can definitely consider becoming a web developer if you have the inclination.

Copywriters who take up work from home jobs are also in luck because they can make up to $250/hour ( source: survey report by INC).

A designer who dabbles in illustration, graphic design, 2d or 3d modeling is also in high demand and can earn more than $85/hour by listing his/her skills on major freelance websites like Missionkya.

And, that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several other targeted gigs that require highly specialized skills which ultimately results  and better pay which means lower levels of stress. This also allows you greater freedom over the kind of work that you wish to take up instead of scrambling to meet several deadlines that can turn you into a nervous wreck. You can also put away the extra cash towards a long-time goal or treat yourself to something nice.

3. Successfully navigating your way through freelance portals: Major freelance websites have similar user interface wherein a self starter can either  register for a gig or bid for the jobs. The competition can be quite cut-throat especially for a beginner. It is important to understand how different these websites work and the best way to do that is join online forums. Use discretion when it comes to posting gigs and experiment with different ways of acquiring a job. Steer clear of websites that ask you to pay for tests or for membership.

4. Take mini-breaks and some time off periodically: Mini-breaks while working, especially if you have taken up independent job, is crucial. You do not want to work yourself to the point where you end up experiencing the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel. This is true for other intensive freelance work as well. So, even if you are a web developer or a interior designer (anything that requires repetitive motion) demands that you take a break every now and then.

A great way to break your work down in intervals is the Pomodoro technique which means that you work for 25-minute intervals and take a 5-minute break.

Although it can for sure reduce the risk of burnouts, it is still important that you take a holiday and pause all freelance work. On most freelance websites, you have the option to pause your gig and let your regular clients know that you are on a well-deserved vacation. It is also essential that you recognize how much you take on instead of accepting every project that comes your way. Say, for data entry jobs from home, the task itself may be simple but there is a limit to how many entries you can get done in a day error-free. No matter how much you enjoy your work, monotony can creep in and you might see a slight dip in your productivity.

5.  Consider working in co-working spaces instead of at home: One of the perks that come with taking up a freelance job is that you can work from anywhere. But, working from home might mean that you are limiting human interaction which isn’t necessarily the best thing for mental health. For instance, if you were to take up data entry jobs from home, you might very quickly get bored. If you were to do the same thing at a co-working space, the solidarity and basic human interaction can help keep things fresh. Co-working spaces also come with a ton of amenities that you can use to take your mind off work. Not to mention that co-working spaces can be a great way to expand your network, career and mind.

The future is freelance

Whether you are a freelance accountant or a software developer, the key is to play to your strengths and keep yourself abreast of what’s new and in high demand. More companies are working with 100% remote teams which signals that the future indeed belongs to the gig economy. As an independent remote professional, all you need to do is build your personal brand and maintain consistency while ensuring you do not put your mental health on the backburner by ensuring that you do not let your work take over your life.