part time writer

by Chris Brantner

Don’t feel alone because it happens to all of us. You bust your butt working a full time job, all the while wishing you were working on the job you really enjoy—writing. It’s the job where you sit at home at your computer and make money with no one looking over your shoulder. No one telling you what to do.

But sometimes the stresses build up so tall that you come crashing down. By the time you get home from your 9-5, you’re too tired to do the job you like. Maybe writing profits shrunk this month. Perhaps one of your clients is being a real pain in the neck. Whatever the case, you’re on the verge of a breakdown and you’re wondering how long you can keep up this double life.

I’ve been there and back—and learned lots on the way. Here’s some freelance writing advice that should help you out.

• Remember where you were before this all started–Zero clients, making zero extra money. Writing was just a dream. Now it’s a reality, even if you’re in a slump. Profits will pick up as long as you keep working at it. Remember, hindsight is 20/20.

• Read some success stories–Good things really do happen to normal people just like you and me. Don’t believe me? Check out some of these stories. You can also look at Eric’s site to see how a part timer turned a side-venture into a full blown business. If it can happen to them, it can happen to you.

• Make some cold calls–One of the best ways to get out of a funk is to drum up new business. And chances are you’re getting tired of sifting through job boards and applying for jobs that a million others have applied for. Turn off the computer and pick up your phone. According to Tim Ferris, the best time of day for cold calling is right before the work day starts, or right after it ends. Perfect timing for the part timer!

• Take a Sabbath–There’s some real wisdom behind the “Day of Rest.” As a part timer, you’re likely busting butt on the weekends. And when you burn the candle on both ends, guess what happens? You burn out quicker. So whatever you do, make sure you have a minimum of one solid day to relax each week. Sunday works well for me because I can start Mondays off completely refreshed.

• Change your scenery–I work in a school approximately 8 hours a day. As convenient as it is to stay late and write at my desk, I often need a change of scenery. Frankly, I get sick of sitting in the same classroom. So to avoid this issue, I often change up my setting. Sometimes I’ll hit up a coffee shop where I play the role of the stereotypical freelancer. Other times I’ll go to a bar that has free Wi-Fi. And more frequently I just write at home.

Having two careers is difficult. You won’t hear me arguing otherwise. But hopefully the freelance writing advice I’ve given above will help you cure your part time freelance writing blues.

What tips can you offer for bouncing back from burnout?

Tags: freelance writing advice, freelance writing tips, managing a freelance career