Having a home life is important to you as an entrepreneur. In this article we will be looking at when to say “no” to extra work, knowing your strengths and how to focus on them and some case studies of other freelance professionals.
Learning To Decline
Learning to say “no” to work can be difficult, especially when you are always asked either when you are ready to pull your hair out or are really excited about new projects. Make sure to give yourself time to respond. Make sure to make it known that you appreciate the offer but that you will need a day to think it over. This will ensure that you make a clear-headed decision and that you do not bury yourself in work. When you are thinking about the request here are a few things to consider: Is it up there on the priority list? What other jobs are you doing right now? Is this more important than they are? Make sure you have the skills to do the job. Maybe you are not the best choice for the task. What is the long term benefit of this job? Not just for you but for the company as well. What is the scope of the project? Will it be little work for a big payoff? Is it worth your time? Consider the resources that are required. Will acquiring these resources just mean more time spent on this particular job? And finally, timing, how long will this job take? Have you other jobs lined up in the wing that this one will interfere with? The most important thing about learning to decline a job is learning to say “no” gently. Remember, you are speaking to your employer and want them to look favorably on you for some time to come.
Knowing Yourself
One way of making sure you have a home life is by making sure that you know yourself. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will assist you in not wasting any more time than you need to at work. If your strengths lay in accounting and graphic design, focus your efforts on that. If you are weak at something it is only going to take you longer to accomplish and therefore eating into your home life. This is to say avoid your weaknesses. Make sure to outsource them. There are others who are capable at doing them more efficiently.
Case Studies
Janet Dies
Writer & Editor
Portland, Oregon
I am very lucky to be working in the field that I do. It allows me more flexibility and time. Time that I can use to pursue my other interests like investing in free-range farms and selling second hand clothes at my other company Patch-ouli. Whenever I am at a 2:00 p.m. yoga class I recognize that not everyone has been afforded the same luxuries at their jobs.
Paul Saito
Website Developer
New York, NY
Working freelance is one of the best things that could have happened in my professional life. I am able to set my own hours. I prefer 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. This allows me time to sleep in and visit the local pub for breakfast every morning. This helps me to focus my mind on the work ahead. I can come back, watch some Women's N.B.A, play a little W.O.W. and then it is on to business.
