How many Hours should you Work?
Over the past few weeks I have had several freelance writers attack me via email for working too many hours. They seem to be doing this because they feel that I am not a “real freelance writer†because I often times work long hours in order to make time to take on jobs that are less than what they consider high paying.
This leads me to the question of: how many hours per day should a freelance writer work? In my opinion there is no way to answer this question. If you can work a few hours per day and earn a full-time living, you should go for it. On the other side of things, if you like to work longer hours or need to do so in order to achieve success, that is fine as well. Unlike an office job, there is nobody telling you that you have to work eight hours between 9 and 5. The great thing about being a freelance writer is that you can work when you want, and for as long as you want. If you get your work done and make your money, there is no reason that you should change what you are doing.
I think that every freelance writer should run their career in the way that they best see fit. Sure, I can offer tips and suggestions, but when it comes down to it you are the one who needs to make the decision on how to move forward. If everybody tried to emulate how I work, they would not have their own success. And the same thing holds true if I were to listen to those who think that working too much is always a bad thing.
All in all, you can work as many hours per day as you please. As long as you do not burn out, you should be just fine. If somebody tells you that you are working too many hours, keep in mind that hard work is the quickest way to freelance writing success!Â
April 7th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Personally, I thought the flexability associated with freelancing was to include the hours you work. So, if you want to work long days, that’s up to you. Some employers won’t pay you for working extra hours – as a freelancer, you know exactly what you’re getting paid for.
Besides, in the beginning, you might be making less per project and as you become more experienced you’ll be able to back off on the hours as your rates increase. Nothing wrong with that, either!
April 7th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I love how this job is flexible. The only way I can really answer this is to say that I work as much as I need to to get my work done. But it is important to take time off to exercise, groom, play…
April 7th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Thank goodness for the flexibility this job offers! I love being able to work during the day and then do what I love (write) in the evenings to make extra money. Frankly, I don’t think anyone has the right to tell you how many hours to work or how much to charge for your services–that’s up to you!
April 8th, 2008 at 12:47 am
I think being ‘freelance’ means you have a choice, and it’s up to each individual how much they want to work or how little. Does it really matter? There is no written rule about how much a freelance writer should work, and I don’t know why certain people feel there should be more or less.
I have a full time job so my hours for writing really depends on the day job. Although I don’t earn as much as a full time freelance writer, it’s my choice.
April 8th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Chris – as this sort of relates to the topic, or at least how you got around to writing on this topic – how do you handle negative comments on your blog?
April 8th, 2008 at 11:12 am
It seems like everybody is on the same page here: flexibility is a great benefit of being a freelance writer.
Deborah – Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and to tell you the truth, I learn a lot from every comment; both negative and positive. From a negative comment I attempt to see the other’s point of view, and then learn from what they think…
April 9th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Katherine:
Love this part of your comment, “But it is important to take time off to exercise, groom, play…”
Haven’t gotten to do much grooming this week.
Chris, I’m glad you wrote this post cuz I’d probaby get shot right out of the blogosphere for my hours this week. I’ve been so slammed that I’m putting in 18 hr days (no exaggeration) and there’s no end in sight — at least for the next week or two.
Right on time post for me.
OK, back to my gazillionth blog posting gig!
Yuwanda