Freelance burnout is one thing you might run up against if you’re a writer or author, like me.
It’s great to be able to work from home – or anywhere you choose, for that matter – I personally love to work at the beach or on the road.
Still, freelance burnout is something that happens to most freelancers at one time or another.
So it’s good to know there are a few key ways to manage it, so it doesn’t
affect your income or your career.
What Is Freelance Burnout?
Freelance burnout is what happens when you just don’t have it in you to complete another project for anyone, even your best clients.
You’re just plain tired of being a freelancer.
You procrastinate to the point where every project becomes an emergency project or it’s delivered late.
Your passion and enthusiasm for your career and business have evaporated.
What Causes Freelance Burnout?
Burnout is caused by a number of possible events or factors.
1. You’re in the wrong niche/industry.
Sometimes writers dive into a niche because it’s the easiest.
However, if you don’t have an undying passion for that niche, then burnout is a very real possibility.
2. You’re working too hard.
Working every day, seven days a week and eight to ten hours a day is a lot.
For most people, it’s too much.
Even if you absolutely enjoy what you’re doing, breaks and days off are essential.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to schedule breaks and days off, if you’re a writer.
I just came back from an 8-day road trip.
Before I left, I decided I wouldn’t try to do any writing while I was on the road.
But I still managed to schedule a few coaching calls with clients while I was away, even though one of those calls was made from the parking lot of a rest stop.
Such is the glamorous life of a writing coach!
Actually, it worked out well, though.
I was able to talk with my client while my husband stretched his legs and walked around the park.
3. You’re bored.
Sometimes freelancers end up doing the same type of project over and over again.
If you’re in a creative field, this may be stunting your creativity.
For years I wrote nonfiction books (and historical novels) for children’s educational publishers.
But I eventually grew tired of that and decided to change my business model.
You may need to change your business model from time to time, too.
You’re Burnt Out, Now What?
If you’re suffering from burnout, try to identify why it is happening.
Are you bored?
Working too hard?
In the wrong field?
Take some time to look within yourself for the answers.
It’s not going to go away until you know what’s causing it.
If you’re bored, find something that excites you.
Look for a creative outlet.
It can be something related to your business or entirely separate.
You can create a new report, video or ebook to promote your business.
Take up photography as a new hobby or write a novel.
Make time to keep your creative side happy.
I decided to try painting a few years ago and find that it is a nice creative change from writing all the time.
If you’re working too hard, the solution is both simple and complicated.
The simple solution is to stop working so hard.
However, you have obligations – both financial and to your customers and clients, right?
Look for ways to lessen your workload.
Can you outsource some of the tasks that take up your time?
Do you have room in your budget to weed out the smaller, lesser paying clients, and focus on the bigger clients and projects?
It’s also a good idea to create some passive forms of income.
If you’re in the wrong niche or industry, then it’s time to make a transition.
This isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Begin seeking clients in your desired niche or industry.
Maybe you’ll create an entirely new website or blog devoted to that target audience.
As you begin to get more clients in your desired niche, you can begin to outsource the other projects or simply turn away new customers.
It won’t take long to find clients in your new niche.
When you love what you’re doing, people are attracted to you and your enthusiasm.
The biggest piece of advice is that if you’re suffering from burnout, take a look at what is causing it.
You might be surprised at the answers you find.
Once you know the cause, take the steps necessary to change things around.
You’ve built a successful freelance career, so making these changes should be easy for you!
Try it!
To Your Continued Success,
P.S. If you need help dealing with burnout, register for my Quick-Start Coaching Intensive.
Together we’ll identify what’s causing your burnout and then decide your next steps.
Learn more at www.quickstartfreelancewriting.com.
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