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4 Relationship Tips for Freelancers
Since I just got out of a three-year-long relationship, I can easily look back and make a long list of all the mistakes that I’ve made during it. Some days, I consider freelancing to be one of them.
Having been through the arguments and the stress involved in being a boyfriend and a freelancer, I have come up with 4 Relationship Tips for Freelancers (or, alternatively, 4 Relationship Tips That I Should Have Thought of Earlier). They seem pretty straight forward, but they’re far easier to talk about than to put into action.
Set Hours of Operation
The greatest part of being a freelancer is having the freedom to schedule your day however you want.
But being your own boss is tough. Coming and going at hours assigned by the HR Department is simpler than managing your own schedule because the division between the two is so apparent.
Don’t mingle your work life and your personal life. During your off time, power down your phone and don’t check your emails. Your clients will understand that you have a personal life outside of work that you must maintain. They will learn to respect your schedule if you respect it yourself.
Mark Your Territory
Make your office, your office. Make sure everyone knows where you work. While I don’t suggest urinating around your desk, setting aside a place to work is important. Working away from home is a great idea. One of the advantages of being a freelancer (especially a web designer) is that you can work wherever you want. Why not take advantage of that?
Jeff Fisher of Logomotives once mentioned in an interview I had with him that one of the first things he did when he moved into his new house was to build a door with a lock for the basement which he used as his home office, effectively separating his personal life from his professional life.
This is especially important if you don’t live alone. Your family may unintentionally distract you from your work if they’re around during your designated work hours.
What Happens At Work, Stays At Work
I was notorious for talking about my clients to my girlfriend. It is important for those closest to you to support you and understand your job, but it can also be really annoying. You can be excited about what you’re doing without keeping it at the center of the conversation.
They Don’t Love You For The Money
When you start freelancing you will likely be making little to nothing–so keeping a part-time job will definitely help to pay the bills. Make sure to save some money to go to the movies, or have dinner together. Plans that include things that don’t cost much or, even better, are free, are good for both the budget and your relationship.
Good luck out there!
James Costa
James is the founder and Creative Director at The Phuse. Managing the majority of projects that come through the company, he can also be found keynoting conferences in North America, DJing, or spending time with his son.
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Brussells on December 9, 2009
Thx for interesting article.
Although not a freelancer, but aspire to be, I find even trying to get time at home, after working fulltime in another job is very difficult. My partner knows full well what I want to do, how I need to get there, and that it’s for the better, in the long run, and supports me 110%. Even knowing that the more I put in, the more I get out, especially from Affiliate Marketing aspects of the sites I’ve worked on. Yet I’m always battling to find the time. With only a few hours available after work the g’friend requires some of those to keep the relationship in place, and happy. I’m yet to find the correct balance, and the solution.
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