Do you have freelance writing burnout? I've been there. Here are some things you can do to get through it and emerge on the other side.
One of the biggest problems that many writers face is online freelance writing burnout. There are always deadlines to meet since the internet is insatiable. Content creation is still one of the most important aspects of being online. Freelance writers always need to keep on top of the situation. This can lead to fatigue and freelance writing burnout.
I recorded this video a decade ago as part of a series interrupted by my divorce. I think the lessons still hold up today.
Tips for battling freelance writing burnout
We all feel burnout at times. Especially with everything going on right now. There's a lot of uncertainty in my freelance writing niche — financial media — and on the broader business world in general. Uncertain monetary policy breeds uncertainty, and businesses don't like that. For freelance writers, that means more hustling, more pitching, more looking for freelance work. And sometimes you do what you don't want to (and take less money) just to do what you can to get through everything.
While you might not be able to avoid burnout altogether, you can battle the situation with the following strategies, which might apply to other aspects of your life.
Raise your rates
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you're doing, raising your freelance rates can help you earn more money while working less. You can replace lower-paying clients with new clients who pay your rates. Plus, if you raise rates on existing clients, you have the opportunity to see who values you. Higher-paying clients can make up for those you lose.
However, sometimes it's less about raising rates — especially in the current environment, depending on your niche — and focusing on gigs that offer more freedom and flexibility. I sometimes take on work that pays a little less but has fewer requirements and stressors. One of the most frustrating things about our current system is the fact that what could help so many of us reduce burnout is simply being paid what we're worth. Whether you're a freelance writer, some other entrepreneur or business owner, or working a salaried job, the fact that many of us just don't make enough money to cover living expenses is stressful.
What about income diversification?
I'm also a fan of diversifying my income as a freelancer. I offer different services and products, like mini-courses and limited financial coaching. Unfortunately, building other income sources in your free time can lead to even more burnout if you aren't careful. Sometimes I plan times to focus on these types of projects by blocking out time when I go on a trip.
In my personal life, I'm taking steps as well. I've reduced my nonprofit board involvement. I've stepped back a little from politics. While I'm still involved in my local community and I invest time, energy, and money in doing good in the world, I'm also being more judicious about what I say yes to. And instead of giving away my time and talents for free all the time, I sometimes charge discounted rates to consult on politics and nonprofit work.
Hire help
Not everyone has the resources to hire others to do some of their tasks. However, my freelance business allows me sufficient cash flow to hire a virtual assistant to do some administrative tasks for me. If you have the ability to outsource one things that's causing you stress, that can be a way to help you battle freelance writing burnout. One of the first things I did when I began podcasting was hire an editor to handle that work. It took forever, and I hated it.
In my personal life, the first thing I outsourced was house cleaning. When I had the ability to hire someone to come once a week and clean my home, that's what I did. The relief I feel knowing I don't have to clean my toilets or spend time doing something that takes up time I can use for spending time with loved ones, self-care, or making a little extra cash. This helps me carve out time to avoid burnout.
Recently, due to some of the struggles with online freelancing, I've cut back on what I outsource. Now that my son has been out of the house for a few years, I don't get meal kits. And I do my own shopping again. This time, with another single friend. We go shopping together once a week and often buy bulk items to split. I've prioritized the things I like least, and those are the items I pay to outsource, since I don't want to spend as much money to outsource everything I used to.
Take breaks
Breaks are big for me now. I'm fortunate to be able to go for a walk when I want. Lie in bed and read. Go to the farmer's market. In the past, I'd go, go, go. It resulted in more than one breakdown. Today, I make sure to touch grass. Spend time with people I love. Just sit.
When summer comes, I like to go camping and hiking. During the winter, I snowshoe. Sometimes, taking a break isn't about a grand gesture. For me, sometimes it's ensuring that I spend 15 minutes a day making music, whether it's on the piano or guitar, or practicing my vocals. It might be a 15-minute meditation or a five-minute yoga flow just to re-center.
It's easier for me to take breaks now, though, because I'm single and living by myself. When I had a toddler and a husband, taking a break sometimes meant going for a walk or scheduling time to go to the library and read without being at home, where I was so reachable.
In the end, time freedom is the hardest thing to come by, especially when experiencing burnout. But if you can find a little time to do something that refreshes you, even for a few minutes a day, you can reduce the chance that you will succumb.
