Freelancers of all varieties – but especially the creative kinds – are all faced with one big issue:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to feel as though if you aren\u2019t working towards the next role – the next creative outlet – at all times, then you are \u2018slacking\u2019 or \u2018missing out\u2019. But quality down time is as essential as being busy and engaged.<\/p>\n
Organisation is a huge part of being a freelance worker. You have to be more on top of potential opportunities, and disciplined about structuring your time. But a danger here is over-scheduling, as you\u2019re not exactly bound to the traditional 9 to 5, so you can find yourself scheduling \u2018work\u2019 activities at all hours.<\/p>\n
Having a super organised schedule is really great and can help you see how and when you\u2019re going to tackle everything on your plate. But don\u2019t forget to factor in your down time – schedule relaxation time in too! Literally. This is the time where you can say, guilt-free, \u201cI\u2019ll be on my couch watching Netflix.\u201d It\u2019s important to view these times not as \u2018wasted\u2019 but as similarly vital to your wellbeing as any other activity in your day. Include time for family, friends and recreational activities. It\u2019s just as important to play as it is to practice!<\/p>\n
Another concern, of course, when you\u2019re running about getting new headshots, primping your Spotlight profile, coming up with new showreel scenes, attending workshops, learning lines, etc\u2026 Is are you ever\u00a0done? The traditional working week can be helpful in setting a clear break between work and non-work hours.<\/p>\n
The physical act of having an office – having an out-of-home workplace – also does this. When you\u2019re on a job, this is easier, but when you\u2019re not, it\u2019s hard to know where your acting life starts and finishes. Clear psychological boundaries between work and other aspects of life becomes really vital for recovery.<\/p>\n
This might mean having a set area in your home in which you do \u2018acting activities\u2019 like CVs, showreel editing, etc. Or it might just mean leaving the house every so often simply to clear your headspace – make that regular walk into a strict no-thinking-about-acting time.<\/p>\n
You might list a dozen items to do in a day that you think are totally doable in the energetic first few hours\u2026 but then procrastination might set in, distraction might be too tempting, unforeseen changes come up, or you just run out of steam. Being realistic about what you can achieve is important.<\/p>\n
Start noting down your own habits and noticing what works for you – do you work better in short bursts or does it take you time to get into it? Are you better in the mornings or the evenings? Do you need lots of little breaks or one big break to recuperate energy?<\/p>\n
Getting to know your own working style and prioritising carefully can really help you to feel less overwhelmed with everything on your plate. Often you will feel a lot more satisfied if you set out to achieve 3 items on your list and\u00a0do, than if you set out to achieve 10 and only do 3. It\u2019s about judging your time carefully and prioritising what is most important.<\/p>\n