The stress of working a day job is stringent, especially if you plan to write part-time. Don’t worry, there are ways to juggle a 9-5 with a writing career!
Below, I will list how to juggle a writing career with a full-time job.
#1 – Use Your Weekends More
Weekends are refreshing for people with a 9-5 but think of ways to write during this time. If you hate waking up in the mornings or staying up at night, try to write in the afternoon. If you have a part-time job, try to work mornings or nights, depending on your schedule.
#2 – Write During The Week
Weekends may not be an option for you, but you still have the weekdays to write. Decide if early mornings or late evenings will work. Decide which days will be less stressful for you. Mid-weekdays such as Wednesdays may be more suitable for you. You don’t do this if you will most likely burn out.
#3 – Reduce Procrastination
Procrastination is one of the main killers of productivity. It’s understandable that everyone needs their downtime to relax. However, if you have project deadlines, procrastination is not recommended. I’ve listed several books below that will help you overcome procrastination:
- Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It Now by Jane B. Burka
- The Procrastination Cure: 21 Proven Tactics For Conquering Your Inner Procrastinator, Mastering Your Time, And Boosting Your Productivity! By Damon Zahariades
- Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change by Timothy A. Pychyl
#4 – Focus on One Project At A Time
It’s very tempting to juggle several projects at a time. This method will lead to burnout, especially when working full-time. Studies show that multi-tasking will slow down your progress and lead to burnout.
Choose a project that you will most likely finish asap. That way, you can move on to the next project. A cluttered mind will only slow you down. Creating SMART goals will also help you complete your project quickly.
#5 – Stay Consistent With Your Schedule
One way to stay constant is to journal. In my previous blog, I’ve listed several types of journals you can buy. Have an agenda to list your essential days for writing. Use your calendar on your phone to block out areas to write. Do whatever makes you comfortable with staying consistent.
Thanks for reading! I hope you find these tips helpful! I would love to hear some of your thoughts and suggestions.
Happy writing!
Samantha T. White is a fiction writer with a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology. She is an account specialist during the day and a writer at night. She enjoys reading, exercising, and playing her guitar. You can follow her on Twitter, IG, and Facebook.
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