The next person to appear on our guest post line up is Melissa Donovan. Melissa is a freelance writer and editor, and she is also host of the blog Writing Forward. We’ve been enjoying this blog since almost the first day we joined this community. (Hint, hint. Check it out!)

Freelancing is hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Sure, you get to work from home, set your own schedule, and you have considerable control over your own salary, but the hours are long and hard, especially in the beginning, which can span anywhere from the first three to twelve months.

There’s a good chance that at some point, you’ll burn up and burn out. Suddenly, you realize that you can’t remember when you had your last meal, your eyes are glazed over and you’ve been sitting in front of your computer in a catatonic state for hours. To top it all off, the pressure behind your eyes indicates that you’ve got a big headache coming on. You need to cool off, and take care of yourself.

For many freelancers, this kind of fever is inevitable. You’re a one person corporation, doing the jobs of many different people, and success or failure rests squarely on one set of shoulders: yours. That’s a lot of pressure. You have to be the CEO, the sales manager, marketing consultant, the administrative assistant, the entire finance department, and oh yeah, you’ve also got to be production.

At times, you’ll get swallowed up by the immense amount of work you have piling up on your desk. Your body and mind, and ultimately your business, will all suffer if you don’t take proactive measures to keep your machine running smoothly. Occasionally, you should sit down and have a business meeting with yourself, review your workload and work habits, do a little planning, and make sure that your operation is optimized for good health.

1. Know when to say no

You don’t have to accept every job that comes your way, even in the beginning when money is tight. If you’re booked up, or a project doesn’t fit your skill set, gently tell the client no. If you miss a deadline or produce shoddy work, it will hurt your business far more than missing out on a few extra bucks. If you do have to turn down a project, try to refer your client to another independent professional.

2. Develop a network

Freelancing can get lonely. That’s why it’s important to build a network of professionals that you can communicate and interact with. Of course, the Web is the premier place to find and get to know other freelancers. These are people with whom you can swap ideas, share stories, and build a working relationship.

3. Consider subcontracting and outsourcing

If you have a substantial income and an overload of work, it may be a good idea to look into subcontracting and outsourcing. Hire a real life or virtual assistant to take care of simple, administrative tasks, so you can focus on the big dollar projects. You can also outsource projects, but make sure you don’t mislead clients into thinking that you’re doing the work if you’re actually farming it out.

4. Keep your eye on the prize

When you’re freelancing, it’s hard to avoid distractions. With your flexible schedule, you’ll find that it’s easy to wander off track. Don’t give in to procrastination! Stay focused, and keep a running list of your priorities, setting aside specific time for play, web surfing, and those tasks which do not have a direct effect on your bottom line.

5. Stick to a schedule and include plenty of breaks

Develop a schedule outlining tasks that have to be done daily, weekly, monthly, and even annually. Make sure you take plenty of short breaks. Ten minutes for every hour will help you stay fresh and focused. Sit outside, have a cup of coffee (away from your desk), go for a quick walk, meditate, or do some stretches. Then get back to work.

6. Remember why you got into this in the first place

Don’t forget that you’re a freelancer because you love this job! It’s all about flexibility, freedom, and being your own boss. But be a fair and reasonable boss, and manage yourself well. Keep a healthy schedule, perspective, and attitude, and your freelance career will thrive.

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