Find Your Own Way of Working

Another thoughtful piece of insight from me today. Since you are freelancing and likely working from home, you are free to work in whatever manner you like. So take advantage of that and don't worry about trying to stick to any "real-world" schedule or format. I've recently come to a couple of realizations about my own work habits and I'm a bit surprised.

I have always been a multi-tasker. I rarely have less than 5 programs running at once, and usually a half dozen websites tabbed in my browser. In fact, as I type this, I am running my email program, my web browser (with 6 different sites open), 2 separate windows of Open Office Writer, Paint Shop and my FTP program. I am working on about 3 different projects, including this article. Yes, I am that good.

I've always thought of my habits as being kind of "bad". That I'm a bit flighty and not using my time very well. Sometimes I suspect I may have an ADD issue going on. Recently, I've taken on a bit more work than usual, and have made an effort to streamline myself in order to be more efficient. I found out over the past couple of weeks, that it DOESN'T WORK.

My mind wanders easily, so having 3 or 4 things going at once allows me to wander productively. Trying to focus on just one project usually has me surfing for cute cat pictures or just staring at the wall. This bad habit of mine is actually my best way of working. So I am back to multi-tasking and I can already see my productivity is back on track.

Enough about me. My point is that what works for you is all that matters. If you like to work while watching TV or listening to music, if you need a snack next to you at all times, if you need to stretch out on the couch with a pillow, or if you are like me and need to have a lot going on at once, then don't fight it. That doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have some bad habits to work on, but don't try to completely derail your way of working simply to conform to what regular "office" people have to do.

(this article is part of a larger collection of Freelance Writing articles)