I was sent this short and sweet guest post from Sharon Hurley Hall over at Get Paid to Write Online.  I like Sharon’s stuff a lot.  She always has positive, engaging posts at her site and she genuinely cares about helping others.

Take it away, Sharon!

Many freelance writers are overworked. Almost anyone who has started freelancing full time has been through this, because you never know when the work will come in and you feel obliged to chase every penny while it’s available. The only trouble is that when you focus on the financial bottom line, it’s too easy to forget to take care of other important areas of your life, such as friends, family and yourself. And that can do long term damage to your relationships and your health. So, what’s the answer?

Set Financial Goals

First of all, it’s important to set a financial goal – or more than one. Have three figures in mind: survival, comfort and wow! I can’t believe someone is paying me that! The third one doesn’t come along too often, but as long as your earnings are in the first two zones, you have some breathing space.

Set Personal Goals

Next, figure out what else is important to you. For some it may be spending time with children or their spouse. For others, it may be the ability to have a blowout with the girls or the boys once every three months. Plan those times into your schedule and stick to it – don’t take work at those times. Trust me, you need the rest and you will feel better for it.

Health Issues

Third, look after your health. You don’t have to join a health club, but get regular exercise and assume that you will only work 45 minutes out of every hour or two hour period. A regular 15 minute break will stop you from feeling mental fatigue and will look after your most important assets – your hands and wrists. Too much time at the computer could result in tendonitis or RSI, then you won’t be able to work at all.

Build Client Relationships

Fourth, keeping building client relationships so you can have a couple of long term clients. Although you can never be complacent, it will stop you from feeling like you have to chase every job going. Regular marketing and self promotion will ensure that you will always have new clients knocking on your door and old ones offering you more work.

Take A Holiday

Fifth, plan for weekends and holidays. You may not need to keep a traditional schedule, but most of the people you know will, so if you want to hang out with them you need to be free at the same time. I make sure I spend time with my daughter on weekends and have accepted that I will work less during school holidays. The smile on her face when I play with her is worth any loss of income.

Plan Your Writing

You will notice that I haven’t actually mentioned the writing yet, which might seem strange. Once you have put the really important things into your schedule (let’s face it, you’re probably more likely to regret not going to the park with your kid than not completing an extra article), then the time you have left is the time for writing – and you definitely shouldn’t be overworked. What tips do you have on avoiding overwork as a freelancer?

Sharon Hurley Hall is a location independent freelance writer and blogger. She offers straight talk about your freelance writing career at Get Paid To Write Online.